The E.ON Group has reached a significant milestone: At the end of November 2024, the E.ON SE Executive Board, the European Works Council, the Group Works Council and the Group Committee of Executive Representatives agreed on comprehensive guidelines on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in a joint declaration.
Digitization and the advancing development of technology are changing the world of work at a rapid pace. E.ON is aware of this development and has recognized the opportunities and challenges. With the new agreement, the Group underlines its “playmaker” claim in the energy industry and sets standards for the ethical and legally compliant use of AI systems.
Victoria Ossadnik, E.ON Board Member responsible for Digital and Innovation, explains:Â “With this joint declaration, we are setting a new standard for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the company together with our social partners. This agreement enables us to prepare our employees for the future in a targeted manner and to make the best possible use of the potential of AI.”
Guiding principles for the development and use of AI
The implementation of AI systems at E.ON is being carried out with the clear goal of having a lasting positive impact on all segments of its business and supporting employees in their activities. AI-assisted solutions such as predictive maintenance and image analysis are already successfully in use and contribute to the achievement of strategic goals.
The agreement follows a risk-based approach as outlined in the recently adopted AI regulation by the European Union. This regulation aims to regulate the development and deployment of safe and trustworthy AI while protecting the fundamental rights of EU citizens and promoting innovation.
Fostering and utilizing future perspectives
A central element of the agreement is the continuous training and further education of E.ON’s 75,000 employees. Through a comprehensive training program in the field of AI, they are to acquire the necessary competence to use AI systems responsibly and effectively.
Axel Winterwerber, Chairman of the Group Works Council at E.ON, emphasizes:Â “For us, it is important that this technology benefits all colleagues and that we can actively shape its development. Our joint declaration ensures that the use of AI is fair and transparent.”
With this joint declaration, E.ON proves that the responsible use of technology and the promotion of innovation can go hand in hand.