PG&E’s CEO says AI is ‘the best thing that could’ve ever happened to the grid’

The CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Patti Poppe, believes artificial intelligence (AI) has been "the best thing that could’ve ever happened to the grid." Poppe, who became the first woman to transition directly from one Fortune 500 company to another, inherits a challenging leadership role following the utility's bankruptcy and the 2018 Camp Fire.

However, recent advancements in AI, coupled with state investments in renewable energy, have sparked optimism. California has added 33 gigawatts of renewables and storage in the past five years, with 22 more planned by 2030. Poppe is particularly enthusiastic about AI's potential to drive growth and prosperity in the grid sector.

While she advocates for new technologies like nuclear energy, she faces obstacles such as rejected wildfire legislation and potential city takeover of the local distribution grid. Despite setbacks, Poppe remains committed to making PG&E the safest and cleanest utility in the country.