Can AI Save the Grid? Rhizome Thinks So
Rhizome Data is an AI-powered software platform that helps electric utilities identify vulnerabilities from climate threats and measure the economic and social benefits of grid-enhancing investments.
As extreme weather, electrification, and AI-powered data centers strain the U.S. power grid, utility companies are cautiously turning to artificial intelligence for help. AI is emerging as a tool to predict outages, prioritize maintenance, and reduce repair times—offering a lifeline to an aging system under increasing pressure.
One startup leading the charge is Rhizome, co-founded by CEO Mishal Thadani and CTO Rahul Dubey. The company is working with Seattle City Light, Vermont Electric Power Company, and others to digitally map climate-driven risks—down to the level of individual poles and wires. By analyzing historical grid data, outage causes, and environmental threats, Rhizome helps utilities invest in the right upgrades for the biggest return. One Texas utility reduced storm-induced outages by 72% using Rhizome’s platform.
Predictive Maintenance Goes Smart
Utilities have long relied on predictive maintenance, but AI has supercharged its accuracy. With sensors now embedded in breakers, transmission lines, and switch gears, AI can spot risk patterns in real time. Firms like Cognizant report faster issue detection and reduced downtime for field crews.
Even industry giants are adapting. Duke Energy developed a hybrid AI system to monitor transformer health—improving risk detection and capital planning. Meanwhile, Avangrid launched a genAI assistant to support field repairs with real-time, voice-accessible troubleshooting advice.
Smarter Spending for a Volatile Future
With budgets tight and climate risks rising, utility execs are feeling the heat. “More utilities need to be very conscious about the investments they’re making,” Thadani told Business Insider. Platforms like Rhizome offer not just predictions but justifications—giving decision-makers the data they need to make smarter, faster calls.
Others in the space are trying new tools: computer vision to identify faulty gear, short-term load forecasting using local data, and distributed energy resource controls to smooth demand. But adoption remains slow. Legacy systems, poor data quality, and regulatory bottlenecks still hinder full-scale AI integration.
AI Won’t Replace the Grid—But It Could Reinforce It
Experts agree that AI won’t replace traditional grid functions, but it will “act as an accelerant,” especially as utilities invest in cloud migration and workforce training. Rhizome’s data-driven approach stands out for offering both immediate value and long-term resilience.
The grid may be aging—but with platforms like Rhizome, its future could be far smarter than its past.
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