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In response to evolving industry needs, utilities are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational technology (OT) and improve efficiency. According to a recent report by Cisco, nearly half of utility companies anticipate that AI will bolster collaboration between IT and OT functions, which are crucial for operations.

The study surveyed 145 utility industry professionals from 17 different countries, including those in management and executive roles, with companies generating over $100 million in annual revenue. It defined OT as the technologies—hardware, software, and networks—that interact with the physical world, specifically in utilities where it includes systems that automate the generation and delivery of electricity and natural gas.

The overwhelming majority of respondents (90%) indicated that they are maintaining or increasing their expenditures on OT, while 45% believe that AI will facilitate better collaboration across IT and OT departments. This is viewed as the second most critical measure to overcoming internal obstacles affecting growth.

The desire to invest in AI is primarily driven by the need to enhance operational efficiency, with automation improvements also being a considerable motivation. Investments are being channeled into industrial networking to safeguard and maintain various dispersed infrastructures, like substations and distribution grids.

Despite the advantages, challenges persist. A significant barrier to optimizing industrial infrastructure is the insufficient cooperation with IT; only 43% of utility firms are utilizing insights from OT data to enhance energy management. Furthermore, 48% cite expectations that AI will improve the reliability and security of industrial networking, and one-third plan to invest in AI-enabled devices and cloud solutions.

However, concerns about cybersecurity risks remain paramount, identified as the leading external (43%) and internal (34%) challenges to growth. The primary benefit of IT/OT collaboration highlighted by utilities is improved cybersecurity, a top priority for nearly half (48%) of them in terms of spending within the next two years, in addition to regulatory compliance.

As the industry evolves, the integration of AI in utility operations presents a promising avenue for growth and innovation, while also addressing existing challenges in collaboration and cybersecurity.

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