Google’s Energy Head Says We’re Thinking About AI All Wrong episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 3, 2026 · 32 MIN

Google’s Energy Head Says We’re Thinking About AI All Wrong

from Energy Central · host Energy Central

AI is transforming the utility industry rapidly, but does that mean it’s going to eliminate all utility jobs? Google’s Global Head of Power and Energy for Cloud, Raiford Smith, joins us to explain why he thinks that’s the wrong way to look at AI. We explore how utilities are using AI to accelerate grid planning and infrastructure construction, what it could mean for engineers and other utility workers, and why even smaller utilities can take advantage of these tools. Plus, Smith shares real-world examples of AI cutting planning and construction timelines, explains where human expertise remains essential, and offers advice for utilities wondering where to start.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 3, 2026

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Google’s Energy Head Says We’re Thinking About AI All Wrong

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