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AI at home, at work, and on the grid

AI

Artificial intelligence quietly powers your home, your phone, and even assists your cooperative’s grid.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, might sound futuristic – like something from science fiction movies – but the truth is that it’s already all around us. Most of us interact with AI every single day without even realizing it. From the way we watch TV to how we get directions, AI is quietly working in the background to make life easier, safer, and more efficient.

The best example of everyday AI is the smartphone in your pocket. When your phone suggests words as you type, translates a message, or unlocks using your face, that’s AI at work. Photo apps use AI to sort pictures by faces, places, or even pets. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa rely on AI to answer questions and respond to voice commands.

Even the autocorrect that saves us from embarrassing typos is powered by artificial intelligence. These tools have become so common that we hardly notice them, but they are all made possible by different types of AI. Each type is designed to see, learn, or respond in its own way.
 

Entertainment, shopping, and travel

AI also shapes how we relax. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify suggest shows and songs based on what you’ve already enjoyed. Video games rely on AI to create characters that react realistically.

Shopping online is another area full of AI. The personalized recommendations you see on Amazon or Target’s app are created by analyzing browsing and purchase history. Grocery store apps send coupons tailored to your buying habits, while AI in banking apps helps detect fraud by flagging unusual transactions.

Types of AI:

Reactive AI responds in real time, like autocorrect fixing typos.

Limited Memory AI learns from the past, such as Google Maps predicting traffic.

Generative AI creates new things, like ChatGPT writing or photo apps making art filters.

Natural Language AI understands speech, like Siri or Alexa.

Computer Vision AI helps devices “see,” such as Face ID unlocking your phone.

Recommendation AI suggests what you might like next, from Netflix shows to online shopping.

When it comes to travel, AI is behind nearly every step. Google Maps predicts traffic jams and suggests faster routes. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft use AI to match drivers with riders. In cars, features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and emergency braking are all AI-driven. Even at the airport, AI helps security systems scan luggage for dangerous items.

At home and work

Inside our homes, AI is becoming just as common. Smart thermostats, such as Nest or Ecobee, learn when you’re home and adjust the temperature automatically, saving energy along the way. Robot vacuums map out your floor plan and avoid furniture. Smart speakers, such as Alexa or Google Home, can play music, set timers, and even control lights with simple voice commands.

In the workplace, AI makes tasks easier and more efficient. Email systems use AI to filter spam, suggest replies, and sort messages. Video conferencing platforms automatically improve picture and sound quality. Even tools like Grammarly or spell-check are powered by artificial intelligence, quietly polishing our writing behind the scenes.


AI and the electric grid

AI doesn’t just improve our phones, cars, and homes. It’s also changing how we use and deliver electricity. Utilities, including cooperatives like Cass County Electric, are beginning to use AI to help manage the grid. Smart meters, energy management systems, and demand forecasting all rely on artificial intelligence to keep power reliable and affordable.

For example, AI can predict when electricity demand is likely to spike, enabling cooperatives to prepare in advance. It can also analyze patterns from smart devices in homes and businesses to balance loads more efficiently. In the future, this could lead to fewer outages, improved utilization of renewable energy on the grid, and more efficient use of resources.

Powering AI in the north

Cooperatives, especially those in northern climates, are well positioned to serve the growing energy needs that come with AI technology. Data centers and AI-powered industries require a steady, reliable, and affordable power supply, and North Dakota is uniquely suited to provide it.

Due to transmission limits, our state can generate far more electricity than it can currently send to the wider grid. That means North Dakota is energy-rich, with both abundant generation and available capacity. For AI-driven industries looking for reliable power, cooperatives like Cass County Electric can provide a strong, resilient foundation right here at home.

Cold climates also offer natural advantages for cooling data centers and large computing facilities, reducing the energy required to keep equipment running safely. Combined with the reliability and local control of the cooperative model, these factors make our region a strong contender for powering the next wave of technology growth.

Cass County Electric remains committed to utilizing innovation responsibly to support its members and their communities. As technology evolves, AI will play a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of the grid, facilitating the integration of renewable energy, and ensuring that members continue to receive safe, affordable, and sustainable power.


A glimpse into the future

So what does the future of AI look like? The truth is, it’s only just beginning. Many of the systems we already use will get smarter and more personalized. Cars may eventually drive themselves safely on city streets. Health apps could predict illnesses before symptoms appear. Homes will grow more connected, with appliances that communicate to save both energy and money.

In the energy sector, AI will play a growing role in supporting renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. Because those resources depend on the weather, AI can forecast generation and adjust usage in real time. Smart homes and smart grids will work together, shifting energy use to times when power is the most affordable.

And while AI may feel invisible, its presence will only continue to expand, often in ways that make life more convenient and connected. The key for cooperatives, and for all of us, will be finding ways to use AI responsibly, ensuring it improves lives while keeping data secure and communities strong.

AI isn’t a far-off technology. It’s here today, quietly working in the background of our daily routines. Whether it’s streaming a favorite song, navigating a busy commute, adjusting your thermostat, or keeping the lights on, artificial intelligence is already part of everyday life.

At the end of the day, AI isn’t about replacing people, it’s about helping them. It’s the invisible helper that makes modern life a little smoother, a little smarter, and, when used wisely, a whole lot better.