Artificial intelligence in the energy utilities industry : a maturity model integrating energy sector dynamics and EU regulation

Abstract

The following research introduces a holistic artificial intelligence (AI) maturity model designed to elucidate on the opportunities and challenges faced by EU energy utilities organizations in the leveraging of AI. This addresses the literature gap in AI maturity models, which simultaneously encompass European Union (EU) regulation as well as the full scope of both energy utilities use cases and non-technical opportunities for AI. The artifact was developed using a simplified design science research (DSR) methodology, combining literature synthesis with a triangulated thematic analysis of energy stakeholder interviews, public panels, and large language model (LLM) feedback to iteratively refine the model. The final model comprises the following dimensions: workflows & impact assessment, organizational & human capability, strategy & leadership, risk management & ethics, external stakeholders, data foundations, and technology & infrastructure. The results indicate that data related bottlenecks, human capability, regulatory nuances, and cybersecurity risks represent the primary challenges to AI diffusion within the sector.