The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today (May 5) announced The AES Corporation, Baltimore Gas and Electric, and Duke Energy as finalists for the 98th Edison Award. The Edison Award, presented annually and selected by a panel of former energy industry executives, is the electric power industry's highest honor.

Since 1922, EEI has presented the Edison Award to recognize member electric companies for leadership in innovation and excellence in grid operations.

"This year's Edison Award finalists exemplify how EEI's member companies are committed to developing and deploying innovative technologies and solutions that are enhancing grid reliability while lowering operating expenses," said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney. "Our members are meeting this critical moment in our industry through smart investments and a continued focus on powering everyday life for the customers and communities we serve."

The winner of the 98th Edison Award will be announced during EEI 2026, EEI's annual conference and thought leadership forum, to be held June 2-4 in Las Vegas.

About the 2026 Edison Award Finalists:

The AES Corporation Strengthening Workplace Safety With Haven Safety AI: The AES Corporation has significantly strengthened workplace safety through its partnership to develop Haven Safety AI. The new AI platform uses safety incident data to generate rapid, evidence-based root cause analysis and identify emerging risks, enabling proactive, corrective actions that enhance operational resilience and support safer, more efficient energy operations.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Improving Reliability Through Automatic Restoration Capabilities: Baltimore Gas and Electric has expanded its auto-restoration system by deploying motor-operated switchgear to underground feeders, enabling faster service restoration and improving reliability for customers. This cost-effective, "self-healing" technology seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure and has helped avoid thousands of service interruptions for customers.

Duke Energy DeBary Hydrogen Production and Storage System: Duke Energy's DeBary Hydrogen Production and Storage System is the nation's first end-to-end facility capable of producing, storing, and combusting up to 100 percent green hydrogen generated from solar energy turning excess solar into stored, on-demand power that strengthens grid reliability and helps keep customer costs as low as possible. In December, DeBary set a world record by generating 50 megawatts using 100 percent green hydrogen combustion, proving the technical feasibility of this approach and setting a new benchmark for the industry.

For a deeper dive into this year's Edison Award finalists, visit ElectricPerspectives.com.