How Utilities Are Putting Agentic AI to Work | IBM

AI is quickly moving from pilot projects to real-world applications across the utility industry. But what does it take to make these tools work at scale? In this episode of Power Perspectives, host Matt Chester sits down with IBM energy and utilities leaders Christopher Behme and Biren Gandhi to explore how utilities are applying agentic AI across grid planning, operations, emergency response, and predictive maintenance. The conversation covers how AI can help utilities coordinate complex workflows, accelerate new load connections, make better use of existing grid capacity, and turn growing volumes of data into actionable insights. The guests also discuss the role of digital twins, the importance of breaking down data silos, and why human oversight remains essential as AI takes on a larger role in utility decision-making. Plus, hear IBM’s vision for the “adaptive grid” where operators have access to integrated, real-time information and workflows, and can respond dynamically to changing grid conditions.