Connecticut Officials Petitioned for Utility AI Review

The state seeks a comprehensive regulatory inquiry into how public utility companies utilize artificial intelligence systems.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration in navy and cream, depicting a stylized steel power pylon representing utility infrastructure oversight. — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman have petitioned state regulators to conduct a formal review of AI in utilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Attorney General William Tong and Consumer Counsel Claire Coleman filed a petition with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority regarding AI use. The officials requested a formal review of artificial intelligence integration within Connecticut's public utility organizations.

Why it matters

The petition highlights growing concerns regarding cybersecurity threats, data privacy vulnerabilities, and the potential for algorithmic errors within utility operations. Regulators aim to determine if existing utility practices align with current industry standards for oversight and governance.

A 2025 analysis indicated that 72% of S&P 500 companies have disclosed at least one material risk related to AI, while 47% of U.S. employees report their employers use AI tools. The petition specifically requests that utilities disclose the scope of their systems, human oversight protocols, and internal policies.

The players

William Tong

William Tong serves as the Attorney General of Connecticut and is the state's chief legal officer responsible for protecting the interests of the public.

Claire Coleman

Claire Coleman acts as the Consumer Counsel for Connecticut, representing the interests of utility ratepayers in state legal and regulatory matters.

Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is the state agency in Connecticut that regulates the rates and services of public utility companies.

Avangrid

Avangrid is a major energy company that provides utility services and has publicly acknowledged its use of artificial intelligence technology.

Eversource

Eversource is a primary energy delivery company serving the Northeast that has confirmed the integration of AI within its corporate operations.

The details

The filing mandates that utilities report their specific objectives for using AI and the policies governing human supervision. Officials expressed concerns about the potential for algorithmic errors and the generation of false information that could impact critical infrastructure services.

In 2025, 72 percent of S&P 500 companies disclosed material AI risks.
October 13, 2026, marked the date the petition was filed with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

The Tech Race

This petition follows the governance standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework. The action reflects a broader industry movement toward formalizing oversight for AI systems that replace legacy manual operational processes.

Residents may see changes in how utility providers handle data privacy and service delivery if new oversight policies are enacted. The investigation aims to prevent potential outages or service errors caused by automated systems, which could impact the reliability of electricity and gas services.

The takeaway

The move signals that state governments are increasingly viewing AI as a critical infrastructure risk requiring transparency. Consumers should monitor public regulatory dockets to see how their utility providers adjust security measures in response to these inquiries.