Intelligent Grid Monitoring: How IoT and AI Are Powering the Future of Energy

By Henry Duah

As urban energy demands grow and power grids become increasingly complex, leveraging emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics has become essential for effective grid monitoring and management. Modern high voltage grids face significant challenges, including integrating distributed renewable resources, maintaining stability amid fluctuating loads, and preventing costly outages. IoT-enabled smart sensors installed on transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks capture real-time data on voltage, current, temperature, and equipment health, providing utilities with granular visibility into grid conditions. This continuous data stream, combined with AI-driven analytics, enables dynamic load balancing, predictive maintenance, faster fault detection, and automated responses, thereby significantly enhancing grid resilience and efficiency.

Moreover, these technologies support two-way communication between utilities and consumers, enabling demand response programs that reduce peak loads and optimize energy consumption. Together, IoT and complementary technologies form the backbone of smart grids, allowing the utilities industry to manage energy distribution with unprecedented precision, reduce losses, integrate clean energy sources, and pave the way for more sustainable and reliable power systems in the future.

Innovation Spotlight

In this innovation snapshot, we highlight companies that are contributing to smart energy and grid management technologies.

Energiot (Founded 2017; HQ – Spain)
Founded by Gonzalo Murillo with a focus on IoT sensor technology for power grid monitoring, Energiot provides innovative wireless devices designed to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of high-voltage energy utilities. Their solutions utilize advanced wireless IoT sensors to continuously monitor critical parameters, such as partial discharge (PD) and temperature, in high-voltage electrical assets like transformers and switchgear. This real-time monitoring allows utility operators to detect potential failures earlier, optimize maintenance schedules, and minimize costly outages. Energiot’s battery-powered, wireless sensors eliminate the need for extensive cabling, enabling easy retrofit on legacy infrastructure and reducing installation disruptions. Their platform centralizes data management on the cloud with analytics, empowering utilities with actionable insights to improve grid resilience and asset lifespan.

Synaptec (Founded 2014; HQ – United Kingdom)
Synaptec, founded by Philip Orr, specializes in real-time condition monitoring solutions for high-voltage utility assets using proprietary high-frequency sensor technology combined with cloud-based analytics. Their system detects partial discharges and other early signs of electrical faults in cables, switchgear, and substations. This early detection capability enables utilities to shift from scheduled to condition-based maintenance, reducing unplanned outages and maintenance costs. Synaptec’s sensors are designed for easy installation on live assets, eliminating the need for shutdowns and accelerating adoption across existing networks. Integrated with a cloud platform, their solution provides operators with continuous health monitoring, automated alerts, and comprehensive diagnostic reports for improved asset management.

LineVision (Founded 2018; HQ – United States)
LineVision, founded by Hudson Gilmer and Jon Marmillo, develops advanced non-contact sensor and analytics platforms designed to provide real-time monitoring of high voltage transmission lines. Their wireless, solar-powered sensors mount safely on transmission towers below conductors, eliminating the need for hazardous line work or outages. These sensors capture detailed electrical and environmental data, which, combined with AI and machine learning, enable dynamic line ratings that safely increase conductor capacity beyond traditional limits. LineVision’s software also offers situational awareness features such as wind and sag monitoring to mitigate wildfire risks and digital twin models to assess asset health and prioritize maintenance.

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