With a steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards for its customers, Avangrid, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, has established a dedicated Data Science and Analysis team. The team aims to develop state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that will revolutionize the company’s approach to network investments, equipment upgrades, and storm forecasting.
Led by a group of seven talented data scientists, engineers, and analysts from diverse industries like healthcare, astrophysics, and finance, Avangrid’s Data Science and Analytics team is currently focusing on creating three distinct AI systems. These systems, namely Predictive Health Analytics, GeoMesh, and HealthAI, will leverage existing data from Avangrid’s power grids to predict future grid performance, assess equipment conditions, and identify high-risk areas for inspections and investments.
Through these innovative AI solutions, Avangrid aims to significantly enhance the quality of service for its 2.31 million electric customers across its subsidiaries, including Central Maine Power, New York State Electric & Gas, Rochester Gas and Electric, and United Illuminating.
Traditionally, equipment replacement in the utility sector has relied on factors such as age or malfunctions. However, Avangrid’s Predictive Health Analytics system takes a proactive approach by utilizing various factors such as age, usage frequency, manufacturer, and maintenance notifications to determine the condition of equipment. This enables the company to replace at-risk equipment before it causes any outages, saving costs and minimizing disruptions for customers.
Avangrid’s CEO, Pedro Azagra, expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking initiative: “We are transforming the possibilities for utility companies through data science and analysis. By building our internal expertise in machine learning models, we can continuously improve our AI systems while reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency. In collaboration with our global colleagues from the Iberdrola Group, we are leveraging their experience and knowledge to drive further advancements.”
As part of the Iberdrola Group, Avangrid has emerged as a leader in the North American electricity sector, managing approximately $40 billion in assets and operating across 24 states. With a robust portfolio of over 10,000 MW of installed capacity, primarily from renewable sources such as wind and solar photovoltaic, Avangrid is driving the energy transition in the United States. The company serves a population of 10 million people and continues to strive for excellence in the areas of environmental, social, and governance practices as it pursues sustainable growth in line with national decarbonization objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Avangrid’s objective in developing AI systems?
Avangrid aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to improve the reliability of its network and maintain the highest quality standards for its customers. These AI systems will transform the company’s approach to network investments, equipment upgrades, storm forecasting, and more.
2. How will the AI systems benefit Avangrid’s customers?
By utilizing AI systems, Avangrid will be able to predict future grid performance, assess equipment conditions, and identify high-risk areas for inspections and investments. This proactive approach will result in a higher quality of service for Avangrid’s 2.31 million electric customers, reducing outages and improving overall reliability.
3. What factors does Avangrid consider when determining equipment conditions?
Avangrid’s Predictive Health Analytics system takes multiple factors into account, including age, frequency of use, manufacturer, and maintenance notifications. By analyzing this data, Avangrid can proactively identify at-risk equipment and replace it before it causes any outages.
4. What is Avangrid’s position within the energy sector in the United States?
Avangrid, a subsidiary of Iberdrola, has become one of the largest energy groups in the North American electricity sector. With about $40 billion in assets and a presence in 24 states, Avangrid manages over 10,000 MW of installed capacity, primarily from renewable energy sources like wind and solar photovoltaic.
5. What are Avangrid’s goals in terms of sustainability?
Avangrid is dedicated to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The company strives for sustainable growth and has been recognized for its efforts, including its inclusion in the FTSE4Good index for six consecutive years. Avangrid’s extensive portfolio of renewable projects totaling over 25,000 MW underscores its commitment to decarbonization and sustainable development.