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2026 Utility Innovation Survey: Industry leaders turning more to AI as data-center boom reshapes grid planning

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 National Grid Partners survey of U.S. utility innovation leaders finds 78% use artificial intelligence to manage rising power demand, as industry works to keep pace with rapid change

BOSTON, Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — National Grid Partners, the corporate venture capital and innovation arm of one of the world’s largest energy companies, today unveiled its third annual Utility Innovation Survey. It found utilities – faced with rising power demand from AI data centers – increasingly are deploying artificial intelligence to manage that demand, boost reliability and cut costs. 

Nearly three-fourths of utility innovation leaders surveyed (74%) say AI-driven data center load growth is impacting grid reliability. Yet even more (78%) said they’re deploying or operationalizing at least one AI application to manage interconnection demand.

“The rapid growth of AI data centers is creating new operational and financial pressures for our industry, but AI also can be a significant part of the solution,” said Pradeep Tagare, Interim President of National Grid Partners.

The findings were revealed at the fourth annual NextGrid Alliance Summit, where leaders from more than 50 worldwide utilities shared strategies to accelerate innovation. National Grid founded the Alliance to encourage collaboration between utilities, regulators and startups.

In another sign of the pressure AI data centers are placing on power infrastructure, the survey found grid reliability has overtaken net zero as a top industry concern. When asked to rank their organizational priorities, 73% of utility leaders placed reliability in their top three (up from 43% in 2025). Meanwhile, net-zero goals fell from 54% to 16%

The Innovation Survey also found the ability to scale solutions remains uneven. While 72% of utility leaders report increased innovation budgets this year, project deployment timelines continue to stretch: 84% of organizations now take more than a year to move projects from pilot to full rollout, up from 78% in 2025 and 66% in 2024.

As in prior years, respondents cited reasons including a dearth of workers skilled in AI and the industry’s traditionally cautious culture. Most innovation spending (59%) goes toward incremental improvements, compared with just 16% directed toward transformational initiatives.

Notably, 87% of those surveyed also say returns on innovation investments are being limited by regulatory and rate-case frameworks developed before the current AI-driven demand boom. And 83% say the cost of building infrastructure to serve AI data centers is being passed on to residential customers through higher electricity bills.

National Grid this week became a founding member of the AI Energy Management Alliance (AMEA), a consortium of technology leaders Google and NVIDIA; AI startups such as Anthropic and Emerald AI; and other major utilities including RWE, Constellation, and NRG. The group will push for policies that encourage the development of flexible data centers, which can automatically reduce power usage during periods of peak demand and buffer surrounding communities from price spikes.

Emerald AI is part of the National Grid Partners portfolio. Last December, it led a pilot in the UK with National Grid and NVIDIA that found AI software could cut data center energy use during simulated grid strain by more than a third in under a minute – while still protecting the data center’s most critical workloads. 

“By working with startups and scaling proven innovation, utilities can better manage demand, improve reliability and support economic growth while minimizing impact on local communities,” Tagare said.

In fact, the new Innovation Survey found utilities increasingly are partnering with startups for innovative technologies. The share of respondents whose companies do so rose from 28% last year to 34% in 2026. Just 1% said they have no plans to work with early stage tech companies. 

National Grid Partners also announced at the NGA Summit its two latest investments in AI-related startups: Terragrit, a software platform for simulating changes to physical operations; and LineVision, whose grid intelligence platform helps utilities improve resilience and expand capacity without costly new infrastructure.

The utility industry’s first and only Silicon Valley-based corporate venture capital and innovation group now has surpassed $600 million in total investment since its 2018 launch. Nearly 80% of its portfolio companies have worked with National Grid to help make its energy networks safer, cleaner, more efficient and more resilient.

National Grid Partners conducted the annual Utility Innovation report using an online survey prepared by Method Research and distributed by RepData. Responses were collected from May 20th to July 7th, 2026, from 134 innovation leaders at utility companies in the United States. To read the full report, visit www.ngpartners.com/stories. 

About National Grid Partners
National Grid Partners is the venture capital and corporate innovation arm of one of the world’s largest investor-owned energy companies. By providing venture investment, business development counsel and direct integration with National Grid’s innovation teams, we are accelerating the future of energy and helping new technologies scale more quickly. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, National Grid Partners has offices in Boston, London, and New York. Visit ngpartners.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

About the NextGrid Alliance
The NextGrid Alliance (NGA) brings together the world’s energy providers to ensure utility investment and innovation efforts have an industry-wide impact. The alliance includes 1,000+ senior decision-makers from more than 170 utilities in 25 countries and has facilitated more than 500 introductions between utilities and startup entrepreneurs. Learn more at ngalliance.energy.

About National Grid 
National Grid (NYSE: NGG; FTSE: NG) lies at the heart of a transforming energy system. We supply electricity and natural gas to more than 80 million people in the UK, New York and Massachusetts. National Grid also is pioneering ways to modernize and decarbonize the energy system, including delivering The Great Grid Upgrade – the largest overhaul of the UK grid in generations – and building the Upstate Upgrade, the largest investment in New York’s electricity transmission network for over a century. We’re committed to meeting our customers’ energy needs and supporting economic growth across the regions we serve – providing safe, reliable energy today and building the resilient networks of the future.

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SOURCE National Grid Partners

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Xinhua Silk Road: 2026 International Audio-Visual Arts Carnival to debut in Jing’an, Shanghai

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BEIJING, Sept. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 International Audio-Visual Arts Carnival will take place in Jing’an District, east China’s Shanghai, from Sept. 24 to Oct. 18, offering the public an immersive audiovisual arts experience through deeper integration of audiovisual technologies, arts and culture, and commercial consumption.

The carnival will also provide a platform for audiovisual professionals from around the world to exchange ideas and promote the upgrading of both Shanghai’s audiovisual industry and its cultural tourism economy.

The event will feature four major sections, namely an international audiovisual arts experience exhibition, an audiovisual wonderland-themed immersive show, a high-level international audiovisual arts and technology salon, and the international Audiovisual Arts Night. These events will bring cutting-edge technologies and artistic innovation into the city’s public cultural life.

As a highlight of the opening program, the international audiovisual arts experience exhibition will showcase technological achievements from national-level media organizations, leading international audiovisual brands, domestic technology companies, and emerging creative forces from universities.

The audiovisual wonderland immersive show, to run from Sept. 25 to 27, will combine music, dance, intangible cultural heritage, light and shadow, and live performances, with cutting-edge technologies such as 3D mapping, motion capture and light-shadow tracking technology, and LiDAR-based interactive technology to be adopted.

These technologies will transform traditional culture into vivid stories that audiences can touch, empathize with and experience.

In addition, from Sept. 19 to mid-October, Jing’an District will stage a series of cross-period, multi-scenario events to sustain the momentum of the carnival and stimulate consumption across the district.

Major activities will include the fourth edition of “Shining Shanghai Light Up Jing’an”, artificial intelligence (AI)+Mid Autumn Festival-themed audiovisual arts innovation and creativity activities, the 14th Shibei Beer Festival and Jing’an Music Carnival.

Among them, the international sci-tech culture and fashion week will be held in the Nanjing West Road commercial area from Sept. 28 in partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment Group, featuring nearly 100 special events. The program will showcase Jing’an’s innovation and industrial vitality in areas including AI, the metaverse and fashion consumption, turning the century-old commercial street into an “innovation laboratory” where technology and culture converge.

By deepening the integration of culture, commerce, tourism, sports and exhibitions, Jing’an will extend audiovisual arts, light and music, sports and trendy entertainment, parades and pop-up events into every corner of the district.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352247.html

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SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

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Med Spa Expert Lindsey Smith Explains What to Expect From a First Med Spa Visit in HelloNation

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The article explains how consultations, medical history reviews, treatment planning, and clear communication help patients prepare for their first med spa visit.

BRYANT, Ark., Sept. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should patients expect during their first med spa visit in Bryant, Arkansas? According to a HelloNation article, Lindsey Smith of Flawless Med Spa in Bryant, Arkansas, provides practical guidance on how a first visit consultation helps set the foundation for safe, personalized care. The article explains that understanding what happens during the initial appointment allows patients to feel informed and confident before starting any treatment.

The HelloNation feature describes a med spa as a blend of medical expertise and spa comfort. Lindsey Smith explains that a professional med spa offers clinical-grade services such as injectables, laser treatments, and body contouring in a welcoming, nonintimidating environment. The goal is to provide visible improvement while ensuring patients understand each step of their care. The first visit is designed to build trust and clarity, helping patients feel comfortable asking questions about their treatment plan and expected results.

A first visit usually begins with a conversation about patient goals. The HelloNation article notes that providers take time to learn what changes matter most, such as improving skin texture, addressing fine lines, or targeting stubborn areas through body contouring. Lindsey Smith emphasizes that no two patients share the same priorities, which is why a customized plan is essential. Understanding these goals helps providers select noninvasive procedures that align with both expectations and lifestyle.

Medical history also plays a critical role. Even when treatments are noninvasive, providers must review allergies, medications, and prior procedures to prevent unwanted reactions. Lindsey Smith explains that detailed medical information allows the provider to recommend treatments safely and effectively. Patients are often surprised by how thorough these questions can be, but careful screening helps create the right balance between safety and results.

During the consultation, many med spas in Bryant, Arkansas, also take baseline photos. As the HelloNation article explains, these images are used solely to track progress and maintain accuracy over time. Lindsey Smith notes that photos help patients see subtle improvements that may not be obvious from memory alone. They also allow providers to adjust the treatment plan if results develop differently than expected. This documentation process reinforces that care is personalized and professionally monitored.

Clear communication is one of the most valuable parts of the first visit. Lindsey Smith highlights that providers should explain each treatment option in straightforward terms, covering what it does, how it feels, and what kind of outcome to expect. The HelloNation feature points out that this approach helps patients make decisions based on understanding rather than impulse. When patients know the difference between short-term and long-term results, they can plan accordingly and feel more confident about their investment in wellness.

Downtime is another key topic during the first med spa visit. Lindsey Smith advises that even noninvasive procedures can cause brief redness, mild swelling, or temporary sensitivity. Providers explain how long recovery may take and what aftercare instructions to follow. According to the HelloNation article, receiving written or digital aftercare instructions helps patients maintain results and avoid unnecessary discomfort. Proper care after treatment reinforces safety and improves overall satisfaction.

Budget and timing are also discussed during the first appointment. Some treatments require multiple sessions spaced over several weeks to achieve optimal results. Lindsey Smith explains that by outlining the expected number of visits and the spacing between them, providers help patients plan both financially and logistically. The HelloNation feature clarifies that this conversation is not about sales pressure but about transparency, so patients fully understand how long their treatment plan may take.

Many first-time visitors to a med spa feel nervous about discomfort or pain. Lindsey Smith acknowledges this and assures patients that providers take time to explain what sensations to expect and what comfort options are available. Modern technology in med spas is designed to minimize discomfort without compromising results. The HelloNation article adds that when patients know how long a session will last and what it will feel like, the experience feels far less intimidating.

Trust forms the foundation of every successful med spa experience. Lindsey Smith points out that open communication allows patients to feel heard and respected. Providers who listen carefully and answer questions honestly build long-term relationships with their patients. The HelloNation article highlights that this trust transforms the first visit into a collaborative process where both patient and provider work toward shared goals.

By the end of the appointment, patients should have a clear understanding of their options, the timeline for results, and how to care for their skin or body after treatment. Lindsey Smith explains that a first med spa visit should feel like the start of a guided partnership rather than a one-time procedure. In Bryant, more med spas are adopting this educational and transparent approach, ensuring that every new patient feels prepared and supported from the very beginning.

What to Expect From Your First Med Spa Visit in Bryant, AR features insights from Lindsey Smith, Med Spa Expert of Bryant, AR, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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Chery Auto to Showcase Nearly 20 Green Technology and Ecosystem Innovations. 2026 Chery International User Summit Opens in October

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WUHU, China, Sept. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chery Auto will host the 2026 Chery International User Summit from October 18 to 24 at its global headquarters in Wuhu, China. Focused on technology, sustainability and convergence, the Summit will showcase nearly 20 green technologies and ecosystem innovations, highlighting Chery Auto’s progress toward becoming a global high-tech green ecosystem enterprise.

The Summit will bring together users and ecosystem partners to explore intelligent, low-carbon mobility and sustainable lifestyles.

From January to August 2026, Chery Group sold 725,214 new energy vehicles (NEVs), up 46.2% year on year. Chery Auto’s hybrid engine has achieved a thermal efficiency of 48.57%, while the company is advancing all-solid-state battery technology with an energy density of 400 Wh/kg.

Chery Auto is also reducing carbon emissions across the vehicle lifecycle, from R&D and manufacturing to use and recycling. Through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, smart charging, battery recycling and material reuse, it is developing a circular system spanning energy production, storage, use and recycling, positioning NEVs as nodes in smart energy networks.

More than 3,000 AiMOGA embodied AI humanoid robots, developed by Chery Auto, have been delivered in more than 60 countries and regions, covering over 100 use cases across smart manufacturing, commercial services and the home.

At the Summit, Chery Auto will feature AI-powered cockpits, future mobility, human-machine collaboration and other applications integrating smart technology with green energy. Further technologies will be unveiled at the event.

Chery Auto works with international organizations including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on nature conservation, education and community initiatives. The Summit will also feature Ride Green Life, a global charity ride bringing users and ecosystem partners together to promote low-carbon living.

Chery Auto’s products and services have reached more than 130 countries and regions, serving millions of owners worldwide. From October 18 to 24, users, the media and ecosystem partners will gather in Wuhu for technology demonstrations, green initiatives and owner activities, exchanging ideas on green mobility, smart technology and sustainable living. The Summit will showcase Chery Auto’s transformation from automaker to “creator of better lives” and its vision for a smarter, lower-carbon and more sustainable future.

SOURCE Chery Auto

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