Digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) are foundational to achieving Europe’s energy transition, climate neutrality, and energy security. Realising this potential requires stable regulatory frameworks that enable investment recovery, coordinated governance respecting subsidiarity, European technology sovereignty, and robust cybersecurity.
Distribution System Operators (DSOs) already play a central role in maximising grid efficiency and supporting the “energy efficiency first” principle, while continuing to build and enhance infrastructure to integrate renewable energy and manage evolving demand patterns. However, barriers such as high upfront costs, skills shortages, regulatory uncertainty, and system integration challenges must be systematically addressed.
E.DSO calls for outcome-focused, proportionate regulatory frameworks for AI that leverage DSO operational expertise and existing sectoral safety frameworks, striking the right balance between innovation enablement and consumer protection. To unlock large-scale digitalisation, DSOs also require regulatory frameworks ensuring appropriate returns and EU co-funding for cross-border and innovative investments.
E.DSO is uniquely positioned to provide operational insights into practical AI implementation at the grid edge. We stand ready to be an active, evidence-based partner in translating the EU’s Strategic Roadmap for Digitalisation and AI from vision to operational reality.
