Consumers Energy Using $40 Million to Add AI-Powered Modules to 18,000 Meters of Michigan EV Owners

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Consumers Energy nearly $20 million to deploy new technology that provides real-time visibility into Michigan’s electric grid and supports the integration of electric vehicles (EVs). Consumers Energy will match this funding with an additional $20 million, furthering its commitment to Michigan’s EV transformation and enhancing the state’s grid infrastructure to accommodate growing EV adoption.

Consumers Energy will invest the nearly $40 million to equip 18,000 electric meters used by Michigan EV owners with AI-powered modules. These modules will provide real-time data analytics and predictive insights, helping to better understand and manage the impact of electric vehicles on the state’s electric grid. This initiative will support grid optimization and EV integration in Michigan.

“Consumers Energy is building a stronger grid and a smarter one that will seamlessly power the next generation of clean vehicles,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “This allows us to quickly put the latest in technology to work, as we accommodate growing numbers of EVs parked in driveways across our state.”

The new federal funding comes through the DOE’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which supports the modernization of the electric grid.

Consumers Energy is partnering with AI technology company Utilidata to deploy custom NVIDIA modules, bringing advanced AI capabilities to Michigan’s electric grid. Utilidata, which manufactures in Michigan through its Ann Arbor innovation lab and in collaboration with Brooks Utility Products in Novi, will help integrate these technologies into the grid.

Over half of the devices will be placed in economically disadvantaged communities, allowing Consumers Energy to analyze EV adoption patterns and customize programs to meet these communities’ specific needs. Additionally, Consumers Energy is working with General Motors, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, and the Electric Power Research Institute to implement AI-enabled grid-edge analytics, enhancing the state’s grid management and EV integration efforts.

“Utilidata is proud to expand our presence in Michigan by partnering with industry leader Consumers Energy,” said Utilidata President and Chief Operating Officer Jess Melanson. “Utilidata’s distributed AI technology will equip Consumers Energy with the tools needed to integrate more distributed energy resources and ensure the electric grid is efficient and reliable for their customers.”

Consumers Energy is working to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more affordable and convenient across Michigan, while powering these vehicles with an electric grid rapidly transitioning toward carbon neutrality. As Michigan’s largest energy provider, Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across all 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula, delivering natural gas and electricity.

Consumers Energy’s Clean Energy Plan aims to eliminate coal as an energy source by 2025, achieve net-zero carbon emissions, and meet 90% of customers’ energy needs through clean sources like wind and solar. This effort supports Michigan’s EV adoption and a cleaner energy future.