Powering AI - the energy crisis behind AI's explosive growth and what it means for the grid
Powering AI: Infrastructure, Energy Crisis & the Future of Power Engineering
AI isn't just optimizing the grid — it's redefining how we power the world. Join IEEE Philadelphia PACE for a virtual session with Philip Gonski, P.E. (Director – Power & Utilities @ Burns Engineering | Director Elect – IEEE Region 2) as he unpacks the collision between AI's explosive energy demands and today's power infrastructure.
From surging data center demand to aging infrastructure and the rapid rise of renewables, the power industry is under more pressure than at any point in modern history. Engineers who understand how AI fits into this transformation won't just adapt — they'll lead it.
Topics covered:
- How AI is being applied to grid optimization, predictive maintenance, and demand forecasting today
- The data center energy paradox — why AI is both straining and saving the grid
- Grid modernization in practice — digital twins, DERMS, and smart analytics
- Cybersecurity challenges in AI-driven infrastructure
- Skills power and utility engineers should develop over the next 12–24 months
Who should attend: Power and utility engineers, electrical and infrastructure professionals, tech professionals in energy, and anyone in STEM curious about the future of the grid.
Free and open to all.
Date and Time
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Gunasekar Pullur Balu , IEEE Philadelphia Section PACE chair, pbgunasekar@ieee.org
- Co-sponsored by IEEE Future Networks AI/ML Working Group
- Starts 15 March 2026 04:00 AM UTC
- Ends 23 April 2026 08:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Philip
AI & the Power Grid — Energy Demand, Grid Modernization, and the Future of Power Engineering
This session explores how AI is reshaping the power and utilities sector — from surging data center energy demand and grid stability challenges to real-world applications in predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and digital twin technology. Philip will share practical insights on what AI-driven infrastructure looks like today and which skills engineers need to stay ahead over the next 12–24 months.
Biography:
Philip Gonski, PE is IEEE Region 2 Director-Elect and a Project Manager at Burns Engineering, where he leads multidisciplinary teams delivering power system solutions for power plants, industrial facilities, transit systems, and commercial clients. Licensed as a Professional Engineer in over twenty states, Philip brings 18+ years of experience across power system design, EV charging, microgrid analysis, and over 6GW of battery energy storage and renewable energy projects.
Today, he works at the intersection of power engineering, grid modernization, and emerging AI applications, helping clients navigate the energy transformation reshaping the utility landscape. His hands-on experience spanning traditional power systems and next-generation energy infrastructure provides a unique perspective on how power engineers can adapt and lead as AI reshapes the grid.
Agenda
7:00 PM — Welcome and Introduction
7:05 PM — AI, Infrastructure, and the Future of Power Engineering
7:25 PM — Q&A and Open Discussion
7:40 PM — Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events
The Zoom Webinar link and password will be forwarded to all registered participants after Noon on the day of the meeting. Check your spam folder if you don't see the email.
Webinar is open to all.
PDH certificates are available and an evaluation form will be emailed to you after the meeting. PDH certificate are sent by IEEE USA 3-4 weeks after the meeting.
Hosted by the IEEE Philadelphia Section | PACE Committee | Free and open to all