Itron Deepens Collaboration with Microsoft to Accelerate AI Innovation
Itron, Inc. (ITRI) is deepening its long-standing collaboration with Microsoft (MSFT) to accelerate AI innovation at the edge, delivering solutions that empower utilities to achieve new levels of efficiency, resilience and customer engagement. Building on years of joint work across cloud, analytics and grid modernization, this expanded AI collaboration brings together Itron's expertise in energy and water management with Microsoft's advanced AI capabilities, reinforcing their shared commitment to leading the AI transformation in the utility industry. As part of this ongoing collaboration, Itron is introducing the Itron Intelligent Edge Operating System Connector for Microsoft 365 Copilot which grounds Microsoft 365 Copilot in trusted IEOS data. With this integration, utilities can ask natural-language questions and surface insights across Itron Enterprise Edition (IEE) Meter Data Management and Operations Optimizer. Built on Copilot connectors, the solution integrates IEOS content, preserves existing access control lists and aligns with enterprise governance. The solution will enable users to easily find information like consumption patterns, outage history, tamper or reverse rotation, low voltage and transformer associations.
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OpenAI and Gemini Market Share Competition Intensifies, Potential Stock Market Correction in 2026
- Market Share Shift: According to Similarweb, Gemini's market share surged from 5% to 18% in 2025, while ChatGPT's share fell from 87% to 68%, potentially undermining investor confidence in OpenAI.
- Stock Market Correction Prediction: Historical data indicates that stock markets typically experience a correction of at least 10% every 1-2 years, and given the last correction in early 2025, another could be expected in the second half of 2026, prompting investor caution.
- Electricity Bottleneck Issue: The demand for electricity from AI infrastructure is growing faster than supply, leading to rising electricity prices, with the Trump administration intervening to ensure Microsoft does not pass these costs onto consumers, which could impact the AI sector's growth.
- Investment Opportunities: Amid the electricity bottleneck, companies like Itron and Tesla may benefit from optimizing existing grid capabilities to meet increasing demand, presenting potential investment opportunities in the energy sector.
Gemini's Rapid Rise Disrupts AI Market Dynamics
- Market Share Shift: According to Similarweb, Gemini's market share surged from 5% to 18% in 2025, while ChatGPT's share dropped from 87% to 68%, indicating a significant shift that could impact investor confidence in the AI sector.
- Correction Prediction: A stock market correction of at least 10% is anticipated in 2026, as historical data suggests such corrections occur every one to two years, prompting investors to prepare for potential volatility.
- Power Bottleneck Opportunities: The rapid increase in electricity demand from AI infrastructure is leading to rising power prices, creating opportunities for companies like Itron that deploy smart meters to help utilities optimize existing resources amid this bottleneck.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Despite the expected correction, the overall market is projected to rise in 2026, driven by strong infrastructure spending, lower inflation, and mortgage rates, encouraging investors to maintain a positive outlook.
