New York utility selects 20 AI firms to advance clean energy strategy

As part of its digital transformation journey, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) seeks to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to advance its clean energy transition and reach climate action goals.

To this end, the utility has selected 20 AI technology companies to collaborate with on a number of its smart grid, smart energy and customer services programmes.

Once contracts are finalised, each of the 20 technology firms will be awarded $10 million to deploy machine learning and AI solutions to help NYPA to:

• Leverage data analytics to optimise the management of energy generation and transmission assets. The aim is to improve the performance of these assets whilst reducing costs and mitigating risks.

• Enhance customer relations. NYPA will use AI and machine learning to strengthen customer experience and acquire and engage consumers.

• Improve Advanced Grid Innovation Lab for Energy. Partnerships with the companies will expand the utility’s portfolio of technology, ensuring the energy company can access real-time data for the management of its grid network and the deployment of new equipment and use cases.

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The projects to be deployed by NYPA will help improve consumer energy efficiency and savings through access to real-time data regarding consumption and improve the integration of solar/storage projects with the grid, as well as the utility’s resilience and response to cyber threats.

The projects are in line with NYPA’s VISION2030 strategic plan that aims to optimise assets and operations and help customers stay ahead of the evolving energy landscape.

NYPA has over the past years invested heavily in the deployment of smart sensors across its network and in the establishment of three digital hubs, namely; the Integrated Smart Operations Center, New York Energy Manager and the Advanced Grid Innovation Lab for Energy.

Technologies to be deployed by the 20 companies will enable the utility to enhance the management of data sourced from the three hubs.

Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO, said: “NYPA is well on its way to being an end-to-end digital utility. By using our asset data in the smartest ways, coupled with the expertise of our technology partners, we will be able to continue to focus our resources on leading the transition to a carbon-free, economically vibrant New York, powered by affordable, clean and reliable electricity.”

The 20 selected firms are among 33 that participated in a competitive bidding process in the spring.