16 July 2025
It’s becoming increasingly clear that AI (artificial intelligence) isn’t just a buzzword; it’s having a significant impact on the world around us. As AI continues to shape industries across the board, the utilities sector is no exception. Industry research suggests that 74% of the world’s energy companies are exploring AI solutions in some capacity.
From smarter asset management to improved response times, there are countless utility companies that are already using this innovative tech to influence the way we maintain, monitor and manage our infrastructure. But while the benefits of AI are clear, one thing remains unchanged: the importance of having the right tools in the right hands.
At Hy-Ram Engineering, we believe in modernising where it makes sense. As leaders in our industry, we’ve been helping the distribution pipeline sector innovate and make their processes more efficient (without compromising on quality, safety or expertise!) for more than 45 years. As such, we’ve created this deep dive into how AI is being used in utilities today, and why our specialist tooling and friendly expertise, along with your team’s skills, are more essential than ever.
AI in utilities: better efficiencies for you, and your customers
Utility companies across the world are facing growing demands: ageing networks, rising repair costs, environmental pressures and the need to reduce downtime. AI is stepping in to help manage these challenges more efficiently.
By analysing vast amounts of data in real time, AI makes it faster and easier to enable:
- Predictive maintenance that prevents faults before they cause disruptions
- Smarter scheduling of crews and equipment
- Remote monitoring of pipelines and assets in hard-to-reach areas
- Faster decision-making and training for field teams
But let’s be clear: AI doesn’t replace the job, or the very skilled people behind it. It enhances how it’s done.
How AI is being used in utility operations
Here are just a few of the ways AI is proving to be useful for utility companies around the world…
Predictive maintenance for pipelines
AI-powered systems analyse huge amounts of data – from environmental conditions to historical performance – allowing them to more accurately predict when components are likely to fail. For example, a critical water main showing signs of pressure variation might be flagged for maintenance before an incident occurs, mitigating larger, more costly repairs and service interruptions.
This kind of insight is invaluable, especially when paired with the right tools, such as our butt fusion machines or under pressure drilling equipment, ensuring the repair is carried out safely and efficiently.
AI predictive maintenance in action: NextEra Energy
In 2022, NextEra installed thousands of sensors across its fleet of gas turbines with historical failure data. They then used machine learning to analyse vibration patterns, temperature fluctuations and exhaust gas data.
The results?
- 23% reduction in unplanned outages
- US $25 million annual savings
- 3.7% increase in turbine availability
- The system can now predict potential failures up to three months in advance
Demand forecasting and grid management
By reviewing consumption patterns, AI can help utilities predict usage spikes and plan maintenance windows accordingly. That means less disruption for customers, and fewer emergency call-outs for teams in the field.
Early adopters of AI-driven smart grids:
As part of a wider company programme to accelerate business operations with AI, Germany’s E.ON has developed a machine learning model to predict equipment failures in its distribution grid. The AI algorithm anticipates when medium-voltage cables will need replacing, helping reduce grid outages by 30%.
Similarly, the UK’s National Grid ESO, has partnered with an AI startup to improve solar output forecasts, mitigating the need to keep power plants on standby and thus reducing balancing costs.
Remote monitoring and inspection
In areas where physical inspections are difficult, such as long pipeline stretches or sensitive environments, AI can interpret data from drones, cameras or underground sensors. Some tools can identify unusual patterns like movement, corrosion or leaks, and send alerts to field teams.
When action is needed, trained crews with proven tools are still the ones getting the job done.
A real-world example: DC Water
Over in the states, municipal water treatment facility DC Water deployed an AI-based system which used hardware devices to carry out a sweep of the area to generate points of interest (POIs) on a heat map.
Following overnight monitoring using the AI technology, the bugs were re-deployed as correlators to pinpoint the exact location of the leak between two POIs, which were then independently verified by engineers using other traditional acoustic equipment.
The AI tool identified two large, non-surfacing leaks which had previously gone undetected, saving an estimated 130 gallons per minute.
Smarter on-site decision support
Some AI tools can assist field workers with step-by-step instructions, checklists or safety procedures based on real-time conditions. Combined with expert training (like that provided by Hy-Ram), this reduces the chance of error and speeds up decision-making on-site.
Real-time support: Avangrid
Avangrid built a generative AI assistant (First Time Right Autopilot) trained on internal manuals and troubleshooting guides. When a field technician encounters an issue, they can engage the First Time Right Autopilot through their mobile device and receive real-time on-device support for repairs, leading to faster fixes and less downtime.
Why human skill and specialist tooling still matter
While AI can provide data and analysis, it can’t fuse pipes, isolate flow or drill under pressure. That still requires:
- Robust, reliable equipment
- Technical training
- Years of field experience
Hy-Ram tools are designed with these needs in mind. Whether you’re dealing with plastic pipelines, live water mains or specialist repairs, our butt fusion equipment, squeeze-off tools, and trenchless moles are engineered to deliver consistent, safe results, day in, day out.
Getting the balance right: future-proofing utility work
If you’re considering how to modernise your approach, here are a few principles to guide you…
- Start small: Begin with a pilot project that integrates AI with your existing maintenance workflows.
- Keep it practical: Focus on outcomes (less downtime, safer crews, better repairs).
- Don’t ditch what works: Your investment in quality tools and trained people is the foundation for any successful AI initiative.
How AI and Hy-Ram work together
If you follow us on LinkedIn, you might have seen ‘Ai-Ram’ – our April Fools Day joke about the world’s first AI-powered robot designed to revolutionise site operations. (And if you missed it, here’s Ai-Ram in action…)
All jokes aside, artificial intelligence is proving to be a powerful ally in the utilities sector, especially when it comes to identifying problems early on, planning maintenance more efficiently and improving safety on site.
But the benefits of AI are only fully realised when paired with reliable equipment and skilled operators. That’s where Hy-Ram comes in.
AI might alert a utility company to a suspected leak, pressure drop or weak joint, but it’s the field teams, equipped with the right tools, who carry out the critical repairs. For example, if AI analysis predicts a potential failure in a section of polyethylene pipe, the next step is deploying a crew with the correct butt fusion or electrofusion equipment to replace or re-join the pipe safely.
Similarly, a flagged pressure anomaly might require a squeeze-off tool to isolate the flow before repair begins.
In harder-to-reach areas identified by drones or remote sensors, moling equipment may be the best method to access underground assets without open trenching.
Ultimately, AI provides smarter data, but it’s tools like Hy-Ram’s, in the hands of trained professionals, that make those insights actionable. The synergy between cutting-edge analytics and proven specialist equipment ensures utility teams can work faster, safer and more effectively without compromising quality. It’s not about replacing people or processes;it’s about giving them an edge.
AI can guide the work – but the work still needs experts
AI is a powerful tool, but that’s just it: a tool. It can help you plan better, monitor smarter and make faster decisions. But when it comes to actually getting the job done – the cutting, joining, repairing, maintaining – it’s the skill of the crew and the reliability of the equipment that truly matter.
At Hy-Ram, we’re committed to supporting innovation that makes a real difference on the ground. Our range of fusion machines, squeeze-off tools, moling systems and drilling equipment (along with the friendly, expert service our team provides) remain irreplaceable.
We’ll continue to support our partners in the utilities industry with equipment hire, product sales and hands-on training. Because no matter how intelligent the tech becomes, the real work happens in the field.
Need support or pipeline distribution equipment for your next job?
Explore our full range of specialist tooling for utilities, or get in touch to discuss hire options, equipment repair and maintenance, and training tailored to your team.
