Schneider Electric unveils AI-driven One Digital Grid for utilities

Schneider Electric has introduced a unified, AI-enabled software platform targeting energy utilities seeking to modernise operations, strengthen resilience, and control energy costs without replacing their existing infrastructure. The platform, known as the One Digital Grid Platform, brings together planning, operations, and asset management for utilities within one modular environment and is available globally.

Grid modernisation

The energy sector is facing rising demands due to the growth of AI computing, manufacturing, and electrification. Schneider Electric highlighted modelling from its Sustainability Research Institute, which shows that the United States will need to add between 1,000 and 2,000 terawatt hours of electricity each decade to meet demand. Instability in the grid currently costs US businesses billions each year, with expansion and improvement identified as urgent requirements to prevent bottlenecks and high prices.

"Electricity powers progress, and today's world demands more than just supply - it demands resilience, reliability and sustainability. With the One Digital Grid Platform, we're empowering utilities to harness the full potential of technology, transforming aging infrastructure into intelligent, future-ready networks. This is how we build a grid that not only keeps the lights on but drives decarbonization and delivers affordable energy for all," said Frédéric Godemel, Executive Vice President of Energy Management, Schneider Electric.

AI-driven features

The platform builds on previous technology from Schneider Electric, including EcoStruxure ADMS, DERMS, and ArcFM, but adds new artificial intelligence capabilities. Notably, it promises a real-time Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) feature for outages caused by events such as storms and wildfire-related public safety power shutoffs. The ETR capability combines live grid data, weather forecasts, crew updates, and historical outage patterns to deliver and update outage restoration estimates for customers and utilities.

An embedded Grid AI Assistant supports grid operators in troubleshooting and performance optimisation. Another feature, AI-based Network Model Tuning, matches digital grid models to real-world conditions, helping to reduce errors and operational expenditure.

Cloud infrastructure

The new software runs on Microsoft Azure, offering utilities a choice of cloud and on-premises deployment with an emphasis on security and scalability. It integrates with Microsoft's Azure OpenAI service, Defender for IoT, Sentinel, and Azure Arc to provide cybersecurity and real-time data analysis for operators.

"Together with Schneider Electric, we're bringing the power of Microsoft Azure and AI to help utilities innovate faster, reduce outages and improve efficiency. This collaboration delivers real-time intelligence to improve reliability, accelerate clean energy adoption and strengthen grid resilience for communities and businesses," said Darryl Willis, Corporate Vice President Energy & Resources Industry, Microsoft.

Operational impact

Utilities using Schneider Electric's core ADMS technology, now part of the One Digital Grid Platform, have reported improved financial and operational results. According to a recent study, these utilities have achieved a reported 184% return on investment, USD $62 million in business benefits, and a USD $40 million net financial gain, with payback in 16 months. Measurable impacts also include up to 20% fewer outage penalties, a 65% reduction in time for control room operators managing outages, and field crews resolving issues up to 35% faster. Schneider Electric also flagged its focus on cybersecurity as central to the new platform's design.

Outage management

The platform's new ETR capability, linked with external storm preparedness tools such as AiDASH, aims to provide more accurate and timely restoration estimates. This is intended to improve customer communication, reduce downtime, and increase transparency during significant events that threaten power supplies.

"Without rapid action, the U.S. risks grid bottlenecks, affordability crises and missed economic growth. Our new platform delivers the intelligence, speed and flexibility needed to modernize operations, integrate renewables and scale advanced capabilities - helping utilities reduce costly outages and improve grid stability. Utilities can strengthen the grid today and tailor solutions to their needs - building a foundation for an intelligent, connected energy ecosystem," said Ruben Llanes, CEO of Digital Grid, Schneider Electric.