Utilities and electric cooperatives operate much like other major organizations. In larger operations, there are often clear career paths that allow employees to grow, take on new responsibilities, and move into leadership roles. To advance, it’s important to stand out and consistently deliver value to the organization.

Whether you’re an auditor, accountant, or looking to move up in your career, success isn’t just about knowing the numbers—it’s about staying curious, adapting to change, and always looking for ways to add value. What is the path to success?

We continue our journey of exploring uses of generative artificial intelligence in areas throughout the utility - in operations and finance. The AI revolution is transforming the way we look at basic tasks and expanding our horizons when it comes to how the utility business is managed.

There is much discussion about artificial intelligence in various industries and its potential to replace human jobs and positions. Taking a broader perspective, it becomes clear that applications of artificial intelligence in the electric industry are primarily focused on enhanced data utilization for grid management, customer service, system maintenance, and planning.

Major decisions in an electric cooperative or utility should be implemented by the approval of the Board of Directors (or City Council). The power and utilities industry is complex and may be unfamiliar to newer board members. This raises an important question: How can the board be effective and understand the business well enough to make informed and strategic decisions?

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly becoming integral to the operations of finance and accounting offices. These tools are revolutionizing how financial data is processed, analyzed, and utilized, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making.