- Trilliant highlights AI-driven edge intelligence and AMI communications at DISTRIBUTECH International 2026.
- Utilities can adopt Trilliant’s device-independent platform for gradual grid modernisation.
What happened
Trilliant, a smart grid technology company, presents its AI-enabled grid-edge solutions at DISTRIBUTECH International 2026 in San Diego. The company, a major Innovator Sponsor and exhibitor, demonstrates advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) communications and near-real-time operational intelligence that allows utilities to collect, analyse and act on data at the edge of the grid. Trilliant’s platform enables utilities to improve operational performance while modernising gradually, without replacing existing systems entirely, reducing disruption and capital expenditure.
To highlight its capabilities, Trilliant collaborates with AI transformation services provider AZX to showcase intelligent networks capable of processing data closer to grid equipment. Jim Madej, Trilliant’s president and CEO, emphasises that utilities face growing complexity from distributed energy resources, smart devices, and increasing data volumes. The platform supports faster fault detection, predictive maintenance and optimised energy distribution. The company’s demonstration and strategy are also covered in Telco News, which provides additional context on Trilliant’s approach to modernising utility operations.
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Why it’s important
Trilliant’s demonstration illustrates a major trend in the energy sector: the adoption of AI-enabled operational intelligence at the grid edge. Utilities increasingly rely on distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar, electric vehicle charging stations, and smart devices, producing exponentially more data than traditional centralised systems can process efficiently. Edge intelligence enables utilities to analyse and act on this data locally, reducing delays in fault detection and improving response times, operational efficiency, and reliability.
The company’s phased, device-independent approach is significant because many utilities struggle with legacy infrastructure and vendor lock-in, which can make full modernisation costly and disruptive. By supporting incremental adoption, Trilliant allows utilities to transition to smarter grids without significant upfront investments or operational disruption. Combining communications, analytics and AI at the edge enables faster predictive maintenance, reduced downtime, and optimised energy flows, ultimately enhancing grid resilience and sustainability.
As electrification and distributed generation accelerate, technologies like Trilliant’s that merge AI with real-time operational data will play a critical role in shaping next-generation energy infrastructure.
