The power sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a central role in enhancing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, according to Folake Soetan, CEO of Ikeja Electric.
In a statement, Soetan highlighted how AI is revolutionizing the industry by predicting failures before they occur, optimizing energy distribution, and improving the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. She emphasized that AI-powered predictive maintenance is helping utilities detect potential faults in transformers, power lines, and substations, thereby reducing downtime and preventing costly outages.
“Power outages can be costly and disruptive. AI-driven predictive maintenance allows utilities to analyze data from sensors and historical trends, enabling them to identify and address potential failures before they happen. This ensures a more stable power supply,” she explained.
Beyond maintenance, AI is also reshaping energy distribution by balancing electricity supply and demand in real time. As energy consumption fluctuates throughout the day, AI-driven systems help utilities allocate power more efficiently, reducing waste, lowering costs, and improving overall grid performance.
The integration of renewable energy sources remains a key focus for the industry, and AI is proving to be a game-changer in managing their unpredictability. “AI helps analyze weather patterns and adjust energy production from solar and wind sources accordingly, ensuring a more stable and seamless integration of renewables into the grid,” Soetan stated.
However, despite AI’s transformative potential, Soetan pointed out that the biggest challenge lies in adoption. She stressed that for digital transformation in the power sector to succeed, there must be a concerted effort to develop skilled talent, improve infrastructure, and encourage a shift in mindset towards modern energy management practices.
“The question is, are we ready to maximize AI’s potential in the energy sector? While the technology is here, its success depends on how well we embrace it,” she said.
As AI continues to reshape the power industry, stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and consumers, are being urged to collaborate in leveraging its full potential to create a more efficient and sustainable energy future.
