Itron is integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, a generative AI solution, into its portfolio of data-driven solutions, allowing utility customers to use “natural language requests” to tap into datasets. The integration will be available in the second quarter of this year.
Azure OpenAI Service will initially integrate with Itron Enterprise Edition (IEE) Meter Data Management (MDM) system, distributed intelligence (DI) applications, and Itron’s DataHub platform. Itron’s DataHub platform will serve as the common access point for all data, including structured and unstructured data from Itron’s portfolio. Itron says this will enable various utility departments to browse, learn about and subscribe to raw and enriched metering data, grid data, distributed energy resource (DER) data, and more. The integration will also tap into data created by Itron and third-party DI applications, such as load disaggregation, transformer connectivity, and loading data.
By integrating Itron’s DataHub with Azure OpenAI Service, Itron will enable authorized utility users across the enterprise to access data and AI analytics that span from DER data to transformer and feeder loading data. Itron says utility users will be able to:
- Get answers to questions, perform tasks, and access data across IEE MDM, DI applications, and other data available on the Itron DataHub.
- Ask a question or create a chart that requires data from across several departments (e.g., DER holdings, billing data, grid topology data).
- Use natural language prompts to generate reports, charts, graphs and other content from IEE MDM data. For example, a user can ask “show me load anomalies over the past seven days for these addresses” or “what was the peak energy usage last month?” and receive a comprehensive, accurate response.
- Receive suggestions and feedback to improve data quality, accuracy and analysis.
“We are excited to collaborate with Microsoft to bring Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to our utility data platform,” said Don Reeves, Senior Vice President of Outcomes at Itron. “Through this collaboration, we will enable utilities and cities to leverage the power of generative AI to boost efficiency, unlock creativity, and enhance data management. Customers who are upgrading to IEE Cloud will have the added bonus of Azure OpenAI Service. We believe that Azure OpenAI Service will enhance the value and functionality of our solutions and help our customers achieve their goals of energy and water management, sustainability and innovation.”
OpenAI’s former head of go to market Zack Kass will deliver a headlining keynote appearance ahead of DISTRIBUTECH International 2024, which will take place in Orlando, Florida February 26-29. Underlying the event’s theme, The Art of What’s Possible, Kass aims to empower utility leaders to embrace AI and to realize that they play a key role in fueling the technology’s growth.
“In a world where we are trying to serve more energy at lower cost, the advent of AI stands to be the most important deflationary event in human history, probably, and utilities stand to be some of the best net beneficiaries of that,” Kass said.
For more information, visit the Azure OpenAI Service webpage, Itron’s data management solution page or visit Itron booth #2200 at DISTRIBUTECH International from Feb. 27-29, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.
