Data readiness: The foundation for AI at scale

Posted: September 11, 2026

Missed the earlier installments?

Read blog 1 and blog 2

Key takeaways from the 2026 AVEVA Utility Executive Summit

Part three in our series exploring the capabilities utility leaders say are essential for modern operations

By Ann Moore

Artificial intelligence was one of the most discussed topics at the 2026 AVEVA Utility Executive Summit. Leaders see significant potential for AI to improve planning, operations, asset management, and decision-making. However, a clear message emerged throughout the event: scaling AI is less an “AI problem” than a “data readiness problem.” Trusted data is the third pillar of utility readiness. Without connected, contextualized information, organizations cannot scale AI—or trust its outputs—across the enterprise.

AI starts with trusted data

Utilities generate vast amounts of operational, engineering, asset, and planning data every day. The challenge is no longer collecting information—it is ensuring that data is trusted, accessible, and consistently understood across the enterprise. As utilities move from AI experimentation to enterprise-scale deployment, many leaders are discovering that the greatest barrier to success is not the AI itself; it’s the data foundation underneath it.

As one executive noted:

“It all lands on the quality of that data.”

Increasingly, data quality is becoming a business performance issue rather than a technical issue. When data is inconsistent or lacks context, teams spend time debating inputs instead of acting on insights—and AI initiatives struggle to move from pilot to repeatable value.

Moving beyond AI pilots

Many utilities have already begun exploring AI use cases. The next challenge is scaling those efforts across the enterprise without creating a patchwork of disconnected models and inconsistent outcomes.

Summit participants emphasized that successful AI adoption requires more than new tools or algorithms. It requires a connected data ecosystem that brings together operational technology, engineering systems, asset information, and business processes. Just as importantly, it requires governance that makes data consistent, explainable, and fit for purpose.

Utilities that invest in these foundations will be better positioned to move beyond isolated pilots and unlock broader enterprise value—with less rework and higher trust.

Data as a strategic asset

Innovative utilities are treating data as a strategic asset rather than a byproduct of operations. A strong data foundation improves operational visibility, supports collaboration across teams, and enables more informed decision-making. It also creates the conditions necessary to apply analytics and AI with greater confidence, and to scale what works across the enterprise.

This is becoming increasingly important as utilities address growing complexity from AI-driven load growth, distributed energy resources, electrification, and evolving customer expectations—all of which expand the volume of data and raise the stakes of operational decisions.

Series conclusion

Across all three themes—AI-driven load growth , reliability, and data readiness—a common thread emerged: utility readiness depends on planning confidence, operational visibility, and trusted data. Strengthening all three capabilities is how utilities make better, faster decisions without compromising reliability, affordability, or public trust.

Download the complete AVEVA Utility Executive Summit key takeaways report  for a summary of the executive perspectives, industry trends, and strategic priorities shaping the future of utility readiness.

Learn from industry leaders and experts shaping the future of power and utilities. Join us for AVEVA Day for Power & Utilities in Arlington, TX, USA September 16-17, 2026.