Research Report on Machine Learning in Power

Engineering

Introduction

Machine learning has become an increasingly used technology in power engineering. It is a powerful
tool that provides solutions to the problems encountered in the generation, distribution, and
consumption of electrical energy. In areas such as data analysis, renewable energy integration, energy
demand forecasting, fault detection, and predictive maintenance, machine learning algorithms make
power systems more reliable, sustainable, and efficient.

Power Engineering

Power engineering, also known as power systems engineering, is a subfield of electrical engineering
that focuses on the generation, transmission, distribution, and utilization of electric power, as well as
the electrical devices associated with these systems. While a significant portion of the field deals with
issues related to three-phase AC power, which is the standard for large-scale power transmission and
distribution in the modern world, another important part focuses on the conversion between AC and
DC power and the development of specialized power systems, such as those used in aircraft or electric
railway networks. Power engineering derives much of its theoretical foundation from electrical and
mechanical engineering.

Machine Learning

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development and study of
statistical algorithms that can learn from data and generalize to unseen data, thus performing tasks
without explicit instructions. Advances in the field of deep learning have enabled neural networks to
surpass many previous approaches in terms of performance. Machine learning finds applications in
many fields, including natural language processing, computer vision, speech recognition, email
filtering, agriculture, and medicine. The application of machine learning to business problems is
known as predictive analytics. Statistics and mathematical optimization methods form the foundations
of machine learning. Data mining is a related field of study that focuses on exploratory data analysis
through unsupervised learning. From a theoretical perspective, probably approximately correct (PAC)
learning provides a framework for describing machine learning.
The classification of machine learning may be divided into three main categories. The model is trained
using labeled data in supervised learning, where each sample is given a label (correct response). The
model makes predictions about similar unlabeled data after learning from this labeled data. With
unsupervised learning, learning occurs without the use of labeled data. The model explores the data for
connections, trends, or clusters (grouping). Reinforcement learning is a type of learning in which an
agent learns how to do a task more efficiently by receiving feedback from its environment in the form
of rewards or penalties. This is commonly used in dynamic and interactive contexts, such as gaming or
controlling robots.

Machine Learning in Power Engineering

The integration of machine learning techniques into electric power systems has revolutionized the way
we generate, transmit, and distribute electrical energy. Machine learning algorithms have demonstrated
their potential to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of power systems by leveraging
the vast amount of data available in this domain. This abstract provides an overview of the
applications of machine learning in electric power systems and its impact on the aforementioned areas.
Efficiency improvement is a critical aspect of power systems, and machine learning has been
instrumental in optimizing the generation, scheduling, and dispatching of electricity. By analyzing
historical data and real-time measurements, machine learning models can predict electricity demand
accurately, enabling utilities to optimize their generation resources and reduce operational costs.
Additionally, machine learning algorithms can identify and mitigate power losses, optimize load
balancing, and improve energy efficiency in power-intensive industries. Enhancing reliability is
another crucial aspect of electric power systems, and machine learning has proven effective in
predicting and preventing power outages. By analyzing historical outage data, weather patterns, and
other relevant factors, machine learning models can forecast potential failures and provide early
warning systems for maintenance and repairs. These predictive capabilities allow utilities to
proactively address issues, minimize downtime, and improve overall system reliability. Sustainability
is a growing concern in the power sector, and machine learning plays a pivotal role in enabling the
integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. Machine learning algorithms can predict
renewable energy generation based on weather patterns, historical data, and other factors, facilitating
the efficient integration and management of solar, wind, and other clean energy sources. Furthermore,
machine learning techniques can optimize energy storage systems, such as batteries, by predicting
energy demand and optimizing charging and discharging cycles.
Benefits of Machine Learning in Power Engineering

Transforming Maintenance: From Reactive to Proactive

Machine learning (ML) has revolutionized grid management by enabling a shift from reactive to
proactive maintenance. Traditionally, power companies addressed failures only after they occurred,
resulting in dangerous scenarios like cascading outages, blackouts, and fires, along with expensive
emergency repairs. ML changes this by predicting failures before they happen, allowing targeted
maintenance to prevent disruptions. For example, Con Edison, the power utility serving New York
City (NYC), uses ML to predict failures in feeders, transformers, and cables. By identifying at-risk
components, engineers can prioritize repairs and inspections, significantly reducing downtime and
improving grid reliability.

Ranking Components by Failure Risk

One of ML’s key contributions is its ability to rank grid components based on their risk of failure.
Power grids are made up of various interconnected parts, such as feeders, cables, joints, and
transformers, each with different vulnerabilities. ML algorithms analyze historical and real-time data
to rank these components by their likelihood of failure. For instance, in NYC, Con Edison uses ML to
rank feeders based on their susceptibility to outages, factoring in historical failures, physical attributes,
and dynamic telemetry readings. This ranking informs critical maintenance programs, like spring
upgrades, where the most vulnerable feeder components are replaced. Similarly, ML models can focus
on individual components such as paper-insulated lead cables (PILC) and stop joints, prioritizing
replacements for the most failure-prone sections. For example, Con Edison’s efforts to replace
∼30,000 PILC sections targeted the most vulnerable ones first, optimizing maintenance budgets and
minimizing risks.

Predicting Rare but Serious Events

ML excels in predicting rare but critical events, such as manhole fires and explosions. In urban areas
like NYC, these events often result from long-term insulation breakdowns in low-voltage cables.
Traditional methods struggle to predict such incidents, but ML analyzes historical event data and
employs advanced ranking algorithms to identify vulnerabilities. For example, Con Edison used five
years of trouble ticket data to train ML models for manhole event prediction. In a blind test in the
Bronx, the top 10% of manholes ranked by the ML model accounted for 44% of serious incidents.
This precision enables targeted preventive measures, reducing catastrophic failures and improving
public safety.
Estimating Reliability with MTBF

ML plays a critical role in estimating Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), a key metric for grid
reliability. By analyzing operational data and failure rates, ML models provide accurate MTBF
predictions, which help utilities prioritize maintenance and replacements. For instance, Con Edison’s
ML models evaluated feeder reliability by predicting survival times for cable sections in Queens.
These predictions guided the strategic replacement of vulnerable sections, leading to significant
improvements in feeder reliability and an increase in failure-free network days. By offering absolute
measures of vulnerability, ML-based MTBF estimates allow utilities to conduct cost-benefit analyses
and make data-driven decisions.

Real-Time Decision Support Through ML Integration

The integration of ML predictions into management tools enhances their value for real-time decision-
making. Tools like the Contingency Analysis Program (CAP) and the Capital Asset Prioritization Tool
(CAPT) enable engineers and managers to act on ML insights. CAP provides visual interfaces
highlighting feeders most at risk of failure and their potential consequences. For example, during a
fourth-contingency event in NYC’s summer of 2008, CAP identified feeders most likely to fail,
allowing operators to allocate resources effectively and prevent cascading failures. CAPT focuses on
long-term planning, offering cost-benefit analyses for maintenance strategies. For instance, CAPT
recommended replacing 34 high-risk PILC sections in Brooklyn for $650,000, which improved the
MTBF of a feeder from 140 to 192 days. Such tools empower utilities to make smarter, more strategic
decisions.

Overcoming Data Challenges

ML’s success in power electronics relies heavily on its ability to handle noisy, incomplete, and diverse
grid data. Electrical grid data often come from various sources, such as maintenance logs, telemetry
readings, and unstructured text records. ML preprocesses this data using cleaning, pattern matching,
and inferential joins to make it usable for modeling. For example, Con Edison’s manhole event
prediction merged cable data, inspection reports, and trouble ticket records into a unified database.
Trouble tickets, which often contained inconsistent and misspelled entries, were processed using text-
mining techniques to extract meaningful insights. This preprocessing ensured that ML models trained
on reliable data delivered accurate predictions.
Adapting to Changing Grid Conditions

Power grids are dynamic, with failure patterns evolving over time due to repairs, equipment upgrades,
and seasonal variations. ML models address this challenge through frequent updates to account for
new data. Con Edison’s Outage Derived Data Sets (ODDS) system generates feeder failure rankings
every four hours, ensuring that predictions remain relevant. This adaptability is crucial for responding
to conditions like summer heatwaves, which increase load and failure risks. By keeping predictions
current, ML models effectively manage the evolving complexities of the grid.

Financial and Operational Benefits

The financial and operational benefits of ML in power electronics are substantial. Predictive
maintenance reduces emergency repair costs and minimizes downtime. For instance, replacing
vulnerable PILC sections guided by ML models prevents expensive outages and extends the grid’s
lifespan. Operationally, ML-driven insights help utilities improve customer satisfaction by reducing
outages and providing more reliable service. Engineers gain actionable insights into grid
vulnerabilities, enabling more effective planning and resource allocation. These benefits make ML an
invaluable tool for modern power grid management.

Engineering Ethical Analysis: Machine Learning, Power Engineering and

Their Integration

The integration of machine learning into power engineering represents a transformative advancement
for the energy and power sector. However, this convergence also introduces ethical challenges that
demand careful consideration. This analysis will explore the ethical implications of machine learning,
power engineering and their combined use, focusing on issues like public welfare, equity,
accountability and sustainability. By applying engineering ethics principles, the analysis will highlight
responsibilities electrical engineers must uphold to enforce ethical practices.

Ethical Challenges in Machine Learning

Machine learning, as a decision-making tool, has revolutionized many engineering fields. Its
applications include predictive maintenance, optimization, and decision support. But also, machine
learning raises ethical concerns unique to its design and use. Machine learning algorithms can
perpetuate or amplify biases present in their training data. As an example, a non-objective dataset
could prioritize maintenance in affluent areas, neglecting underserved regions. By authorities, it must
be ensured that data represents diverse scenarios and avoids biased outcomes. Machine learning often
operates as a “Black Box” making its decision-making process difficult to interpret. Engineers must
ensure transparency in algorithms to sustain accountability since errors occur, identifying
responsibility between engineers, data providers or machine learning systems can become complex.
The public may not trust systems where choices are made by algorithms, more importantly on critical
systems like energy. Engineers have an ethical mandate to build trust through transparency and
communication. Using real-time data for machine learning applications in infrastructure raises
concerns about privacy and cybersecurity. Sensitive information must be safeguarded, and systems be
protected against cyberattacks.

As a result, engineers must uphold and protect these three ethical principles: Systems must prioritize
public safety over economic gain, actively pursuing sustainable solutions to refer climate change and
resource depletion, ensure power systems provide fair access and reliability for all, regardless of
socioeconomical status.

Ethical Challenges in Machine Learning and Power Engineering Integration

The integration of machine learning into power engineering combines the ethical challenges in both
fields, creating unique dilemmas and responsibilities. Applications include predictive maintenance,
load forecasting, outage prevention and energy optimization.

Machine learning predicts equipment failures, allowing preventive action. This reduces risks to public
safety and infrastructure, aligning with the principle of minimizing harm. For example, machine
learning’s ability to predict feeder failures or manhole fires improves grid reliability and safety.
Machine learning also optimizes grid operations, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.
This supports ethical goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Lastly, machine learning
helps prioritize maintenance and upgrades based on need, optimizing limited resources. However, this
must be implemented carefully to avoid systematic biases. If Machine Learning systems prioritize
urban infrastructure due to better data availability, rural or underserved areas may face neglect.
Engineers with ethics must minimize the risk by ensuring datasets are comprehensive and inclusive.
Machine Learning’s “Black Box” nature complicates decision-making transparency in power systems.
For example, explaining why a specific maintenance decision was made may be challenging, eroding
public trust. Engineers may become over-reliant on Machine Learning predictions, neglecting human
judgment and expertise. This can lead to ethical lapses if models are flawed or fail under unforeseen
circumstances. Machine Learning in power systems relies on vast amounts of data, including real-time
telemetry. Protecting this data from breaches is critical, as attacks could disrupt energy supply and
compromise public safety. Training Machine Learning models requires significant resources,
consuming energy and producing emissions. Balance of cost against the benefits of Machine Learning
applications in power systems must be kept.

Case Study - Con Edison and Predictive Maintenance

The use of machine learning (ML) in predictive maintenance, as exemplified by Con Edison, offers
substantial benefits in improving grid reliability and public safety. ML models predict potential
failures, such as feeder outages and manhole fires, enabling engineers to prioritize maintenance and
prevent catastrophic events. However, these advancements introduce significant ethical considerations.
ML enhances public safety by preventing dangerous failures, aligning with the engineering duty to
protect human welfare. However, over-reliance on algorithms and the risk of false predictions demand
continued human oversight and transparency in decision-making. ML optimizes maintenance by
prioritizing high-risk components, ensuring efficient use of resources. Yet, biases in data may favor
urban areas with better monitoring, neglecting rural or underserved regions. Engineers must address
this by ensuring datasets are inclusive and outcomes are equitable. ML’s “black box” nature
complicates understanding and accountability for its decisions. Engineers must integrate
interpretability features and maintain oversight to ensure that decisions remain ethical and justifiable
to stakeholders. ML-driven maintenance reduces waste and extends infrastructure lifespan,
contributing to sustainability. However, the environmental cost of training and running ML models
must be balanced against these benefits, and maintenance strategies must align with broader
environmental goals. The public’s trust in ML-driven decisions depends on clear communication and
equitable outcomes. Engineers and utilities must engage communities, ensuring that all populations
benefit fairly from predictive maintenance technologies.

Machine Learning and power engineering, when combined, provide transformative benefits for energy
systems, including improved reliability, efficiency, and safety. Regardless of how, these advancements
bring ethical challenges that engineers must address, such as biases in ML, transparency in decision-
making, and the environmental costs of technological solutions. By adhering to principles of public
welfare, sustainability, equity, and accountability, engineers can navigate these challenges ethically.
Machine learning in power engineering is not just a technical revolution, it is an ethical responsibility
to ensure that these innovations benefit society fairly and sustainably.
Conclusion

The integration of machine learning into power engineering is a significant advancement that is
reshaping the energy industry. Machine learning is improving the efficiency, reliability and
sustainability of power systems by gathering data for predictive maintenance, load forecasting, energy
optimization and outage prevention. These innovations enable industry to deliver safer, more reliable
and environmentally responsible services in order to meet energy demands and sustainability goals.

However, as this technology develops, ethical challenges need to be addressed to ensure that its
benefits are equitable and trustworthy. Engineers have a critical role in helping to reduce bias,
maintain transparency and privacy, and balance environmental costs with operational benefits. The
ethical principles of public good, sustainability, equity, and accountability must guide the
implementation of machine learning in power systems to ensure that all of us benefit from these
advancements.

In conclusion, machine learning in power engineering has enormous potential to revolutionize energy
systems, but its success depends on responsible and ethical engineering applications. By emphasizing
the technical and ethical dimensions of this integration, the energy sector can continue to innovate
while promoting a future that is sustainable, equitable and resilient.
 References

 Acharya, P. V., Lokanathan, M., Ouroua, A., Hebner, R., Strank, S., & Bahadur, V. (2021). Machine
Learning-Based Predictions of Benefits of High Thermal Conductivity Encapsulation Materials for
Power Electronics Packaging. Journal of Electronic Packaging, 143(4).
https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4052814
 IBM. (2021, September 22). Machine learning. Ibm.com. https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/machine-
learning
 Kaledio, P. (2024). Machine Learning Applications in Electric Power Systems: Enhancing Efficiency,
Reliability, and Sustainability. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4716389
 Kumbhar, A., Dhawale, P. G., Kumbhar, S., Patil, U., & Magdum, P. (2021). A comprehensive
review: Machine learning and its application in integrated power system. Energy Reports, 7, 5467–
5474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.08.133
 Rudin, C., Waltz, D., Anderson, R. N., Boulanger, A., Salleb-Aouissi, A., Chow, M., Dutta, H., Gross,
P. N., Huang, B., Ierome, S., Isaac, D. F., Kressner, A., Passonneau, R. J., Radeva, A., & Wu, L.
(2012). Machine Learning for the New York City Power Grid. IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis
and Machine Intelligence, 34(2), 328–345. https://doi.org/10.1109/tpami.2011.108
 What does a power engineer do? - CareerExplorer. (n.d.). Www.careerexplorer.com.
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/power-engineer/
 Wikipedia Contributors. (2019, April 29). Machine learning. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_learning
MACHINE LEARNING IN POWER ENGINEERING
Insctructor:

Talha Yavuz 040230437 yavuzt23@itu.edu.tr

Berke Çatak 040220118 catak22@itu.edu.tr

Utku Uzunok 040240796 uzunoku24@itu.edu.tr

Görkem Yılmaz 040230440 yılmazgo23@itu.edu.tr

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 01

INTRODUCTION
Machine learning has become an increasingly used
technology in power engineering. It is a powerful
tool that provides solutions to the problems
encountered in the generation, distribution, and
consumption of electrical energy. In areas such as
data analysis, renewable energy integration, energy
demand forecasting, fault detection, and predictive
maintenance, machine learning algorithms make
power systems more reliable, sustainable, and
efficient.
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 02

POWER ENGINEERING
Power engineering is a branch of electrical engineering that deals with the generation,
transmission, distribution, and utilization of electrical power. It focuses on designing
and maintaining power systems, ensuring efficient and safe delivery of electricity, and
integrating renewable energy sources into modern grids.

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 MACHINE LEARNING
03

Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on developing

systems capable of learning and improving from experience without being explicitly
programmed. It uses algorithms and statistical models to analyze data, recognize
patterns, and make predictions or decisions.

Main Types of Machine Learning:

Supervised Learning: Trains on labeled data to predict outcomes (e.g., email spam
detection).
Unsupervised Learning: Finds hidden patterns in unlabeled data (e.g., clustering
customers).
Reinforcement Learning: Learns by interacting with an environment and receiving
feedback in the form of rewards or penalties (e.g., training a robot or game AI). next
MACHINE LEARNING IN 04

POWER ENGINEERİNG
Machine learning is a technology that stands out in the field of power engineering with its
wide range of applications in the generation, transmission, and distribution processes of
electrical energy. Its ability to analyze large datasets and make predictions enables power
systems to operate in a smarter, more flexible, and data-driven manner.
Machine learning techniques are used in areas such as electricity demand forecasting,
production planning, load management, and power quality monitoring. Additionally, it
plays an active role in detecting power losses in transmission and distribution lines,
planning fault detection and maintenance processes, and controlling smart grid systems.
The integration of renewable energy sources into the grid and the management of energy
storage systems are also among the significant application areas of machine learning
algorithms.
The application of this technology is integrated into power engineering processes as a
critical tool for analyzing data in power systems, making predictions, and ensuring that
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systems operate efficiently.
 05

BENEFITS OF MACHINE
LEARNING IN POWER
ENGINEERING
TRANSFORMING MAINTENANCE: FROM 06

REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE
Traditionally, power companies responded to failures
after they happened.

This led to dangerous situations like blackouts,

cascading outages, fires, and expensive emergency
repair costs.

ML allows predicting failures before they happen.

ML predicts failures in critical components like feeders,

transformers, and cables.

Engineers can prioritize repairs and inspections based on

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ML insights.
CON EDISON’S ML APPLICATION IN NYC
Con Edison has implemented ML to forecast failures in its infrastructure, including
07
feeders, cables, and transformers. By analyzing historical data and real-time
conditions, the company identifies at-risk components and conducts strategic
inspections and repairs. This proactive strategy has reduced system downtimes,
improved reliability, and minimized costly emergency repairs.

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MACHINE LEARNING’S ROLE IN
RANKING COMPONENTS BY
FAİLURE RISK 08

ML ranks grid components (feeders, cables,

joints, transformers) based on their likelihood of
failure.
Factors analyzed include historical data, real-
time telemetry, and physical attributes.

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CON EDISON’S STRATEGIC REPLACEMENT
OF PILC SECTIONS 09

Con Edison leveraged machine learning to

analyze historical and real-time data to
identify and prioritize areas most at risk of
failure. As a result, they replaced around
30,000 PILC sections, focusing first on the most
vulnerable areas to enhance grid reliability.

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MACHINE LEARNING PREDICTS RARE 10

BUT CRITICAL EVENTS

ML is highly effective at predicting events such as
manhole fires and explosions.

These events are typically caused by long-term

insulation breakdowns in low-voltage cables.

Conventional prediction methods struggle to foresee

these rare events.

ML analyzes historical event data and uses advanced

ranking algorithms to identify vulnerable areas.
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 ML-POWERED MANHOLE EVENT
PREDICTION IN NYC BY CON EDISON
Con Edison utilized ML models trained on
historical trouble ticket data to predict potential
manhole fire and explosion risks in NYC. The
precision of ML analysis allowed the
identification of at-risk manholes, enabling
targeted inspections and preventive measures.

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 THE INTEGRATION OF ML 12

PREDICTIONS INTO MANAGEMENT

Enable effective resource allocation, risk reduction, and grid reliability
improvements.

Work as a digital twins for utilities, provides simulations and decision-making tools

NYC’s Contingency Analysis Program (CAP) provides visual interfaces for

highlighting risks

CAP method analyze system vulnerabilities under hypothetical failure scenarios

Overall, empowers utilities to make smarter, more strategic decisions, and

improving both operations and planning.
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 13

FINANCIAL AND
OPERATIONAL BENEFITS
Reduces emergency repair costs and minimizes downtime

Extends the lifespan of the power grid

Provides more reliable service.

Enables more effective planning and management

Overall, ML is an invaluable tool for modern power grid

management systems
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 14

ENGINEERING ETHICAL ANALYSIS:

MACHINE LEARNING, POWER
ENGINEERING AND THEIR
INTEGRATION
ENGINEERING ETHICAL ANALYSIS:
MACHINE LEARNING, POWER
ENGINEERING, AND THEIR 15

INTEGRATION
The integration of machine learning into power
engineering has brought transformative advancements
to energy systems but also introduced ethical
challenges that must be carefully addressed. This
analysis focuses on the ethical implications of this
convergence, particularly in areas such as public
welfare, equity, accountability, and sustainability.

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ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN MACHINE LEARNING
AND POWER ENGINEERING INTEGRATION 16
Predictive Maintenance: ML predicts equipment failures, improving safety and grid
reliability. However, bias in prioritization can neglect rural or underserved areas.
Transparency Issues: ML’s decision-making opacity challenges accountability and public
trust. Engineers must maintain oversight and interpretability.
Resource Consumption: Training ML models requires significant energy, posing
environmental challenges that must be balanced with benefits.
Reliance on Algorithms: Over-reliance on ML may lead to neglecting human expertise,
increasing risks under unforeseen circumstances.
Data Protection: Ensuring the security of ML-driven power systems is critical to prevent
disruptions and ensure public safety.

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 CONCLUSION
17

ML has enormous potential to revolutionize energy systems.

In terms of predictive maintenance, load forecasting, energy

optimization, and outage prevention.

Supports energy demands and sustainability goals

Success depends on responsible and ethical engineering practices.

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