Smart Grids Find Early Currents in Latin America

Gridspertise and a WEF-cited case study highlight emerging digital grid trends as Latin American utilities explore modernization options

14 Nov 2025

Latin America's energy sector is increasingly looking into digital grid technologies to manage the growing integration of renewable generation and increasingly complex power flows. Countries like Colombia are exploring advanced solutions, such as sensing technologies, data-driven controls, and distributed resources. However, confirmed large-scale deployments across the region remain relatively limited, according to publicly available information and company disclosures.

One recent point of focus is a case study featured in a World Economic Forum white paper, which examines a project in Colombia involving 21 commercial and industrial users. This initiative resulted in a 12% reduction in grid-wide demand and helped prevent service disruptions for over 300,000 customers. Gridspertise has highlighted this example to demonstrate how digital coordination and edge intelligence can enhance grid resilience. However, local authorities or utilities have not independently verified these results, so the case is illustrative rather than an example of widespread deployment.

With renewable energy adoption accelerating, Latin American utilities are facing similar challenges, including the impact of growing rooftop solar installations that introduce variability to local grids. Additionally, shifting weather patterns and rising electricity demand are prompting utilities to seek systems that can respond to real-time conditions. Gridspertise and other companies position their digital platforms and edge-capable devices as potential solutions to make local operations more adaptive, potentially reducing the need for extensive physical infrastructure upgrades.

These developments are viewed by some as the first steps toward a significant transformation in grid management. Future systems could shift away from centralized control toward incorporating distributed intelligence, which could help stabilize the grid during rapid fluctuations in supply and demand. This could lead to fewer service disruptions for businesses and more consistent power quality for households as distributed technologies continue to evolve.

However, the full realization of these benefits will require significant investments in digital skills, cybersecurity measures, and regulatory clarity. Policymakers and utility operators are carefully considering how to integrate these new solutions responsibly and equitably. As more utilities in the region assess global case studies and lessons, Latin America may gradually become a key player in smart grid innovation and the development of future-ready power systems.