This panel explores how artificial intelligence is being used by utilities and facility managers to manage distributed energy resources.
Learning objectives
- Learn how artificial intelligence (AI) is being employed in the utility industry to help manage distributed energy assets (DER) and increase resiliency and security.
- Understand the various ways AI can assist facility managers in monitoring and analyzing the multitude of data available from IoT devices and various sensors through ongoing, monitoring-based Cx incorporating fault detection and diagnostics.
- See available offerings of AI systems and their associated application and features.
- Get recommendations for implementation of AI and the associated requirements regarding upskilling (training and management by facility management staff).
The world’s appetite for energy continues to grow with estimates of a 60% increase above current demands by 2050. Driven by governments’ push toward electrification, the transition to renewable energy must accelerate to have any hope in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with global decarbonization goals. This transition will require an evolution in the electrical utility industry, requiring management of many more DER involving variable generation and storage. Concurrently, with buildings and facilities accounting for approximately 40% of energy consumption, concerted efforts will be required to reduce demand and increase efficiency. Enter AI and its ability to collect, collate and analyze massive amounts of data. The panel will discuss the various ways AI is being employed to assist utilities and facility managers to improve grid performance and ensure optimum performance of facility systems.
Presenters:
James Magee, CxA, EMP, Executive Director, MACx Consulting, Gilbertsville, Kentucky
Kevin Scarborough, PE, CEM, LEED AP, Director of Energy Services, Siemens Smart Infrastructure, Scarborough, Maine
Sarah Uranowski, Director of Product Marketing, EnergyCAP, Pittsburgh
Sury Balasubramanian, Co-Founder, Exto
Jim Magee, PE, CxA, TBE, is Principal of MACx Consulting in Gilbertsville, Kentucky, following 25 years with Facility Commissioning Group. With over 40 years in HVAC testing, balancing and commissioning, he is a charter CxA, Past President of ACG, EMA Director and ASHRAE SSPC 300 subcommittee chair.
Many topics related to commissioning, AI advancements, building technology and energy management will be discussed at CxEnergy 2026, a conference and expo taking place April 21–24, 2026, in Chicago. Save the date and learn more at www.CxEnergy.com.
