CLEAResult Energy Forum 2025: AI takes center stage
At this year’s CLEAResult Energy Forum, artificial intelligence was a key topic. From keynote addresses to breakout panels, AI became the lens through which utility leaders and energy policymakers examined the future of our energy systems, infrastructure, and customer engagement.
There’s no turning away from AI’s influence on the energy and utilities industry. The conversations sparked at this year’s forum will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of utility innovation, from building operational efficiency to more customizable customer engagement and program innovation.
The irony of AI’s energy impact
Sean Alexander, Senior Vice President at Lumen Technologies and a former Microsoft AI, co-founder delivered a keynote that set the tone for the entire event. Drawing on decades of experience in regulated environments, Alexander offered a compelling look at how AI is influencing everything from document automation and decision support to equipment lifecycle analysis and forecasting.
One of his most striking observations was the paradox of AI’s energy footprint. While AI offers tools to optimize energy systems, its own growth is driving unprecedented demand. Data centers supporting AI workloads are being upgraded at a rapid pace – every 18 months, according to Alexander – to accommodate new models. This cycle of constant renewal is contributing to a surge in energy consumption and forcing utility leaders to rethink long-term infrastructure planning.
“This is truly a space race and a level of investment humankind has never seen before,” Alexander said, likening the scale of expansion to building two space stations annually. The comparison underscored the magnitude of what’s at stake – not just in terms of technology, but in the infrastructure required to support it.
Yet AI’s influence isn’t limited to backend systems. It’s becoming a part of everyday operations across industries. Alexander shared that 78% of AI users are bringing tools into the workplace, and this adoption is evenly distributed across generations. This grassroots integration signals a massive cultural shift, one that leadership must guide with intention and strategy.
Changing our mindsets
To help organizations navigate this shift, Alexander introduced the concept of “AI mindset archetypes.” Among them, “Bloomers” stood out – individuals who experiment with new approaches and help others understand how AI fits into existing workflows. These are the team members who need to be nurtured to drive innovation and build internal momentum.
Alexander also emphasized the importance of moving beyond isolated pilot programs. Instead, he advocated for repeatable patterns that can be scaled across teams. He shared a compelling data point: just 11 minutes of structured AI use per day over 11 months can lead to a 40% improvement in organizational performance. But to see these benefits, organizations need to be ready, with data, metrics, and internal alignment around a 90-day project sprint.
“You have one success metric that you want to move. No metric, no funding,” he asserted.
Infrastructure readiness was another critical theme. With a billion square feet of new data centers expected to be built in the coming years, current systems may not be equipped to handle the associated energy needs. Alexander noted that a fundamental shift is coming – and those who know where the puck is moving are positioned to capitalize on it.
Opportunities for AI in energy planning and program operations
Immediately following the keynote, Alexander joined a breakout panel led by CLEAResult’s Vice President of Digital and Technology Products, Keith Rodgers. The session explored how AI is being applied to energy planning, from forecasting and resource deployment to customer engagement and program design. The panelists encouraged utility leaders to think holistically, experiment responsibly, and prepare for a future where AI is embedded across operations.
Andre Begosso, Senior Partner and North America Utilities Lead at Kearney, emphasized the importance of systems thinking. “Everything is a network. We need to solve utility problems as a network – not with point solutions,” he said. He highlighted AI’s role in operational decision-making, especially during grid events, where resource deployment and asset performance are critical.
CLEAResult’s Senior AI Enablement Director, Nicolaas van Goor, discussed AI’s evolution in customer engagement. From profiling and churn prediction to generative AI and chatbots, the technology is lowering barriers to interaction and enhancing customer experience. “AI has been part of customer engagement for years,” Van Goor noted. “Now it’s helping lower the barrier to interacting with customers.”
Alexander added a note of caution: while AI offers powerful engagement tools, scaling should be thoughtful and informed by early testing. “AI can be a great tool for customer engagement, but you need to learn from the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) before you scale.”
This is not a passing phase
The panel also addressed the staying power of AI. Begosso warned against treating it as a passing trend. “People get excited about the new shiny object, and then it fades. This isn’t going to fade.” Van goor reinforced this sentiment, comparing AI’s impact to the printing press. “We don’t know the future yet but buckle up. If you’re not ready, you’ll be left behind.”
Despite the potential for disruption, Alexander closed on an optimistic note. “We’re going to see a lot of companies disrupted unless they’re ready and onboard. But I see more opportunity than fear.”
The CLEAResult Energy Forum 2025 helped attendees fully grasp the scale and permanence of AI’s transformative presence in the energy industry – along with its promises and perils. For utility leaders, the challenge is no longer whether to adopt AI, but how to do so strategically, responsibly, and with a clear, long-term vision.
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