As electricity demand accelerates and new loads arrive faster and at greater scale, utilities are being forced to rethink how the grid is planned and operated. In this episode of Power Pulse, John Glassmire explores why grid expansion is no longer just a hardware challenge, how data, automation, and visibility are becoming essential, and why battery energy storage is reshaping the grid into a digital system. He also reflects on what grid modernization means beyond technology—and why preparing the grid for what comes next is a mission-critical to modern society.

How are utilities putting AI to work today? Milli Comstock shares real-world examples of how artificial intelligence is helping modernize grid operations—from predictive maintenance and asset performance management to knowledge transfer and control room innovation—while highlighting what it takes to scale AI responsibly across the energy sector.

Today's data centers are increasingly integrated into the wider energy ecosystem, requiring solutions that can manage operational complexity, flexibility, and evolving grid conditions. We're joined by Ben Frazer, Global Data Center Segment Leader for Grid Automation. He will discuss the urgent deployment of data centers in the midst of the energy transition, as well as how Grid automation is central to meeting these demands, providing real‑time visibility, intelligent control, and utility‑grade reliability across the entire power distribution chain, from grid connection through high, medium, and low voltage systems.

Interoperability is crucial for electrical grids because it enables different systems and devices to securely and reliably exchange and use information, which is essential for modernizing the grid, managing diverse energy sources like solar and wind, and integrating new technologies. Interoperability and connectivity are also key aspects of Hitachi Energy's coherent portfolio. Hardware and software running the grid can't be proprietary. Hitachi Energy creates solutions that integrate seamlessly with the footprint of our customers. This simplifies operations and management, while reducing obsolescence burdens and headaches.

By offering secure, mission-critical communication networks and cutting-edge automation software that covers monitoring, control, and protection, Hitachi Energy provides the essential digital infrastructure necessary for reliable and sustainable power delivery.