Breakout Session

Featuring Le Xie, Harvard SEAS; Judy Chang, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Ram Rajagopal, Stanford University; Gordon van Welie, ISO New England Inc.; and Minlan Yu, Harvard SEAS

The accelerating advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nearly every industry — and the power sector is no exception. As the power grid evolves to accommodate decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization, AI emerges both as a disruptive force and an essential tool. This panel will explore the dynamic, bi-directional relationship between AI and the power grid — how AI is reshaping grid operations, planning, and reliability, and how the unique characteristics of the power grid are, in turn, shaping the development and deployment of AI technologies.
Bringing together thought leaders from system operations, utilities, academia, and policy, this session will delve into the practical challenges and opportunities that lie at the nexus of AI and the grid. Topics will include the role of AI in enhancing situational awareness, enabling predictive maintenance, managing increasing grid complexity, supporting market operations, and informing regulatory and policy frameworks. Panelists will also address the ethical, governance, and cybersecurity implications of integrating AI into critical infrastructure.
The session will provide a forum for open, cross-sector dialogue on how to harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding reliability, resilience, and equity in the power system.