From Generative to Agentic: Transforming Grid Planning and Operations

Xing Wang – AWS

The power industry stands at a pivotal inflection point as artificial intelligence evolves from generative to agentic capabilities. This presentation explores how Agentic AI is fundamentally transforming power grid planning and operations, moving beyond traditional AI assistants to autonomous systems capable of decision-making.

Agentic AI represents a paradigm shift in grid management, enabling systems that can perceive complex operational environments, reason through multi-faceted challenges, plan coordinated responses, and potentially execute actions autonomously. Unlike generative AI that simply provides recommendations, agentic systems can handle concurrent grid events, proactively validate security protocols, and orchestrate workflows across legacy systems—all while operating under policy-based controls that ensure safe operation.

This transformation will reshape the future grid control room, where AI agents work alongside human operators to manage increasingly complex distributed energy resources, handle extreme weather events, and enhance grid resilience. Through real-world examples and emerging technologies, we’ll examine how utilities can leverage cost-effective AI models, implement continuous quality monitoring, and deploy autonomous agents that scale massively while maintaining persistent, reliable operation.