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Utility Safety Podcast – Visual Intelligence for a Safer Grid: The Future of Utility Inspections

Written by Podbean Account on . Posted in Utility Safety Podcast.

In this episode, Incident Prevention’s Kate Wade sits down with Kaitlyn Albertoli, co-founder and CEO of California-based Buzz Solutions, to explore how visual intelligence is helping utilities uncover hidden risks and modernize critical infrastructure. Kaitlyn shares how Buzz Solutions’ platforms—PowerAI and PowerGuard—use AI-driven insights to streamline inspections, enhance grid reliability, and reduce operational costs. They also discuss the challenges of adopting new technologies, bridging the field-office communication gap, and what utility safety professionals can expect in the next 5 to 10 years. This conversation is essential for those interested in data-driven decision-making, infrastructure safety, and the future of AI in the energy sector.

To reach Kaitlyn directly, email her at kaitlyn@buzzsolutions.com or connect via LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-claire-albertoli/

Key Takeaways:

  • Buzz Solutions uses AI-powered visual intelligence to help utilities identify risks and improve inspection accuracy.

  • Their platform PowerAI analyzes images from drones, helicopters, and field crews to prioritize maintenance and reduce operational costs.

  • Integration with GIS and asset management systems makes implementation efficient and less disruptive.

  • Buzz’s tools support storm prep, wildfire mitigation, and long-term grid modernization.

  • Education and communication are key to AI adoption across all levels of a utility organization.

Questions & Answers

Q1: What problem does Buzz Solutions aim to solve for utilities?

A: Buzz helps utilities manage and analyze vast visual datasets, allowing them to spot infrastructure issues early, prioritize repairs, and eliminate data silos.

Q2: How does PowerAI differ from general AI tools?

A: PowerAI is a purpose-built platform that uses machine learning for visual inspection analysis, making it highly specific to the utility industry’s unique needs.

Q3: What concerns do utilities have about AI adoption?

A: Many worry AI could replace jobs or be unreliable, but Buzz focuses on “visual intelligence” to support—not replace—field experts and improve safety decisions.

Q4: Can this technology help prevent wildfires or major outages?

A: Yes, by analyzing infrastructure degradation and identifying high-risk components early, utilities can proactively address threats before they escalate.

Q5: How can utilities ensure smooth adoption of Buzz’s solutions?

A: Success hinges on integrating into existing workflows, gaining buy-in from field users, and automating data flow into GIS and asset management systems.

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