Digital Utility Group
The mission of this group is to bring together utility professionals in the power industry who are in the thick of the digital utility transformation.
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Energy Companies Need to be Aware of AI Risks
Utilities have begun dabbling with new capabilities found with the latest wave of artificial intelligence systems. The tools have tremendous potential as evidenced by their ability to take on complex tasks, like passing state bar exams. However, similar to other new technologies, they have flaws, and energy companies need to account for them as well as they deploy the new solutions, according to market research firm Gartner Inc.
One problem is the AI systems do not know their limitations. They will fabricate answers, deliver ones that are wrong, and even make up nonexistent legal and scientific citations. So, employee reviews of the content are needed, but that step diminishes the reasons for using these systems in the first place.
Bias is another issue. Even though AI is machine based, it relies on human input. Consequently, some information may be framed in an inappropriate manner and skew the results.
AI is Subject to Misuse of Information
Because many of these systems are open source, they are susceptible to misuse from hackers. Many criminals falsify information (e.g., fake reviews at scale) and taint AI conclusions.
Another challenge is that anyone can contribute to the data models. Therefore, the input materials have the potential to violate copyright or IP protections and leave the utility open to litigation.
Energy companies are taking a close look at the next generation of AI solutions. However, these tools are in an early stage of development and have flaws. Consequently, companies should be cautious in their deployments.
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