This year’s LET’S GO! customer conference brought together industry leaders and innovators to explore one of the most pressing topics in the regulated energy sector today: how data and AI are transforming the way we work.
Over the course of the day, we heard from seasoned professionals, industry leaders, and experts, all sharing how their organizations are leveraging data and technology to solve challenges, uncover efficiencies, and prepare for what’s next.
If you couldn’t join us live, you missed some incredible conversations—but the good news is, all the talks are now available to watch any time on demand.
Before you dive into those videos, here are some of the big ideas and standout moments from this year’s event.
Data as a Strategic Advantage
One of the recurring themes at LET’S GO! 2024 was the growing recognition of data as a critical driver of success.
Leaders from PG&E, NextEra Energy, and Alabama Power shared how they’re integrating data into strategic decision-making. They spoke about how better access to actionable data is helping utilities streamline operations, strengthen regulatory filings, and even reshape their business models to adapt to an evolving energy landscape.
This idea was reinforced by Darren Byrne of Southwire Company, who explained how publicly available data is helping their sales teams foster more informed, productive conversations with utilities. Byrne’s examples showed how the ability to mine and present compelling data cuts through misunderstandings, builds trust, and accelerates deal-making—a powerful takeaway for anyone navigating complex, regulated industries.
The Human Side of AI
As expected, artificial intelligence was front and center at this year’s event. But one of the most thought-provoking takeaways was that while AI is transforming workflows, it isn’t replacing human expertise—it’s enhancing it. This point came up repeatedly, from the Ethics in AI discussion led by Thomas Peterson and Jason Stevenson, to Rich Bennett’s presentation, How We Can Apply AI to Rate Case Preparation.
AI is a tool, not a solution in and of itself, and its value lies in how we apply it. Peterson and Stevenson emphasized the importance of ethical guardrails to ensure AI systems reflect fairness, transparency, and accuracy. They also tackled one of the field’s thorniest questions: how to navigate the tension between AI’s power and its potential for bias or errors.
Bennett’s talk highlighted a more immediate application: using AI to handle the heavy lifting of regulatory filing analysis. By automating citation tracking and organizing sprawling datasets, AI is helping teams work faster and more accurately. However, as Bennett noted, the final word still lies with humans who know the industry and can interpret the results in context.
Preparing for the Future
Another standout theme was preparation—for shifting policies, evolving customer needs, and the next generation of leaders.
George P. Bush addressed how the 2024 presidential election could shape regulatory frameworks and industry priorities, urging organizations to stay nimble in the face of change.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Shiver of Southern Company offered a fascinating look at how his team is redefining the role of the chief economist. By embracing abundant, well-managed data, they’re identifying new solutions to old problems and demonstrating the growing importance of data-driven leadership.
And then there was Becky Blalock, who closed out the day with a challenge: find and nurture the visionaries in your organization. Blalock shared practical advice on how to identify people who think differently, and how to help them grow into leaders who can take your business into the future. Her talk was a powerful reminder that technology is only as effective as the people who use it—and that building strong teams is as important as adopting new tools.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The big picture? Collaboration is key—between people and AI, between teams, and across organizations. From the groundbreaking applications already happening today to the opportunities on the horizon, one thing was clear: By working together and leveraging the tools at our disposal, we can drive meaningful progress in this highly regulated industry.
To everyone who joined us for LET’S GO! 2024, thank you for being part of the conversation. For those who couldn’t attend, we hope you’ll take some time to watch the on-demand sessions and hear directly from the experts shaping the future of regulated energy.
Visit HData.com to learn more and watch the talks.