How AI and Data are Transforming Power Grids with Astrid Atkinson | Ep177

Clean Power Hour

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The renewable energy transition requires a massive overhaul of power grid operations and infrastructure. While utilities will play a critical role in this transformation, many face challenges integrating distributed resources like rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicles. How can legacy grid operators embrace the distributed energy future? Our guest today, Astrid Atkinson, believes new software systems are the answer.
In this episode, Tim Montague is joined by Astrid Atkinson, founder and CEO of Camus Energy. She shares how her company equips utilities with the visibility, analytics, and control capabilities needed to orchestrate a dynamic, decarbonized grid. With deep experience building large-scale computing systems at Google, she's now applying cloud principles to help utilities navigate the coming wave of electrification.
We discuss the challenges many utilities face integrating solar, wind, EVs, and other distributed energy resources (DERs) into their existing grid infrastructure and business models. Astrid explains how Camus's software gives utilities more visibility into DERs in their service territory and helps orchestrate these assets for reliability and cost optimization.
Astrid provides examples of how municipal utilities and rural electric co-ops use Camus to balance increasing local solar with new industrial load growth while keeping costs low for customers. She discusses the industry transformation required to operate a dynamic, distributed grid and how improved data visibility and AI will be critical enablers.

Key Takeaways

1. How can legacy utilities successfully transition to a distributed, renewable grid?
2. What are the main challenges utilities face with more renewable generation and DERs?
3. Why are some utilities more motivated to embrace DERs than others?
4. How can utilities manage exponential EV charging load growth?
5. What can we learn from early utility adopters of DER integration solutions?

Astrid Atkinson
Camus Energy
Camus Energy LinkedIn

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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com