The transition from a traditional distribution utility to a Distribution System Operator (DSO) presents fundamental operational challenges: how do utilities make faster, more complex decisions while managing distributed energy resources, real-time grid conditions, and increasing regulatory requirements? And how do operators, engineers, planners, and leaders across the organization access the right information at the right time to make those decisions?
In this session, Young Ngo (President, Themis Intelligence and CTO, Survalent) and Jeff Mocha (Chief Operations and Electrification Officer, OEC and Oakville Hydro) examine these challenges facing utilities in the DSO era. The core problem is twofold: operational and enterprise data remains fragmented across OT and IT systems, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements, while the introduction of AI capabilities raises questions about trust, control, and accountability in critical infrastructure decisions.
Key issues explored include:
- Fragmented OT/IT data and inconsistent operational procedures
- Growing complexity from DER integration and real-time grid conditions
- Heightened expectations for regulatory compliance and operational transparency
- Concerns around trust, control, and accountability when introducing AI into critical workflows
The discussion introduces Human-Guided Intelligence (HGI) and the Utility Knowledge Base (UKB) as a framework for addressing these challenges, focusing on how AI can augment decision-making across the organization while maintaining appropriate human oversight. Using insights from the ongoing pilot at Oakville Hydro (OEC’s electricity distribution utility) as a reference point, the conversation explores what the DSO transition requires in practice: unifying siloed data, integrating AI without compromising operational safety, and building organizational confidence in new technologies. Attendees will gain perspective on the strategic and technical considerations utilities face when evaluating AI adoption for DSO operations.