From Shadow AI to Scale with Meko ElMekawy: How enercity transforms internal AI adoption into a scalable operating model (#039)

In this episode, Anne Schlösser speaks with Meko ElMekawy about how
Enercity is successfully driving an AI transformation within a
regulated environment and what it takes to scale "Shadow AI" into a
structured, company-wide operating model. The conversation centers
on Enercity’s "AI Factory" approach, which treats initiatives like
a venture portfolio with varying risk levels to drive internal
innovation. Meko shares how a baseline survey revealed a massive
"Shadow AI" adoption—including the discovery of 400 autonomous
agents—which triggered a strategic shift from strict control to
transparency and alignment. Using concrete examples like a "Google
Maps for utility planning" to optimize infrastructure routes and an
"AI Buddy" designed to capture retiring expert knowledge, the
dialogue illustrates how AI acts as a key accelerator for the
energy transition. Meko explains how framing AI as an operating
model and partnering early with the Works Council converts
skepticism into high adoption rates, achieving over 90% active
usage for tools like Copilot. Finally, he outlines the pragmatic
"build vs. buy" decision framework and offers a future vision where
AI becomes invisible, critical infrastructure—just like electricity
itself. About the Guest Meko ElMekawy leads the AI transformation
at Enercity, a major German utility provider supplying energy to
hundreds of thousands of households. With a clear mission to scale
AI as an essential part of the company's infrastructure, he focuses
on combining technical innovation with cultural change management
to empower a workforce of over 3,000 employees.