One climate startup is employing AI technology to safeguard the power grid.

• Utility companies are using AI to protect power lines as fires intensify in the western United States.
• It is impossible to keep a human eye on the 5.5 million miles of power lines in the U.S., which are supported by over a quarter billion poles and surrounded by numerous trees.
• High-tech companies such as Pano AI, Satelytics, and AIDash are utilizing technology to minimize risk.

Utility companies are actively working to safeguard the power lines serving millions of customers as wildfires intensify in the western United States. With an increase in the frequency of fires and severe storms, the use of technology by these companies to maintain operations also increases.

It is impossible to keep a human eye on the 5.5 million miles of power lines in the U.S., which are supported by over a quarter billion poles and surrounded by numerous trees.

That's why artificial intelligence is taking the lead.

New software companies such as Pano AI, Satelytics, and AIDash are leveraging technology to reduce risk.

AIDash CEO and co-founder Abhishek Singh informed CNBC that by utilizing satellites, we can monitor every tree and pole at our desired frequency, detect obstacles, and rectify them before they lead to an accident.

Local governments frequently mandate utility companies to fully scan their lines and resolve any problems prior to the fire season.

"The annual spend on maintaining trees along power lines in the US alone is $10 billion, and with rising labor costs and a shortage of labor, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify problems without technology, Singh stated."

AIDash utilizes technology to not only detect current problems but also anticipate future ones, combining weather data with comprehensive vegetation information to assess risk levels during the fire season and take action. The company also does this for severe wind and precipitation events.

AIDash is both a client and an investment of National Grid, which serves customers in the northeast through its venture capital arm, National Grid Partners.

According to Andre Turenne, VP of investments at National Grid Partners, the company has experienced a 30% reduction in outages and a 55% reduction in the duration of outages since implementing AIDash.

Turenne stated that their unique selling point was the development of an all-encompassing platform for utility engineers to execute predictive analytics, manage crews on the ground, and utilize the platform in its entirety.

AIDash has received $91.5 million in venture capital funding from National Grid Partners, Edison International, Shell Ventures, Lightrock, and SE Ventures.

In order to support the green transition and the increasing use of all-electric power, grid capacity and reliability will become increasingly important. National Grid plans to invest $75 billion in its jurisdictions in the UK, as well as in New York and Massachusetts, over the next five years to upgrade for both.

— CNBC producer Lisa Rizzolo contributed reporting.