Buzz and Beyond
Buzz & Beyond is a podcast for utility leaders navigating the future of grid operations, asset management, and AI-driven innovation. Hosted by the team at Buzz Solutions, each episode features industry experts, utility practitioners, and technology leaders sharing practical insights, real-world lessons, and forward-looking strategies.
From preventative maintenance and infrastructure resilience to data strategy and change management, Buzz & Beyond goes beyond the buzzwords to explore what actually works in the field. If you’re responsible for keeping critical infrastructure safe, reliable, and future-ready, this show is for you.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
32 min
What happens when GIS and Visual AI come together to transform utility inspections?
As utilities collect more inspection imagery than ever before, the challenge is no longer just gathering data. It's connecting that information to the assets, locations, and operational decisions that matter most.
In this episode, Buzz Solutions CEO & Co-Founder Kaitlyn Albertoli joins Tom Lenzen of Esri to explore how integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with Visual AI can help utilities unlock greater value from their inspection programs.
Together, they discuss the evolving role of GIS in utility infrastructure management, the impact of drone technology on inspections, and the opportunities ahead as utilities work to turn visual data into actionable intelligence.
Topics explored include:
🔸 Why connecting GIS and Visual AI matters for utilities
🔸 The evolving role of GIS in utility inspections
🔸 How drones are changing the way utilities collect inspection data
🔸 The relationship between Buzz Solutions and Esri
🔸 What's next for utility inspection technology over the next 12–18 months
Discover how connected inspection intelligence can help utilities move toward more informed, proactive asset management.
Connect With Us:
🚀 Request a demo today! https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co
⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Oct 14, 2026
Oct 14, 2026
40 min
How can utilities move from experimenting with AI to creating real operational value?
At CEATI, Rob Mason of Dominion Energy shared a real-world case study on how Dominion has expanded its use of AI across asset management and inspection programs. Joined on stage by Buzz Solutions CEO & Co-Founder Kaitlyn Albertoli, the discussion explores Dominion’s AI journey, the growth of its drone program, and the importance of building trust as new technologies are introduced into utility operations.
The conversation covers how Dominion is using AI to:
⚡ Manage the growing volume of inspection imagery and data
⚡ Support engineers and reduce time spent on manual analysis
⚡ Integrate AI with structure-specific asset data
⚡ Improve reliability and operational performance
⚡ Build a scalable, long-term approach to AI adoption
Rob also shares why Dominion chose to start small rather than pursue full inspection automation from day one, and how its partnership with Buzz Solutions has evolved alongside the utility’s needs.
Watch the full discussion to hear how Dominion Energy is putting AI into practice and what other utilities can learn from its journey.
Connect With Us:
🚀 Request a demo today! Demos sign up: https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co
⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Sep 28, 2026
Sep 28, 2026
1 hr 2 min
Where is AI actually delivering value in commercial drone programs today?
Recorded live at Commercial UAV Expo (CUAV), this panel brings together industry leaders to explore how AI is moving beyond the hype and into real-world drone operations.
The conversation covers where AI is making an impact today, the importance of keeping humans in the loop, how organizations can prepare their teams to work alongside AI, and what it takes to turn growing volumes of aerial data into meaningful insights.
Buzz Solutions CTO and Co-Founder Vikhyat (Vik) Chaudhry joins Achal Negi of FlytBase, Ismar A. of Stratus Autonomous, and Desiree Ekstein of On The Go Video.biz for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of AI and commercial drones.
Vik also shares a utility perspective, including how AI can help grid operators navigate increasingly complex infrastructure, extreme weather, growing electricity demand, and the need for more intelligent inspection and asset management.
🎧 Tune in for a practical conversation about what AI can do today, where humans still play a critical role, and what comes next for AI-powered drone programs.
Topics include: AI in commercial drone operations, human-in-the-loop AI, aerial inspections, data analytics, utility infrastructure, grid modernization, and the future of autonomous operations.Connect With Us: 🚀 Request a demo today! Demos sign up: https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0 🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Sep 16, 2026
Sep 16, 2026
13 min
What does poor inspection data really cost a utility?
In this episode of Buzz and Beyond, host Brandon Bozarth, Director of Solutions at Buzz Solutions, sits down with William Badnaruk, Senior Solutions Engineer, to explore why data quality is foundational to successful aerial inspection programs and AI-powered analysis.
From inconsistent image capture and motion blur to missed shots and poor resolution, seemingly small data quality issues can have an impact downstream. Brandon and William discuss how consistent, high-quality inspection data can improve AI analysis, reduce unnecessary reshoots and truck rolls, support better decision-making, and help utilities get greater ROI from their inspection programs.
They also explore how PowerAI and Data Quality AI can help utilities manage inspection data at scale, streamline workflows, and turn large volumes of visual data into actionable insights.
In this episode:
🔹 Common issues that impact aerial inspection image quality
🔹 Why consistency matters across assets and inspection cycles
🔹 How image quality impacts AI-powered analysis
🔹 The real cost of poor inspection data
🔹 How utilities can improve data collection and program standards
🔹 Using AI as a force multiplier for inspection teams
🔹 Moving from reactive inspections toward proactive and preventative maintenance
Better data doesn’t just mean better AI. It means better decisions.
Connect With Us:
🚀 Request a demo today! Demos sign up: https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co
⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Aug 25, 2026
Aug 25, 2026
32 min
What happens after the flight?
In this presentation from AEP Drone Days 2026, Brandon Bozarth, Director of Solutions at Buzz Solutions, explores how utilities can transform inspection imagery into actionable intelligence that improves reliability, strengthens asset management, and supports better operational decisions.
Hosted by AEP Ohio at Columbus State Community College, AEP Drone Days brought together utility leaders, drone innovators, and technology providers to discuss the future of utility inspections.
In this session, Brandon shares how AI has evolved beyond simply detecting defects to becoming a trusted part of utility operations. He also walks through Buzz Solutions' work with AEP Texas, discusses what utilities should look for when evaluating AI platforms, and explains how integrating AI with GIS, asset management, and existing utility workflows helps turn inspection data into meaningful action.
In this presentation:
⚡ What happens after the flight and why it matters
⚡ The evolution of AI for utility inspections
⚡ Building trust in AI-powered inspection programs
⚡ Lessons learned from Buzz Solutions' AEP Texas case study
⚡ Evaluating AI platforms for long-term success
⚡ Integrating AI with GIS and utility workflows to improve reliability
Speaker: Brandon Bozarth
Director of Solutions, Buzz Solutions
Event: AEP Drone Days 2026
Host: AEP Ohio
Location: Columbus State Community College
Presentation Date: July 23, 2026
Connect With Us:
🚀 Request a demo today! Demos sign up: https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co
⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Aug 12, 2026
Aug 12, 2026
17 min
As utilities adopt AI to modernize inspections and improve grid reliability, cybersecurity has become one of the most important considerations when evaluating new technology.
In this episode of Buzz & Beyond, Brandon Bozarth, Director of Solutions at Buzz Solutions, is joined by Senior Solutions Engineer Jon Day to discuss the cybersecurity questions they hear most often from utility customers. Together, they explore common misconceptions about AI, what utilities should look for in a secure AI platform, and the standards and best practices that help protect critical infrastructure.
Whether you're evaluating AI vendors or simply looking to better understand cybersecurity in utility operations, this conversation offers practical insights into building trust, protecting sensitive data, and deploying AI responsibly.
In this episode:
Why cybersecurity is a top priority for utilities adopting AI
The difference between generative AI and computer vision AI
Common questions utilities ask about data privacy
How customer data is protected
Cloud security and encryption best practices
The importance of SOC 2, ISO 27001, and secure infrastructure
What utilities should evaluate before selecting an AI vendor
Host: Brandon Bozarth, Director of Solutions, Buzz Solutions
Guest: Jon Day, Senior Solutions Engineer, Buzz Solutions
Connect With Us:
🚀 Request a demo today! https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co
⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026
14 min
How difficult is it to implement AI for utility inspections?
In this episode of Buzz & Beyond, host Nicole Estevez, Jr. Marketing Associate at Buzz Solutions, sits down with Richard Mejia, Lead PMO at Buzz Solutions, to discuss what implementation actually looks like for utilities adopting AI-powered inspection workflows.
From onboarding and IT involvement to drone program maturity and training requirements, Richard shares practical insights from helping utilities move from pilot projects to production deployments.
Whether your team is operating hundreds of drones or just getting started with a pilot and a few assets, this conversation offers a realistic look at the path to implementation.
Connect With Us:
🚀 Request a demo today! https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co
⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Jul 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
14 min
In this recorded webinar, Buzz's Director of Solutions, Brandon Bozarth, sits down with Chris Ott, Director of Critical Security Solutions at WSP, to discuss the biggest security challenges facing utilities today. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the power and energy industry, Chris shares insights on drone threats, perimeter protection, thermal detection technologies, false alarm reduction, and the growing role of AI in physical security.
The conversation explores how utilities can better protect substations and other critical assets while balancing emerging technologies, regulatory considerations, and operational realities.
Topics include:
⚡ Physical security challenges across the utility industry
⚡ Drone threats and the evolving risk landscape
⚡ Thermal detection and false alarm reduction
⚡ Security technologies for substations and critical infrastructure
⚡ AI and analytics in utility security
⚡ The future of physical security for utilities
Connect With Us:
🚀 Request a demo today! https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co
⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Jul 1, 2026
Jul 1, 2026
33 min
What does it take to modernize utility inspections at scale?
In this panel from the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, Brandon Bozarth of Buzz Solutions sits down with utility leaders to discuss how drones, AI, and data-driven workflows are transforming inspection programs across the electric utility industry.
The conversation explores the real-world challenges utilities face, from managing massive volumes of inspection data and addressing workforce transitions to turning field observations into actionable maintenance decisions. Panelists share lessons learned from their modernization journeys, practical use cases for AI, and how emerging technologies are helping teams improve reliability, efficiency, and asset management.
Topics include:
⚡ Modernizing utility inspection programs
⚡ AI-assisted asset inspections
⚡ Managing and analyzing large-scale inspection data
⚡ Workforce knowledge retention and training
⚡ Turning inspection findings into actionable maintenance work
⚡ Drone technology in transmission and distribution inspections
⚡ Improving reliability through data-driven decision-making
Panel:
- Brandon Bozarth, Buzz Solutions - Director of Solutions (Moderator)
- Garrett Scott, Duke Energy - Chief Pilot, UAS
- Slade Bridges, GeoIntel & Solutions Program Manager - Southern Company
- Grant Pence, UAS Lead - Duquesne Light & Company
Connect With Us:
🚀 Request a demo today! https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co
⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

Apr 22, 2026
Apr 22, 2026
15 min
How do you actually scale AI from a pilot to a mission-critical program in the utility industry?
In this episode of Buzz and Beyond, CEO and co-founder of Buzz Solutions, Kaitlyn Albertoli, joins us to break down what it really takes to move from experimentation to full-scale transformation. From navigating risk and IT barriers to aligning technology with real-world operations, Kaitlyn shares what separates successful AI deployments from the ones that stall.
We dive into the realities of adoption inside utilities and why innovation only works when technology is paired with deep subject matter expertise. Kaitlyn also explores how utilities are taking a leading role in shaping the future of AI and why governance is becoming the foundation for scaling across the grid.
Key Highlights:
⚡ The Augmentation Mindset: Why AI is designed to support teams, not replace them.
⚡ Utility-Led Innovation: How utilities are driving the next wave of technology forward.
⚡ Scaling with Structure: The critical role of governance in moving beyond pilots.
⚡ Bridging the Gap: Aligning AI with operational workflows and field expertise.
⚡ From Data to Decisions: Turning insights into real, actionable outcomes.
Subscribe to Buzz and Beyond: Catch every episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Connect With Us:
🔗 Website: www.buzzsolutions.com
🔗 Request a demo today! https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18107167/admin/dashboard/
🔗 Follow Vik Chaudhry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikhyatchaudhry/







