Connecticut Officials File Utility AI Probe Petition
Artificial intelligence is expanding rapidly inside the computer networks that operate the United States electric grid, prompting federal regulators to issue cybersecurity warnings about new vulnerabilities for hackers. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission reported that its auditors observed increasing reliance on automated analytical tools and chatbots within protected environments supporting the bulk power system.
Connecticut Regulators Face Questions on Utility Artificial Intelligence Deployment
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman filed a petition asking the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to investigate how the state’s electric, gas, and water utilities deploy artificial intelligence. While companies like Eversource and Avangrid acknowledge using the technology, the exact scope, location, and operational objectives remain unclear to state officials.
The petition asks regulators to require utilities to identify every artificial intelligence system in use, outline human oversight policies, and disclose protocols governing grid operations, storm response, and customer systems. Vahid Behzadan, an associate professor at the University of New Haven who studies AI safety and security, stated that models performing well under normal conditions might behave unpredictably during extreme weather events or emergencies.
Federal Energy Regulators Identify Growing Network Vulnerabilities
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission warned that automated tools—including personal assistants and chatbots—can introduce access control risks if permissions are not strictly monitored. The agency’s cybersecurity audit report indicated that these systems can mimic legitimate user behavior, making malicious activity harder to detect.
Auditors found that third-party vendors and suppliers are integrating artificial intelligence features into products faster than utility compliance programs can adapt. Sean O’Brien, director of the Cybersecurity and Computer Science Programs at Yale University, noted that while the technology presents clear monitoring challenges, companies must maintain rigorous control over software permissions and foundational security measures.
Utility Companies Acknowledge Review Requests While Oversight Remains Unresolved
The pending Public Utilities Regulatory Authority review does not allege any active cybersecurity breaches or operational failures caused by artificial intelligence within Connecticut. Regulators have yet to establish a formal timeline for investigating advanced metering infrastructure, third-party vendor access, or the reliability of automated load-forecasting models.