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A demonstration project achieved a 27% peak reduction and 12.5% bill savings using distributed AI

 announced the successful completion of a 

 Incubatenergy® Labs (IEL) and Southern California Edison (SCE). The project showed the capabilities of Utilidata’s Karman AI platform in delivering real-time, autonomous management of distributed energy resources (DERs) from the electric meter. Utilidata’s technology proved that local dynamic DER management is possible by enabling real-time operational signals to DERs – overriding static dispatch schedules. This allows DERs to actively respond to real-time system needs rather than pre-scheduled events.

Using wireless communication and on-device AI, Karman calculated optimal DER dispatch and sent control signals directly to DERs – while keeping data local at the source (the meter). This approach will enhance resiliency, reduce data transmission costs, maintain customer privacy, and increase customer benefits. The demonstration project resulted in a 12.5% reduction in electricity cost for a simulated home and a 27% reduction in peak demand.

Utilidata was selected by SCE to demonstrate the Karman platform for load forecasting, solar disaggregation and forecasting, local DER optimization calculations and DER commands. The study was performed using EPRI’s Simulation Platform for Integration of DER (SPIDER) software which generated realistic net load data. “Delivering scalable, real-world solutions for the future grid, such as distributed energy resources, requires deep collaboration between utilities and technology innovators, and EPRI’s Incubatenergy Labs facilitates these partnerships,” said

 Dan Killoren, Head of the Global Innovation Hub for EPRI

. “This project demonstrates that AI could be used to enhance grid operations.”

In addition to accurately identifying multiple DERs in real-time, during the simulation, the Karman platform demonstrated the following advanced capabilities:

With real-time insight into local conditions, Karman enabled accurate forecasting of site load and solar output. In the field, Karman can allow for more dynamic rate schedules. 

Generating and wirelessly sending operational signals to DERs: 

Unlike traditional systems that rely on centralized, static dispatch, Karman autonomously created and sent operational signals to DERs – curtailing solar generation and commanding batteries to charge or discharge – all without sending data to the cloud. This allows DERs to actively respond to real-time system needs, rather than pre-scheduled events.

Achieve peak reduction and cost savings for customers:

 By aligning DER control with time-of-use rates and peak pricing periods, Karman reduced peak load and lowered energy costs for the end user – demonstrating how AI at the grid edge benefits both utilities and consumers.

“This project is the first to show how distributed AI embedded in local grid devices can forecast, manage, and optimize DERs in real time,” said

 Jess Melanson, President & Chief Operating Officer at Utilidata

. ”To realize the full potential of DERs, utilities need the ability to rapidly and dynamically respond to system needs using local computing power.”

Current DERMS and virtual power plant (VPP) systems often rely on pre-determined schedules and lack awareness of local grid constraints. Utilidata’s Karman platform changes that paradigm by embedding AI directly into grid edge devices, creating a responsive, intelligent layer of local control. It enables DERs to act as dynamic participants in the grid – not passive assets awaiting pre-scheduled events.

SCE has become a leader in accelerating the energy transition by pursuing innovative technologies within grid edge computing to address growing energy demand and grid complexities. SCE's recent 

 aims to bring more AI-based solutions to the grid, and its leadership in the industry consortium, the 

Grid Edge Interoperability & Security Alliance (GEISA)

 project, has established important industry collaboration to set specifications for deploying grid edge solutions in the utility industry.

Built on a custom NVIDIA module designed specifically for grid operations, Karman’s distributed AI platform delivers secure over-the-air updates and an open architecture for third-party applications. DERMS and VPP providers can build applications directly on the Karman platform, expanding the ecosystem of intelligent DER management tools.

Founded in 1972, EPRI is the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, with offices around the world. EPRI's trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable access to electricity across the globe. Together…shaping the future of energy.®

Utilidata is an AI-powered technology company providing utilities with real-time, actionable insights to operate a dynamic and flexible grid. The company’s distributed AI platform, Karman, analyzes large volumes of electricity data in real-time leveraging a combination of on-chip and cloud based software. Powered by a custom NVIDIA module purpose-built for the grid, Karman provides industry-leading computational power to grid devices–starting with meters–enabling faster, smarter decision-making.

Utilidata’s AI Platform Demonstrates Breakthrough in Real-Time DER Management 

Can AI chips make the grid smarter? Utilidata raises $60M to find out.

Providence, RI – April 29 – Utilidata, a leader in edge AI technology, announced today that it has secured $60.3 million in Series C funding. The round was led by Renown Capital Partners–an investment firm focused on growth-stage technology companies helping to secure an efficient, affordable, and reliable energy system–with participation from Quanta, NVIDIA, and existing investor Keyframe Capital. Citigroup acted as sole placement agent to Utilidata on the transaction. This funding will enable Utilidata to rapidly scale Karman, its distributed AI platform developed in collaboration with NVIDIA over the last four years. Built on a custom NVIDIA module based on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano edge AI platform, Karman can be embedded in any device connected to the energy system.

“With this round of financing, Utilidata is positioned to deliver a major breakthrough in how the world manages power across the entire energy ecosystem,” said

 James McIntyre, Co-Founder, CIO & Managing Partner at Renown Capital.

 “By bringing artificial intelligence to the edge of the grid, Utilidata’s Karman platform will help deliver unprecedented efficiency, resilience, and security to energy infrastructure across the world.”

Rapid growth in data center power demand alone is creating new constraints for grid operators and hyperscalers. By 2030, it is estimated that data center power demand will 

. This growth combined with the global clean energy transition is creating increased complexity on the grid, requiring new and advanced solutions, like edge AI. By enabling high power compute and AI capabilities to be embedded directly into grid infrastructure and data centers, Karman unlocks grid capacity, increases reliability, and reduces carbon emissions.

Utilidata’s Karman platform is now available for purchase directly from Advantech, the global leader in IoT intelligent systems and embedded platform. This will make it easy for any hardware partners to embed Karman into their equipment. 

 is already working with Utilidata to embed Karman into smart meters for electric utilities.

Utilidata’s strategic partnerships are designed to support utilities through every phase of implementing edge AI at scale. The company announced last year a

 first-of-its-kind collaboration with Deloitte

 to support clients in navigating the modern power grid and has now partnered with 

 to support the deployment of AI-enabled infrastructure at scale.

“Quanta’s expertise in electric infrastructure deployment positions us to help Utilidata scale AI across the grid,” said 

Andrew Schwaitzberg, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Quanta Services.

 “We look forward to showcasing the power of edge AI at the Quanta Advanced Training Center, and working with our customers and partners to modernize infrastructure. By enabling AI onto the physical grid, we can continue to support infrastructure that is more reliable and resilient as our customers’ needs grow.”

These investments, which will help scale Karman, come as several megatrends converge, including the rise of data centers and growing power demand. Quanta Services brings deep expertise in deploying power grid infrastructure and will play a critical role in ensuring that grid modernization keeps pace with the growing demands. NVIDIA’s AI innovations will help advance the transformative potential of Karman at the grid edge.

"Electricity has gone from being abundant and predictable to scarce and increasingly unpredictable,” said 

 “That paradigm shift requires fundamentally new technology and deeper industry collaboration. We’re bringing together a powerful coalition of partners who are committed to scaling AI across the grid to build a modern and dynamic energy system.”

“By embedding AI and accelerated computing at the grid’s edge, Utilidata is unlocking critical insights and enabling utilities and industries to make smarter, more informed decisions,” said 

 “These new capabilities, which don’t exist today, will allow the energy industry to do more with existing infrastructure – tapping into valuable capacity on the grid at a time when load is growing rapidly for the first time in decades. 

Utilidata is bringing edge AI to energy infrastructure, starting with smart meters. The company’s distributed AI platform, Karman, is built on a custom NVIDIA module that makes it easy to embed AI capabilities into any grid-connected device.

Utilidata Raises $60 Million to Scale Distributed AI Across Energy Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Energy today selected Consumers Energy to receive a nearly $20 million financial assistance award to deploy new technology and provide real-time visibility into the grid and help integrate electric vehicles into Michigan's electric grid. The commitment will be matched by $20 million from Consumers Energy as it powers Michigan's EV transformation.

Consumers Energy will use the nearly $40 million to add artificial intelligence-powered modules to 18,000 electric meters that are used by Michigan EV owners, providing real-time data analytics and predictions to better understand the impact these vehicles have on the electric grid.

"Consumers Energy is building a stronger grid and a smarter one that will seamlessly power the next generation of clean vehicles," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "This allows us to quickly put the latest in technology to work, as we accommodate growing numbers of EVs parked in driveways across our state."

The new federal funding comes through the U.S. Department of Energy's 

Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program

, which supports the modernization of the nation's electric grid.

Consumers Energy is partnering with AI technology company 

 to deploy custom NVIDIA modules, bringing cutting edge AI capabilities to the electric grid. Utilidata manufactures in Michigan at their innovation lab in Ann Arbor and in collaboration with Brooks Utility Products in Novi. 

The effort will place over half of the devices in economically disadvantaged communities, enabling Consumers Energy to better understand EV adoption and customize customer programs to meet those communities' needs.

Consumers Energy also is partnering with General Motors, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, the Electric Power Research Institute and others to deploy AI-enabled grid-edge analytics.

"Utilidata is proud to expand our presence in Michigan by partnering with industry leader Consumers Energy," said Utilidata President and Chief Operating Officer Jess Melanson. "Utilidata's distributed AI technology will equip Consumers Energy with the tools needed to integrate more distributed energy resources and ensure the electric grid is efficient and reliable for their customers."

Consumers Energy is making EV ownership more affordable and convenient wherever people drive their vehicles in Michigan. Electric vehicles will be powered by an electric grid that is moving fast to become carbon neutral.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar.

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Press Releases

Utilidata’s AI Platform Demonstrates Breakthrough in Real-Time DER Management

Utilidata Raises $60 Million to Scale Distributed AI Across Energy Infrastructure

Consumers Energy Selected by U.S. Department of Energy for Nearly $20 Million to Add Real-Time Visibility to Grid

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Meet Karman, an AI platform for the grid edge