Powering through: Using AI to optimise outage management for utilities

The electric utility industry is essential for societal functionality and quality of life, making effective outage management a critical responsibility. As urban populations grow and energy demands increase—expected to rise by almost 25% by 2050—the challenges of maintaining uninterrupted power supply intensify.

In the UK for example, this pressure is exacerbated by stringent regulatory requirements imposed by bodies like OFGEM aimed at improving system resilience and reducing the frequency and duration of power disruptions. 

In response, FYLD offers a transformative AI-driven solution that revolutionises how electric utilities manage outages. By providing tools for real-time data analysis and predictive insights, FYLD enables utilities to not only meet regulatory demands but also enhance service reliability and customer satisfaction. 

Understanding outage management challenges

Effective outage management is crucial for maintaining the reliability of electricity supply and ensuring customer satisfaction. However, utilities often face several key challenges that hinder their ability to manage outages efficiently:

Delayed response

Traditionally, electric utilities operate with a delayed response, addressing outages only after they have occurred. This approach often results in prolonged downtimes and significant service disruptions. Such delayed responses strain resources and undermine the utility’s ability to deliver reliable service promptly, impacting customer trust and satisfaction.

Resource allocation

During outages, the prompt and optimal allocation of workforce and equipment is critical. Mismanagement or delays in mobilisation can result in prolonged service interruptions and escalated operational costs. Therefore, effective resource allocation is vital for minimising downtime and managing outage restoration efficiently.

Communication and coordination

Efficient outage management requires seamless collaboration among utility teams and stakeholders, including field workers, management, and external parties like emergency services. Communication barriers often lead to inefficiencies and delays in response times, complicating the management of outages.

The AI advantage in outage management

Integrating AI technology into outage management processes significantly enhances how utilities respond to and manage power disruptions, enabling a shift from a reactive to proactive management approach. Here’s how AI, particularly FYLD, transforms outage management:

Dynamic resource allocation

FYLD leverages real-time visibility and AI analytics to optimise how utilities deploy personnel and assets during outages. With AI-powered processing of data from various sources, FYLD enables operators to swiftly identify critical areas needing immediate attention and dynamically allocate resources. This capability greatly reduces response times and enhances the efficiency of operations.

Proactive issue identification

FYLD’s AI-powered risk assessments flag potential outage risks before they materialise into disruptions. This allows utilities to proactively address vulnerabilities, reducing the likelihood of outages and minimising damage, thereby maintaining more stable and reliable service.

Seamless collaboration

Efficient outage management requires flawless coordination across teams and stakeholders. FYLD enhances communication within the utility and with external partners, providing tools that streamline information exchange and decision-making. This seamless collaboration fosters more effective responses and recovery operations, reducing downtime and enhancing overall outage management.

The transformative impact of AI on outage management

The integration of AI technologies in outage management represents a significant leap forward for the utility sector. With AI solutions like FYLD, utilities are not just reacting to challenges; they are identifying and mitigating them before they escalate. This proactive approach revolutionises outage management by enhancing operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and improving customer satisfaction.

As the demands on utility infrastructures continue to grow, the adoption of AI becomes essential for utilities aiming to excel in a competitive and fast-evolving energy market.

Take the next step

Interested in how FYLD can transform your utility operations? Request a free demo today. 

For a deeper dive into FYLD’s impact on utility management, explore our case studies.