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AI-based threat detection in critical infrastructure: A case study on smart grids

Eze, Esther Chinwe; Durotolu, Grace A; John, Fen Danjuma; Raji, Shakirat O

Abstract

The modernization of electrical power systems through smart grid technologies has introduced unprecedented opportunities for enhanced efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. However, this digital transformation has also expanded the attack surface for cyber threats, making critical infrastructure increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks. This paper examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for threat detection in smart grid systems within the United States context. Through a comprehensive analysis of current deployment scenarios, threat landscapes, and AI-driven security frameworks, this study demonstrates how intelligent systems can enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure. The research presents empirical data from major U.S. utilities, evaluates the effectiveness of various AI algorithms in detecting anomalous behavior, and provides recommendations for implementing robust AI-based security solutions in smart grid environments.

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 Corresponding author: Esther Chinwe Eze Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0. AI-based threat detection in critical infrastructure: A case study on smart grids Esther Chinwe Eze 1, *, Grace A. Durotolu 2, Fen Danjuma John 3 and Shakirat O. Raji 4 1 Information Science, University of North Texas, United States. 2 Computer Science, Troy University, United States. 3 School of Computing, Robert Gordon University, United Kingdom 4 College of Technology, Davenport University, United States. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 Publication history: Received on 04 June 2025; revised on 12 July 2025; accepted on 14 July 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2025.27.1.2655 Abstract The modernization of electrical power systems through smart grid technologies has introduced unprecedented opportunities for enhanced efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. However, this digital transformation has also expanded the attack surface for cyber threats, making critical infrastructure increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks. This paper examines the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for threat detection in smart grid systems within the United States context. Through a comprehensive analysis of current deployment scenarios, threat landscapes, and AI-driven security frameworks, this study demonstrates how intelligent systems can enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure. The research presents empirical data from major U.S. utilities, evaluates the effectiveness of various AI algorithms in detecting anomalous behavior, and provides recommendations for implementing robust AI-based security solutions in smart grid environments. Keywords: Smart Grids; Artificial Intelligence; Threat Detection; Cybersecurity; Critical Infrastructure; Machine Learning; Anomaly Detection 1. Introduction The United States electrical grid serves as the backbone of modern society, supporting everything from residential lighting to industrial manufacturing and critical services. As of 2024, the U.S. power grid consists of over 7,300 power plants, 160,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, and millions of low-voltage distribution lines serving 150 million customers nationwide. The transition from traditional electrical grids to smart grids represents one of the most significant infrastructure modernization efforts in American history, with the Department of Energy investing over $4.5 billion in smart grid projects since 2009. Smart grids integrate advanced digital technologies, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, to create a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable electrical network. These systems enable bidirectional communication between utilities and consumers, real-time monitoring of grid conditions, and automated response to disturbances. However, this increased connectivity and digitization have created new vulnerabilities that traditional security measures are inadequate to address, as highlighted by Alcaraz and Zeadally (2014) in their examination of critical infrastructure protection requirements. The cybersecurity landscape for critical infrastructure has evolved dramatically, with state-sponsored actors, criminal organizations, and hacktivist groups increasingly targeting utility systems. Gunduz and Das (2020) emphasize that the World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 1366 cyber-security threats facing smart grids have become increasingly sophisticated, necessitating advanced countermeasures. Notable incidents include the 2015 and 2016 attacks on Ukraine's power grid, the 2020 SolarWinds supply chain attack affecting multiple U.S. government agencies and utilities, and the 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack that disrupted fuel supplies across the Eastern United States. These attacks demonstrate the critical vulnerability of modern electrical infrastructure to cyber threats. Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies offer promising solutions for enhancing threat detection capabilities in smart grid environments. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data generated by smart grid components, identify patterns indicative of malicious activity, and respond to threats in real-time. This paper examines the current state of AI-based threat detection in U.S. smart grids, evaluates the effectiveness of various approaches, and provides insights into future developments in this critical field. 2. Literature Review The intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in critical infrastructure has gained significant attention in recent years. The application of machine learning approaches to power system security has demonstrated substantial potential for transforming threat detection capabilities. Alimi et al. (2020) conducted a comprehensive review of machine learning approaches to power system security and stability, highlighting how AI technologies can significantly enhance the security posture of electrical grids. Their analysis revealed that machine learning algorithms could achieve remarkable detection accuracies for various types of cyberattacks against power systems. Recent research has focused on the deployment of AI-based intrusion detection systems in utility organizations. Mallidi and Ramisetty (2025) examined advancements in training and deployment strategies for AI-based intrusion detection systems in IoT environments, finding that organizations implementing advanced machine learning techniques experienced significantly fewer successful cyberattacks compared to those relying solely on traditional security measures. This research underscores the practical benefits of integrating AI technologies into utility security frameworks. The development of specialized detection frameworks for smart grid environments has shown particularly promising results. Zhang et al. (2021) developed a semi-supervised deep learning approach for detecting false data injection attacks in smart grids, achieving remarkably low false positive rates. Their work demonstrated that advanced deep learning techniques could effectively identify sophisticated attack patterns while minimizing disruption to normal grid operations. Similarly, Huang et al. (2022) employed attention-aware deep reinforcement learning techniques to detect false data injection attacks, showcasing the potential of advanced AI methodologies in grid security applications. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has been instrumental in developing cybersecurity frameworks for critical infrastructure. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, released in 2024, emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive security measures, which align closely with AI-driven approaches to threat detection (National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2024). This framework provides essential guidance for implementing comprehensive security measures that leverage artificial intelligence capabilities. Privacy-preserving approaches to collaborative threat detection have emerged as a critical area of research. Truong et al. (2021) explored privacy preservation in federated learning from the GDPR perspective, providing insights into maintaining data privacy while enabling collaborative security measures. Building on this foundation, Alazab et al. (2023) demonstrated how federated learning techniques could be applied to enhance privacy-preserving intrusion detection systems. Their findings suggest that federated approaches can improve detection accuracy by 15-20% compared to isolated systems while preserving sensitive operational data, making them particularly valuable for utility organizations that must balance security needs with regulatory compliance requirements. The comprehensive analysis of AI-based approaches in intrusion detection has revealed both opportunities and challenges. Muneer et al. (2024) provided a critical review of artificial intelligence-based approaches in intrusion detection, offering comprehensive analysis of current methodologies and future directions. Their work highlighted the importance of addressing adversarial attacks against machine learning systems, a concern that has become increasingly relevant as AI-based security systems become more widespread. The security of machine learning systems themselves has become a crucial consideration in the deployment of AI-based threat detection. Biggio and Roli (2018) examined wild patterns and adversarial machine learning, highlighting World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 1367 vulnerabilities that could be exploited by sophisticated attackers. Wang et al. (2019) further explored the security of machine learning in adversarial settings, providing a comprehensive survey of potential threats and mitigation strategies. These studies emphasize the need for robust AI systems that can withstand adversarial attacks while maintaining their effectiveness in detecting legitimate threats. The modeling and analysis of cyber-physical attacks on smart grid systems have provided valuable insights into attack vectors and defense strategies. Chen et al. (2011) developed Petri Net models for analyzing cyber-physical attacks on smart grids, offering a framework for understanding the complex interactions between cyber and physical components in modern electrical systems. This work has been instrumental in informing the design of AI-based detection systems that can identify attacks targeting both cyber and physical infrastructure components. Recent developments in smart grid cybersecurity have been comprehensively examined by Achaal et al. (2024), who conducted a thorough study of smart grid cyber-security, examining architectures, communication networks, cyberattacks, and countermeasure techniques. Their research identified key challenges and opportunities for implementing AI-based security measures in smart grid environments, providing a roadmap for future research and development efforts. The application of advanced machine learning techniques to power systems has shown particular promise in the area of false data injection detection. Eseosa and Ikposhi (2021) reviewed machine learning applications to power systems studies, demonstrating the broad applicability of AI technologies across various aspects of power system operation and security. Their work highlighted the potential for machine learning to enhance not only threat detection but also overall system reliability and efficiency. The integration of deep learning techniques with traditional cybersecurity approaches has opened new possibilities for threat detection in smart grids. Chen et al. (2016) explored deep feature extraction and classification techniques using convolutional neural networks, providing foundational insights that have been adapted for cybersecurity applications. Zhang et al. (2019) further developed deep learning-based recommender systems, demonstrating methodologies that can be applied to threat intelligence and security recommendation systems in smart grid environments. This literature review demonstrates that AI-based threat detection in smart grids represents a rapidly evolving field with significant potential for enhancing the security of critical infrastructure. The convergence of advanced machine learning techniques, privacy-preserving technologies, and comprehensive security frameworks provides a foundation for developing robust and effective threat detection systems that can address the evolving cybersecurity challenges facing modern electrical grids. 3. Methodology This study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of cybersecurity incident data, qualitative interviews with industry professionals, and technical evaluation of AI-based threat detection systems. Data collection involved partnerships with five major U.S. utilities representing different geographic regions and serving populations ranging from 500,000 to 5 million customers. The research methodology included several key components: • Data Collection and Analysis: Cybersecurity incident reports from the Department of Homeland Security's Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT) were analyzed for the period 20202024. Additionally, operational data from participating utilities provided insights into the volume and variety of network traffic, system alerts, and detected anomalies. • Algorithm Evaluation: Multiple AI and ML algorithms were evaluated for their effectiveness in detecting various types of cyber threats. These included supervised learning approaches such as random forests and support vector machines, unsupervised methods like isolation forests and clustering algorithms, and deep learning techniques including convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks. • Performance Metrics: The evaluation framework considered multiple performance metrics including detection accuracy, false positive rates, processing latency, and resource utilization. These metrics were assessed under various operational conditions to ensure robustness and practical applicability. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 1368 • Industry Validation: Findings were validated through interviews with cybersecurity professionals from participating utilities, as well as experts from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Electricity Subsector Coordinating Council (ESCC). 4. Smart Grid Architecture and Vulnerabilities 4.1. U.S. Smart Grid Infrastructure The modern smart grid architecture in the United States consists of multiple interconnected layers, each presenting unique security challenges and opportunities for AI-enhanced protection. The hierarchical structure includes generation facilities, transmission networks, distribution systems, and end-user devices, all coordinated through sophisticated communication and control systems. At the generation level, power plants increasingly rely on digital control systems for optimal operation. These systems include distributed energy resources (DER) such as solar installations, wind farms, and battery storage systems. The integration of renewable energy sources has added complexity to grid operations, requiring sophisticated forecasting and control algorithms that themselves can become targets for cyberattacks. The transmission system, operated by independent system operators (ISOs) and regional transmission organizations (RTOs), coordinates the movement of electricity across state and regional boundaries. This level of the grid relies heavily on SCADA systems and energy management systems (EMS) that provide real-time monitoring and control capabilities. The North American Synchrophasor Initiative has deployed over 3,000 phasor measurement units (PMUs) across the U.S. grid, providing unprecedented visibility into system conditions but also creating additional entry points for potential attackers. Distribution systems, managed by local utilities, have undergone significant transformation with the deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), distribution automation systems, and demand response programs. These systems generate enormous amounts of data that can be leveraged for AI-based threat detection but also create a vast attack surface that traditional security measures struggle to protect. 4.2. Threat Landscape Analysis The cybersecurity threat landscape for U.S. smart grids has evolved considerably over the past decade. Analysis of ICSCERT incident reports reveals several key trends in attack patterns and methodologies targeting critical infrastructure. Table 1 Cybersecurity Incidents in U.S. Power Sector (2020-2024) Year Total Incidents Malware Unauthorized Access DoS/DDoS Spear Phishing Other 2020 157 23 45 12 38 39 2021 203 31 62 18 47 45 2022 189 28 58 15 43 45 2023 224 35 71 22 52 44 2024 178* 27 55 16 41 39 *Data through October 2024 The data reveals a concerning trend of increasing sophistication in attack methodologies. While traditional malware attacks remain significant, there has been a notable increase in advanced persistent threats (APTs) and supply chain attacks. The SolarWinds incident of 2020 demonstrated how attackers could compromise multiple utilities through a single software supplier, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern grid infrastructure. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 1369 Figure 1 Evolution of Attack Vectors Against U.S. Smart Grid Infrastructure (2020-2024) State-sponsored threat actors have shown particular interest in critical infrastructure, with groups such as APT33 (Elfin), Dragonfly 2.0, and XENOTIME conducting reconnaissance and attempting to establish persistence within utility networks. These groups often employ sophisticated techniques including zero-day exploits, living-off-the-land attacks, and advanced evasion methods that can bypass traditional signature-based detection systems. The increasing deployment of IoT devices in smart grid environments has created additional vulnerabilities. A study conducted by the Department of Energy in 2023 identified over 2.3 million connected devices across participating utilities, many of which lacked adequate security controls or regular software updates. These devices often serve as initial entry points for attackers seeking to move laterally through utility networks. 5. AI-Based Threat Detection Framework 5.1. Architectural Overview The implementation of AI-based threat detection in smart grid environments requires a comprehensive framework that addresses the unique characteristics and requirements of critical infrastructure systems. The proposed framework consists of multiple layers designed to provide defense in depth while maintaining the operational reliability essential for power system operations. The data ingestion layer collects information from various sources throughout the smart grid infrastructure. This includes network traffic data from communication systems, operational data from SCADA and EMS systems, sensor readings from field devices, and log files from security systems. The heterogeneous nature of this data requires sophisticated preprocessing and normalization techniques to ensure compatibility with downstream AI algorithms. Feature extraction and engineering represent critical components of the framework, as the effectiveness of machine learning algorithms depends heavily on the quality and relevance of input features. Domain expertise in power systems operation is essential for identifying meaningful patterns and relationships that can indicate malicious activity while minimizing false positives that could disrupt normal operations. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 1370 The AI engine layer incorporates multiple algorithms working in concert to detect different types of threats. This ensemble approach leverages the strengths of various techniques while mitigating their individual weaknesses. Realtime processing capabilities ensure that threats can be identified and responded to within acceptable timeframes for critical infrastructure protection. 5.2. Machine Learning Algorithms for Threat Detection The selection and optimization of machine learning algorithms for smart grid threat detection requires careful consideration of the operational environment and specific threat characteristics. Different types of attacks exhibit distinct patterns that may be better detected by particular algorithmic approaches. • Supervised Learning Approaches: These methods require labeled training data containing examples of both normal operations and various attack types. Random forest algorithms have shown particular effectiveness in detecting intrusion attempts, achieving detection rates of 94.2% with false positive rates below 3% in controlled testing environments. Support vector machines demonstrate strong performance in classifying network traffic anomalies, particularly when combined with appropriate kernel functions that can capture nonlinear relationships in high-dimensional data. • Unsupervised Learning Methods: Given the challenge of obtaining comprehensive labeled datasets for all possible attack scenarios, unsupervised approaches play a crucial role in identifying novel or previously unknown threats. Isolation forest algorithms excel at detecting outliers in operational data that may indicate compromise or malicious activity. Clustering techniques can identify groups of similar behaviors and flag deviations from established patterns. • Deep Learning Techniques: Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have demonstrated effectiveness in analyzing network traffic patterns and identifying subtle indicators of compromise that traditional methods might miss. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs), particularly long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, excel at detecting temporal anomalies in time-series data generated by smart grid operations. Table 2 AI Algorithm Performance Comparison for Smart Grid Threat Detection Algorithm Detection Rate (%) False Positive Rate (%) Processing Time (ms) Memory Usage (MB) Random Forest 94.2 2.8 15.3 245 SVM (RBF Kernel) 91.7 3.1 22.7 189 Isolation Forest 87.3 4.2 8.9 156 CNN (1D) 96.1 2.1 45.6 512 LSTM 93.8 2.5 67.2 623 Ensemble Method 97.4 1.8 82.1 1,024 5.3. Real-Time Processing and Edge Computing The implementation of AI-based threat detection in smart grid environments must address the stringent latency requirements of critical infrastructure systems. Power system operations require response times measured in milliseconds for certain protective actions, necessitating edge computing approaches that can process data locally without relying on centralized cloud infrastructure. Edge computing nodes deployed at substations and other critical locations can perform initial threat analysis using lightweight AI models optimized for resource-constrained environments. These systems can identify immediate threats requiring urgent response while forwarding detailed data to centralized systems for more comprehensive analysis. The distributed architecture also provides resilience benefits, ensuring that threat detection capabilities remain operational even if communication links to central facilities are compromised. Federated learning techniques enable these distributed systems to share threat intelligence while maintaining the privacy and security of sensitive operational data. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 1371 6. Case Study Analysis 6.1. Utility Implementation Examples To validate the effectiveness of AI-based threat detection in real-world environments, this study examines implementations at five major U.S. utilities representing different geographic regions and operational characteristics. The participating organizations serve a combined customer base of over 15 million and operate diverse generation portfolios including traditional fossil fuel plants, nuclear facilities, and renewable energy resources. 6.1.1. Case Study 1: Northeast Regional Utility A major northeastern utility serving 3.2 million customers implemented an AI-based threat detection system in 2023 to address increasing cybersecurity concerns related to their advanced metering infrastructure deployment. The utility had completed AMI installation for 98% of their customer base, creating a network of over 3.2 million connected devices generating approximately 1.2 terabytes of data daily. The implemented solution utilized a hybrid approach combining supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms deployed across multiple layers of their network infrastructure. Supervised algorithms trained on historical incident data provided detection capabilities for known attack patterns, while unsupervised methods identified novel anomalies that might indicate previously unknown threats. Results from the first year of operation demonstrated significant improvements in threat detection capabilities. The system identified 847 security incidents, of which 156 were confirmed as genuine threats requiring response. This represented a 73% increase in detected threats compared to their previous signature-based intrusion detection system, while simultaneously reducing false positives by 45%. 6.1.2. Case Study 2: Western Grid Operator A regional transmission organization serving portions of seven western states deployed AI-enhanced situational awareness capabilities to protect their bulk power system operations. The organization operates over 25,000 miles of transmission lines and coordinates the dispatch of more than 80 gigawatts of generation capacity. The AI system processes data from over 1,200 phasor measurement units, weather monitoring stations, and SCADA systems to detect anomalies that might indicate cyberattacks or physical threats. Machine learning algorithms analyze patterns in power flows, voltage profiles, and frequency measurements to identify deviations from expected operating conditions. During a six-month evaluation period, the system successfully identified three sophisticated false data injection attacks that had previously gone undetected by conventional monitoring systems. The attacks involved coordinated manipulation of sensor readings across multiple substations in an apparent attempt to trigger unnecessary line tripping and create cascading outages. 6.2. Performance Metrics and Validation The evaluation of AI-based threat detection systems requires comprehensive metrics that address both cybersecurity effectiveness and operational impact on power system reliability. Traditional cybersecurity metrics such as detection rates and false positive rates must be supplemented with power system-specific measures that account for the critical nature of electrical infrastructure. 6.2.1. Detection Effectiveness Metrics: Primary performance indicators include true positive rates (sensitivity), true negative rates (specificity), and overall accuracy across different threat categories. The participating utilities achieved average detection rates ranging from 91.3% to 97.8% for different types of cyberattacks, with ensemble methods generally outperforming individual algorithms. False positive rates proved particularly critical in the power system environment, as security alerts that interrupt normal operations can have significant economic and reliability impacts. The most successful implementations maintained false positive rates below 2% through careful algorithm tuning and incorporation of power system domain knowledge into feature engineering processes. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 1372 6.2.2. Operational Impact Assessment: Beyond cybersecurity metrics, the evaluation considered the impact of AI systems on normal power system operations. Key measures included processing latency, system resource utilization, and integration complexity with existing operational technology systems. Processing latency averaged less than 100 milliseconds for most detection algorithms, well within acceptable limits for power system applications. However, deep learning approaches required careful optimization to meet these timing constraints, particularly when deployed on edge computing platforms with limited computational resources. Figure 2 Detection Performance Comparison Across Utility Case Studies 6.3. Lessons Learned and Best Practices The case study analysis revealed several critical factors that influence the success of AI-based threat detection implementations in smart grid environments. These insights provide valuable guidance for utilities considering similar deployments. Data Quality and Availability: The effectiveness of machine learning algorithms depends critically on the quality and comprehensiveness of training data. Utilities with well-established data management practices and comprehensive logging systems achieved better results than those with fragmented or incomplete datasets. Investment in data infrastructure and governance proved essential for successful AI implementation. Domain Expertise Integration: The most successful implementations involved close collaboration between cybersecurity professionals and power system engineers. This interdisciplinary approach ensured that AI algorithms could distinguish between malicious activities and normal operational variations that might appear anomalous to purely cybersecurity-focused systems. Operational Technology Integration: Careful consideration of integration with existing operational technology systems proved crucial for deployment success. Legacy SCADA and EMS systems often required specialized interfaces and data translation layers to work effectively with modern AI platforms. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2025, 27(01), 1365-1380 1373 Change Management: Successful implementations required comprehensive training programs for operations staff and clear procedures for responding to AI-generated alerts. Organizations that invested heavily in change management and staff training achieved better adoption rates and more effective threat response capabilities. 7. Technical Implementation Challenges 7.1. Data Integration and Preprocessing The implementation of AI-based threat detection in smart grid environments faces significant technical challenges related to data integration and preprocessing. Smart grid systems generate data from numerous heterogeneous sources, each with different formats, sampling rates, and communication protocols. SCADA systems typically use protocols such as DNP3 and IEC 61850, while AMI systems may employ various wireless communication standards including RF mesh, cellular, and power line communication. The volume and velocity of data generated by modern smart grid systems present additional challenges. A typical utility serving one million customers generates over 500 gigabytes of data daily from AMI systems alone, with additional data streams from transmission monitoring, distribution automation, and customer systems. This data must be processed, normalized, and analyzed in real-time to provide effective threat detection capabilities. Data quality issues compound these challenges, as sensor failures, communication errors, and system maintenance activities can introduce noise and missing values that may be misinterpreted as security threats. Robust preprocessing pipelines must account for these operational realities while preserving the subtle patterns that may indicate malicious activity. Table 3 Data Sources and Characteristics in Smart Grid AI Systems Data Source Volume (GB/day) Update Frequency Protocol Key Parameters SCADA Systems 15-25 2-4 seconds DNP3, IEC 61850 Voltage, current, power flow AMI Networks 500-800 15-60 minutes RF Mesh, Cellular Energy usage, meter status PMU Systems 50-100 30-60 Hz IEEE C37.118 Phasor measurements Weather Stations 5-10 5-15 minutes Modbus, HTTP Temperature, wind, solar Network Logs 100-200 Continuous Syslog, SNMP Traffic patterns, errors Security Events 20-50 Continuous CEF, STIX/TAXII Alerts, incidents 7.2. Scalability and Performance Optimization The scalability requirements for AI-based threat detection in smart grid environments are substantial, as systems must accommodate millions of connected devices and process terabytes of data while maintaining real-time response capabilities. Traditional centralized approaches face limitations in terms of bandwidth, latency, and computational resources, necessitating distributed architectures that can scale effectively with grid modernization efforts. Edge computing architectures have emerged as a promising solution, enabling local processing of critical data streams while reducing communication overhead and improving response times. However, edge deployment introduces additional challenges related to resource constraints, device management, and security of distributed computing nodes. Model optimization techniques play a crucial role in achieving acceptable performance on resource-constrained edge devices. Techniques such as model pruning, quantization, and knowledge distillation can reduce computational requirements while maintaining detection accuracy. 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