Joel Schlesinger © Postmedia Network Inc.
Enbridge Inc. might be best known for operating oil and gas pipeline networks.
But these days the Calgary-headquartered company is arguably equal parts pipeline operator, renewable energy provider and innovative technology company, says Bhushan Ivaturi, senior vice-president and chief information officer at Enbridge.
“Investment in technology and innovation is a huge part of our competitive advantage,” says Ivaturi.
Since starting with the company in 2018, Ivaturi has led Enbridge’s digital transformation to further its mission of delivering reliable, secure, sustainable and affordable energy across the five countries in which it operates.
“The investments we’re making in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are going to play a key role in helping achieve those goals for the long term.”
Investments in machine learning technology enhance cybersecurity for its critical infrastructure while helping detect pipeline failures before they happen. As well, the technology positions Enbridge as an industry leader when it comes to harnessing innovation to better serve its customers.
Of course, it’s not simply about embracing the latest iterations of new technology such as generative AI. It’s about ensuring it is used responsibly and thoughtfully.
“Our success is dependent on investing in, and intentionally developing capabilities in, our people through upskilling and reskilling programs, and experiential learning to be able to use these new tools to their fullest,” Ivaturi says.
Employees, for example, now have access to Microsoft Copilot — the popular generative AI tool for the workplace. This helps them save time and effort on more repetitive daily tasks.
Its workforce also now uses tailored AI tools such as ‘ChatENB’.
“It’s our own safe and responsible version of the publicly available forms of generative AI, such as ChatGPT.”
Ivaturi adds that Enbridge’s digital platform has brought together people and technology (such as AI), enabling the company to solve specific problems using custom-built solutions.
“Among those is Enbridge’s energy optimizer, which uses machine learning that provides real-time operational insights, enabling control centre operators to make decisions leading to the highest energy cost savings.”
The tool not only improves the bottom line of its operations, but it is working to help reduce Enbridge’s carbon footprint.
“Our digital transformation is really about using new technologies to achieve the art of the possible,” Ivaturi says. “And it’s about doing so in a secure, responsible way to meet the world’s growing energy needs.”
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.