What Happens When AI Starts Protecting the Power Grid Before Humans Even Spot the Problem?

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Kaitlyn Albertoli, co-founder and CEO of Buzz Solutions, about how AI, drones, and computer vision are changing the way utilities inspect and maintain power infrastructure. As weather events become more frequent and energy demand continues to rise from EV adoption, renewable energy growth, and AI-driven data centers, utilities are under growing pressure to modernize systems that were built decades ago.

Kaitlyn explains how utilities once relied on crews walking transmission lines with binoculars and handwritten notes before moving toward helicopter inspections and aerial imaging. Today, autonomous drones and aircraft can capture hundreds of thousands of inspection images every year. The real challenge now is turning that mountain of visual data into useful action before damaged equipment leads to outages, fires, or safety risks. We discuss how Buzz Solutions processes enormous image datasets in hours instead of weeks, helping utilities identify damaged insulators, corrosion, vegetation risks, and failing components before they become larger problems.

We also talk about the people behind the infrastructure. Kaitlyn shares why AI should support frontline workers rather than replace them, especially as utilities face an estimated shortage of thousands of skilled linemen over the next several years. The conversation covers balancing false positives with missed detections, reducing operational data silos, and why partnerships with companies like Skydio and Esri are helping utilities connect inspection workflows more effectively.

Kaitlyn also shares how Buzz Solutions is expanding into solar inspections, where AI can detect damaged or underperforming panels before warranties expire and energy production quietly drops over time. Alongside the technology discussion, she reflects on how competing in the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials shaped the resilience and mindset she now brings to building a fast-growing AI company.

From wildfire prevention and storm recovery to renewable energy operations and autonomous inspections, this episode looks at how AI is quietly becoming part of the infrastructure keeping modern society running.

As utilities modernize aging systems under growing environmental and operational pressure, can AI help prevent the next major outage before it happens?