The Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU) has issued a call for papers for its 71st AMEU Convention set to take place at the East London International Convention Centre from October 5-8.
This year’s theme, Empowering South Africa’s Energy Future, focuses on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies in the country’s electricity sector.
The deadline for submissions is May 30.
The AMEU has outlined 10 sub-themes for submissions:
- Smart grid innovations – AI-driven grid management, predictive analytics and demand-response strategies.
- Balanced Just Energy Transition (BJET) – Equity in energy access and the socio-economic impact of electricity transitions.
- Cost-effective AI solutions – Assessing AI-driven cost-saving measures and return on investment.
- Capacity building and skills development – Training programmes and collaboration between utilities and academic institutions.
- Resilience and cybersecurity – Addressing cybersecurity risks in smart grids and protecting infrastructure.
- Innovative financing and investment mechanisms – Examining funding models, including advanced metering infrastructure and public-private partnerships.
- Data-driven decision making – AI and big data applications for efficiency and transparency.
- Regulatory frameworks and policy support – The role of policy in facilitating AI adoption in electricity utilities.
- Collaboration across the energy sector – Knowledge-sharing between utilities, technology providers and other stakeholders.
- Service delivery and customer relations – AI-driven billing, metering and customer engagement.
