Embracing the Future with AI: A Beginner’s Guide for Consumer-Owned Utilities

November 8, 2023

In an era where technological advancements are not just luxuries but necessities, consumer-owned utilities like electric cooperatives and broadband providers are at a pivotal juncture. Generative AI is not just knocking on the door; it’s ready to power the house. At Powerful, we understand that these technologies can be as transformative as the electricity that first lit our homes. But with great power comes great responsibility, and that’s why we’re sharing the secret to harnessing AI safely and effectively.

1. Charting the Course with Clear Policies

Begin with the end in mind. Establish clear AI policies that resonate with the humanized touch you want to deliver. This means outlining which data is fair game for AI tools and ensuring sensitive information stays off the grid, preserving the trust your customers place in you.

2. Access Granted, Wisely

Access controls are your first line of defense. Like a well-fitted glove, they should be tailored to keep your systems secure yet accessible to the artisans of your organization – the authorized personnel.

Prudent Access Control: Implement access protocols that consider not just who is entering your systems, but what information they’re bringing with them. Generative AI is a sponge, absorbing data to learn and grow – ensure it’s fed wisely.
Mindful Data Input: Exercise caution with the information submitted to generative AI. It’s a tool that can echo back what it learns, potentially broadcasting sensitive data far and wide. Be as discerning with your data as you are with your public statements.
Guarding Against Global Threats: In an interconnected world, data can travel across borders in an instant. Consider how an international actor with differing values might exploit the data fed into AI. As custodians of public resources, it’s vital to guard against such vulnerabilities.
Maintaining Data Sovereignty: Keep a tight rein on your data. Treat it as a resource that’s as critical as the electricity you provide. Be mindful that once data is out in the digital wild, it can be harnessed by others in ways we can’t always predict or control.
Ensuring Thoughtful AI Interactions: Interactions with AI should be deliberate and considered, not just for operational efficiency but for maintaining public trust. The voice of your utility organization is its bond with the community; AI should amplify, not muddy, this connection.
Intelligent Oversight, Not Auto-Pilot: While AI can streamline processes, it should not replace human oversight. There’s a delicate balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and ensuring that the human touch prevails, especially in decision-making processes that affect public services.
Accuracy and Intentionality in AI Output: As public power stewards, it’s paramount that the information generated by AI is not just accurate, but also reflective of the organization’s intentional messaging. AI-generated content should pass through the same rigorous checks as any public-facing communication.
Responsibility in AI Deployment: With great technology comes great responsibility. It’s not just about keeping the lights on; it’s about ensuring the integrity of the information that powers our communities. AI tools must be deployed with a clear understanding of their potential impact on both local and global stages.

3. Deciding on AI’s Openness

The debate between Open AI and Closed AI models is like choosing between a window and a door. Both will get you outside, but one offers a clearer view of the landscape. Consider which model fits you best and aligns with your ethos of transparency and security.

Transparency vs. Proprietary Technology: Open AI models are akin to glasshouses, offering a view of the internal workings and data, promoting transparency. In contrast, Closed AI models are like walled gardens, providing proprietary solutions with controlled access, prioritizing security.
Weighing the Benefits of Open AI: Open AI allows for peer reviews and community contributions, which can lead to more robust and less biased AI models. It’s about collaborative improvement and collective trust in the system’s integrity.
Assessing the Security of Closed AI: Closed AI models often come with the promise of enhanced security, as the data and algorithms are not publicly accessible. This can be crucial for utilities where data sensitivity is paramount.
Compatibility with Organizational Values: Choose an AI model that aligns with your cooperative’s principles. If transparency and community trust are pillars of your organization, an Open AI model might be more suitable. For those prioritizing data confidentiality, Closed AI might be the way to go.
Understanding the Risks and Rewards: With Open AI, the risk of data being exploited is potentially higher, but the reward is a more transparent AI that can be scrutinized and trusted. Closed AI reduces the risk of data exploitation but may be seen as a ‘black box’ with less transparency.
Impact on Innovation and Agility: Open AI models can foster innovation, as they are subject to continuous scrutiny and improvement by the AI community. Closed AI, however, may offer quicker deployment and potentially more tailored solutions for specialized needs.
Evaluating Long-term Sustainability: Consider the long-term implications of adopting an Open or Closed AI model. Open AI may offer more control over the evolution of AI tools and their adaptation to future needs, while Closed AI might offer more immediate, but potentially less adaptable, solutions.
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Open AI can simplify compliance with intellectual property laws since its components are typically designed to be shared. Closed AI, while potentially more secure, requires rigorous checks to ensure it doesn’t inadvertently breach copyright or data protection laws.
Community Engagement and Trust: Consumer-owned utilities are deeply embedded in their communities. An Open AI model may resonate with a culture of shared ownership and community engagement, reinforcing trust. Conversely, Closed AI might be favored for its ability to protect consumer data with less risk of external interference. It is important to understand the different models and when one might be a better fit verses the other.
Decision Making and AI Openness: Ultimately, the decision between Open and Closed AI models should be made with a strategic vision in mind. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about how the technology serves the mission of the utility and its commitment to serving its members.

4. Anonymity is the New Identity

When it comes to data, anonymization isn’t just a feature – it’s a cornerstone. It ensures that personal details are not just out of sight but out of reach, safeguarding the individuality of each customer.

5. Train to Empower

Curating Tailored Training Modules: Develop comprehensive training modules tailored to the unique role AI plays in your organization. Whether it’s for customer service, data analysis, or operational efficiency, ensure each team member understands the specific applications, benefits, and ethical considerations of AI in their daily work.
Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning: Encourage a culture where ongoing learning is valued. Provide regular updates on the evolving landscape of AI, and offer workshops that allow staff to practice and experience AI tools firsthand, reinforcing the message that AI is an augmentative tool, not a substitute for human expertise.

6. Partner with Purpose

When selecting third-party vendors, choose those who understand the importance of a fortress as much as a workshop. Their security measures should be as robust as their AI solutions.

7. Ethics in AI: The Human Touch

Remember, at the heart of technology, there should always be humanity. Craft policies that reflect your commitment to ethical AI use, ensuring it’s always humanized, joyful, and optimistic.

Powering Trust with AI

At Powerful, we’re not just about creating memorable online experiences; we’re about crafting powerful messaging that resonates. As consumer-owned utilities look to brighten the future with AI, we stand ready as your trusted web experts to illuminate the path. With our guidance, you can transform AI from a buzzword into a beacon of progress, optimism, and connection with your community.

Every digital engagement you craft with AI should be refreshingly different and recognizably powerful. It’s not just about adapting to new technologies; it’s about embracing them with the values that define you. Let’s put people first and ensure that every kilowatt of AI’s potential serves to enhance, not override, the human connection.

It’s the magic behind the curtain – a blend of creative problem solving and remarkably effective technology, all working together to keep you ahead of the curve. With Powerful by your side, you’re not just prepared for the future; you’re shaping it.