Utility Safety Podcast - Visual Intelligence for a Safer Grid: The Future of Utility Inspections

In this episode, Incident Prevention’s Kate Wade sits down with Kaitlyn Albertoli, co-founder and CEO of California-based Buzz Solutions, to explore how visual intelligence is helping utilities uncover hidden risks and modernize critical infrastructure. Kaitlyn shares how Buzz Solutions’ platforms—PowerAI and PowerGuard—use AI-driven insights to streamline inspections, enhance grid reliability, and reduce operational costs. They also discuss the challenges of adopting new technologies, bridging the field-office communication gap, and what utility safety professionals can expect in the next 5 to 10 years. This conversation is essential for those interested in data-driven decision-making, infrastructure safety, and the future of AI in the energy sector.

 

To reach Kaitlyn directly, email her at [e-mail] or connect via LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-claire-albertoli/

 

Key Takeaways:

• Buzz Solutions uses AI-powered visual intelligence to help utilities identify risks and improve inspection accuracy.

• Their platform PowerAI analyzes images from drones, helicopters, and field crews to prioritize maintenance and reduce operational costs.

• Integration with GIS and asset management systems makes implementation efficient and less disruptive.

• Buzz’s tools support storm prep, wildfire mitigation, and long-term grid modernization.

• Education and communication are key to AI adoption across all levels of a utility organization.

 

Questions & Answers

 

Q1: What problem does Buzz Solutions aim to solve for utilities?

A: Buzz helps utilities manage and analyze vast visual datasets, allowing them to spot infrastructure issues early, prioritize repairs, and eliminate data silos.

 

Q2: How does PowerAI differ from general AI tools?

A: PowerAI is a purpose-built platform that uses machine learning for visual inspection analysis, making it highly specific to the utility industry’s unique needs.

 

Q3: What concerns do utilities have about AI adoption?

A: Many worry AI could replace jobs or be unreliable, but Buzz focuses on “visual intelligence” to support—not replace—field experts and improve safety decisions.

 

Q4: Can this technology help prevent wildfires or major outages?

A: Yes, by analyzing infrastructure degradation and identifying high-risk components early, utilities can proactively address threats before they escalate.

 

Q5: How can utilities ensure smooth adoption of Buzz’s solutions?

A: Success hinges on integrating into existing workflows, gaining buy-in from field users, and automating data flow into GIS and asset management systems.

 

 

Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/

Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/

 

#UtilitySafety #VisualIntelligence #GridModernization #AIinUtilities #UtilitySafetyPodcast #InfrastructureInnovation

 

________________________________

This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskil