Marissa Hummon, the chief technology officer at Utilidata, believes that AI can revolutionize the power grid for a sustainable future. In an interview with TechCrunch as part of the Women in AI series, she shared her insights on how AI can help the utility sector operate more effectively and create a cleaner and more reliable grid.
Hummon’s career began at the National Renewable Energy Lab, where she focused on transitioning the energy industry to cleaner sources. She emphasized the importance of using numerical methods and machine learning to solve complex problems in the energy sector. With her background in applied physics and experience in the field, she now leads by example and advocates for more women in engineering roles.
She highlighted the need for systemic change in the industry to create a more inclusive workplace for women. Hummon encouraged women entering the AI field to leverage their unique perspectives and seek opportunities with companies committed to diversity and inclusion. She emphasized the importance of understanding the limitations of AI and being aware of potential biases in data analysis.
In terms of building ethical AI, Hummon stressed the significance of knowing how AI models are trained to avoid biases. She shared Utilidata’s approach of keeping data local to enhance security and privacy. She advised investors to evaluate how companies utilize AI responsibly and tailor their investments accordingly based on the risks and complexities of each industry.
Overall, Marissa Hummon’s insights shed light on the transformative potential of AI in the energy sector and the importance of diversity and ethics in AI development. Her leadership at Utilidata exemplifies a commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive future powered by innovative technologies.
