The AI Energy Forum: Shaping Smarter Energy Futures

At Franklin Energy, we don’t see artificial intelligence as a passing trend—we see it as a lasting, powerful tool. But like any tool, its impact depends on how it’s used—and who’s guiding the conversation.

That’s why we’ve created the AI Energy Forum to bring together a trusted, diverse group of leaders to explore AI’s role in the energy industry. This isn’t about jumping on a bandwagon or using AI for AI’s sake. It’s about leading with intention, applying AI where it matters most, and shaping a future where technology delivers real, measurable impact—for utilities, consumers, and the planet.

We’re not just asking what AI can do—we’re focused on what it should do. That’s why we’re cutting through the noise and diving into the issues that count: data ethics, customer trust, grid optimization, workforce augmentation, and decarbonization.

AI is already shaping how we live, work, and consume energy. But in a sector as critical and complex as ours, the future of AI can’t be left to chance. It must be shaped with care, intention, and the voices of those who know energy best.

Enter the AI Energy Forum. We're bringing together utility innovators, data ethicists, sustainability advocates, AI engineers, and more to ask the hard questions and explore the right applications. It’s about creating a space where collaboration, trust, and accountability guide how AI powers the next era of energy.

Why Now?

The urgency is real. AI is already being applied to optimize energy usage, automate load balancing, and drive customer personalization—but we’ve barely scratched the surface. At the same time, these advancements raise complex questions around:

• Security and data privacy: How do we protect end-user information as AI gets smarter and more predictive?
• Customer experience: How do we use AI to meet consumers where they are and lift engagement, not alienate them?
• Sustainability and energy intensity: How do we reconcile the energy demands of AI infrastructure with the sustainability outcomes we aim to achieve?
• And perhaps most importantly: Who gets to shape the answers to these questions?

Our Role

As a trusted partner to utilities, cities, and regulators across the country, we have a responsibility. Beyond just keeping pace with innovation, we must guide it with integrity. By convening the AI Energy Forum, we aim to:

• Spark collaborative discussion on the opportunities and risks AI brings to the energy space
• Identify priority areas for responsible innovation, including equity, security, and transparency
• Explore how AI can help accelerate our shared sustainability goals without compromising trust
• Share real-world applications and use cases to demystify the technology and inspire smart, scalable adoption

The Road Ahead

This first blog post is just the beginning. As the Forum comes together, we’ll openly share insights, frameworks, and recommendations—with the goal of supporting the broader energy community in navigating AI responsibly and effectively.

Forum members will be expected to play an active role: participating in quarterly meetings, contributing to thought leadership pieces, or even representing the Forum through presentations at key industry conferences. This is not a passive seat at the table—it’s a commitment to shaping the conversation, sharing expertise, and helping drive practical solutions forward.

Because when it comes to AI, we don’t just need smarter tools—we need smarter conversations.

Interested in joining the discussion?