Britain is beginning to treat artificial intelligence as part of electricity-system infrastructure rather than simply another software tool. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero opened a call for evidence on 8 September asking companies, system operators, regulators and researchers how AI could be used across generation, networks and demand flexibility.
The consultation will feed into a UK AI for Clean Energy Strategy and runs until 6 November. It arrives alongside an independent review of AI deployment in electricity networks that calls for risk-based operation, clearer governance and faster deployment of proven tools.
The opportunity is operational, not just predictive
Grid operators already use software to forecast demand and balance supply. The more transformative use of AI would involve dynamic planning, automated flexibility, congestion management, maintenance and eventually greater machine autonomy in operational decisions.
That could be valuable in a power system with more intermittent renewable generation, batteries, electric vehicles and distributed assets. It also raises difficult questions around cybersecurity, explainability, accountability and what happens when an automated system makes the wrong decision.
Our view: the winning companies will connect AI with physical grid constraints
British Business Review's view is that this policy will matter most to companies that can prove operational value in the physical electricity system. Generic AI capability is less important than reducing connection delays, avoiding congestion, improving asset utilization or lowering balancing costs.
The strategy should therefore be tracked against procurement and deployment, not policy language alone. The milestones are funded pilots, regulatory changes, contracts with network operators and evidence that AI is reducing real system costs.
| Area | Potential use | Main constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Grid planning | Forecasting and risk-based network planning | Data quality and accountability |
| System operation | Congestion and balancing decisions | Cybersecurity and operational risk |
| Consumer flexibility | Coordinating EVs, batteries and demand | Consent and market design |
| Maintenance | Predictive asset monitoring | Integration with legacy systems |
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK AI for Clean Energy Strategy?
It is a planned government strategy examining how AI can be used across the electricity and clean-energy system.
When does the consultation close?
The current call for evidence closes on 6 November 2026.
Could AI directly operate the UK grid?
The government and independent review are exploring greater automation, but governance, cybersecurity and accountability would need to develop alongside any move toward more autonomous operation.