Oceans of data already flow from the installation of millions of smart meters. Artificial intelligence can turn the data into energy solutions for consumers, maximizing energy efficiency and lowering costs.
By Donna Benjamin

Millions of smart meters installed in American homes and businesses are creating a tidal wave of raw data. Unlocking the information contained in that data is the focus of utilities companies that are developing strategies to utilize advanced technology for the purpose of containing costs while maximizing energy efficiency.

In the next stage, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) play a major joint role, enabling machines to turn processed data into solutions. AI turns machines into "thinking" systems that can do things like predict power failures, identify the customers who are the best candidates for demand response programs, provide the utility company with information that enables it to improve repair schedu...