The need to keep data clean and true for effective insight

Clean data, Al, and smart meters are key to energy efficiency, but adoption gaps and data center power demands pose major challenges for the industry's future, David Sheldrake, Global SVP of Sales360, POWWR, tells OGN

- ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

DATA, data everywhere, and for the energy industry, it's a double-edged sword. Today, the total amount of data created, captured, copied, and consumed globally has reached nearly 150 zettabytes, with projections suggesting it will surge to 400 zettabytes within the next three years.

While more data can lead to deeper insights, its value hinges on quality and relevance, especially in energy, where inaccurate or inconsistent data can disrupt everything from grid stability to customer billing.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are proving vital in turning this data deluge into actionable intelligence for energy suppliers.

These technologies excel at analysing complex datasets, spotting patterns, and predicting trends, enabling utilities to forecast demand, optimize supply, and maintain grid efficiency.

But their effectiveness depends on clean, well-structured data. In deregulated markets, where fragmented utility systems often lead to slow or inconsistent data exchange (EDI), errors can easily infiltrate workflows, causing costly downstream issues.

Ensuring that the right data is collected – not just in terms of volume but in context of accuracy too – is paramount. Yet, keeping data clean and true can be a real challenge for the energy industry.

This is especially true in regions where the sheer number of deregulated utility companies means that the electronic data interchange (EDI) can be slow and inconsistent. Once this bad data infiltrates the system, problems begin.

WHY SMART METERS ARE KEY

Not only are smart meters the key to a more sustainable future for all, but they are also the key to ensuring more accurate data in the future.

As we know, smart meters allow the energy industry to better manage what energy is needed, and where. This leads to reduced energy waste and us as a society becoming less reliant on traditional fossil fuels.