Schneider Electric announced the global availability of its new One Digital Grid Platform – a unified, AI-powered software solution designed to help utilities modernize aging grid infrastructure, improve reliability, lower energy costs, and accelerate integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). The announcement was made at two events: Enlit Europe in Spain and Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit in Las Vegas.
The platform combines planning, operations, and asset management into a flexible system. This lets utilities enhance their digital capabilities without replacing physical infrastructure.
Key features of One Digital Grid Platform
AI-enabled outage management and restoration predictions – including a real-time “Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR)” for outages caused by storms, wildfires, or public-safety power shutoffs, using live grid data, weather inputs and crew-availability information.
A “Grid AI Assistant” embedded in the operational grid-management tools, helping grid operators troubleshoot in real time, prioritize actions, and respond faster to disruptions.AI-based network-model tuning to detect and correct mismatches between the digital model of the grid and the actual state – improving accuracy, reducing operational inefficiencies, and decreasing maintenance and inspection overhead.
Support for both cloud and on-premises deployment, built on a hybrid-cloud backend using Microsoft Azure, along with IoT and cybersecurity integrations (e.g., Defender for IoT, Azure Sentinel, Azure Arc) – offering scalability, security, and flexibility.
Schneider Electric says the platform is now generally available to utilities worldwide.
Why It Matters – The Changing Demands on Modern Power Grids
Many of the world’s power grids – especially in developed markets – were built decades ago. Legacy systems often can’t meet modern demands. This includes fast electrification of transport, higher demands from data centers and AI, and energy sources like solar, batteries, and EV charging. They also face more extreme weather and outages.
Utilities must improve reliability, control costs, and cut emissions. They also need to keep services affordable and strong. The One Digital Grid Platform tackles these challenges using automation, AI, predictive maintenance, and digital asset management. This combination creates smarter, more flexible, and sustainable grids.
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This platform helps utilities recover faster from outages. It also optimizes asset use and simplifies the integration of distributed energy resources (DER). So, utilities can avoid expensive blackouts and reduce downtime. They can also manage peak demand more effectively. Customers benefit from a more stable and predictable electricity supply.
Implications for the Energy, Power & Sustainability Industry
Accelerated Grid Modernization Without Heavy Infrastructure Investment
Upgrading power grids, especially old ones, is tough due to high costs and complexity. The One Digital Grid Platform is a software tool. It is modular, so utilities can avoid some expensive upgrades. Focusing on digital transformation instead of hardware changes can boost grid performance. This will help modernize emerging economies and stressed grids.
Easier Integration of Renewables, DERs, and Electrification
More homes are using rooftop solar and batteries. This means grids need flexible management. They require real-time coordination and dynamic balancing. The platform provides real-time monitoring, AI tools, and digital asset management. This helps utilities integrate distributed energy resources (DERs). It also supports electrification and manages loads better. These efforts facilitate the energy transition and promote sustainability initiatives.
Operational Efficiency, Cost Reduction, and Enhanced Reliability
Utilities on the platform will enjoy quicker outage responses, better predictive maintenance, and reduced operational costs. Additionally, there will be fewer penalties for downtime and enhanced resource utilization. Early results from past uses of Schneider’s grid-management software show strong ROI. Users report big business benefits and lower outage penalties. Crew labor time has also decreased significantly.
New Services, Business Models, and Market Opportunities
As grids change, fresh opportunities emerge. These include demand-response services, flexible pricing, prosumer energy trading, and linking storage with EV charging. Microgrid management also plays a key role. Utilities and energy companies can build new business models. They can use data, flexibility, and digital services. This goes beyond just traditional power delivery. This approach opens new revenue streams and fosters sustainability.
Focus on Resilience, Security, and Compliance
Digitalization boosts the need for strong cybersecurity, good data management, and compliance. The platform features a hybrid-cloud setup with security built in. This includes IoT security and cloud monitoring. Such a design keeps grid operations safe and resilient. It defends against rising cyber threats and climate disruptions.
What This Means for Businesses Operating in the Sector
Utilities and Grid Operators: The One Digital Grid Platform modernizes quickly. It reduces outages, boosts reliability, and manages demand without major upgrades. Early adopters may gain a competitive edge.
Renewables and DER Providers: The platform makes it easy to integrate solar, battery storage, EV charging, and other distributed energy resources (DERs). This speeds up adoption, enhances grid coordination, and opens growth opportunities.
Energy Service & Software Vendors: Demand for software is growing. This includes grid management, asset management, predictive maintenance, and smart grids. Vendors can build helpful tools on the platform. These tools include analytics, forecasting, demand-response optimization, and DER orchestration.
Industrial & Commercial Energy Consumers: Manufacturers, data centers, and large companies require reliable, steady power. They benefit from improved reliability, fewer outages, and more predictable costs.
Regulatory Authorities & Governments: A modern, flexible grid enhances electrification, decarbonization, and resilience. It supports climate goals, renewable energy targets, and energy security needs.
Challenges & Considerations
Data & Cybersecurity Risks: As grids link and rely on data, it’s vital to secure IoT endpoints, cloud data, and real-time operations. Utilities must prioritize investments in cybersecurity, governance, and compliance.
Integration with Legacy Systems: The platform is modular. However, connecting it to legacy systems, billing systems, and regional rules can be complicated and take a lot of time.
Skilled Workforce & Change Management: Utilities need skilled workers in data management, AI, and modern grid management. This shows a shift from traditional practices. Organizational change and training will be vital.
Equity & Access Considerations: As grids update, regulators and utilities need to make sure benefits, like reliability and responsiveness, are shared fairly. They should avoid creating gaps between regions or customer groups.
Conclusion
Schneider Electric has launched the One Digital Grid Platform. This tool helps utilities around the globe tackle two main issues: rising demand and decarbonization. As electrification, renewable energy, and distributed generation grow, grid systems need to change. They need to become more flexible, intelligent, and resilient. This platform shows a clear way to reach those goals.
For the Energy, Power & Sustainability industry, this marks another step away from legacy, hard-wired infrastructure – toward software-defined, data-driven energy networks. Businesses that adapt early – investing in digital tools, embracing AI-powered grid management, and integrating DERs – will likely lead in reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.