ATI Watt, an energy technology company has developed an AI-powered Energy Management System (EMS) designed to help businesses reduce electricity costs and participate in grid services. The platform is built for microgrid applications and works by predicting energy prices, automating battery storage operations, and supporting utility-scale functions such as demand response.
The EMS uses artificial intelligence to forecast Alberta’s electricity pool prices and determine the best times to charge and discharge Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This approach, known as behind-the-meter arbitrage, allows businesses to buy energy when prices are low and use stored energy when prices spike. The system helps reduce operating costs while creating new revenue opportunities through grid participation.
In addition to price forecasting, the EMS integrates with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems used by utilities such as BC Hydro. This allows it to support broader grid functions, including Fast Frequency Response (FFR) and demand response strategies. The platform operates in real time, using machine learning and reinforcement learning to adapt to changing conditions and continuously refine its performance.
The company behind the platform emphasized that building practical, explainable AI was a key focus throughout development. While early models performed well in controlled environments, real-world conditions such as regulatory shifts, weather anomalies, and grid disruptions required a more flexible system. The team chose to prioritize transparency, giving operators the ability to understand and intervene in AI-driven decisions when needed.
Internally, the project reinforced a culture of experimentation and data-driven decision-making. The team worked across disciplines, combining energy systems engineering with data science and software development. The experience encouraged ongoing learning and strengthened the company’s focus on building AI that supports, not replaces the human expertise.
The EMS has already been deployed in commercial and industrial environments. Users report lower energy bills, increased use of energy storage systems, and new opportunities to participate in utility programs that pay for grid support services. The technology also contributes to grid resilience by helping balance supply and demand in real time.
Beyond technical outcomes, the project has positioned the company as a leader in AI-powered energy solutions. Its EMS offers a practical model for how automation and AI can be applied to real-world challenges — improving efficiency for businesses, supporting utilities, and contributing to a more flexible and sustainable energy system.
This article is part of Innovation+ in the Plus 15, a special editorial series from the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum and Digital Journal that explores how Calgary-based companies are innovating.
