A new search feature, chatbot, or agent seems to arrive by the hour — make no mistake, the world of consulting (among many others!) is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). From streamlining operations to enhancing decision-making, AI is reshaping how consulting firms approach their work. In particular, grant writing, a traditionally niche and labor-intensive process, stands to benefit significantly from AI’s capabilities.
By reducing costs and improving efficiency, TRC is poised to redefine how the commercial transportation market, and across the energy space more broadly, uses grant writing services, even at a time of significant change in the federal and state funding landscapes. We recognize though that this transformation is not without risks –data security, hallucinations, information management, and more. OEMs, fleets, infrastructure providers, and utilities alike must navigate these AI integration and funding challenges simultaneously and, with TRC’s support and leadership, carefully maximize the benefits while mitigating the risks inherent with the technology.
TRC Drives Multi-Faceted Benefits by Integrating AI in Grant Writing
AI is an exceptional automation tool, significantly reducing the time and labor required for repetitive tasks like data collection, proofreading, and budgeting. Indeed, TRC has led the vanguard integrating AI into its energy advisory services – the most impactful approaches have been in predictive maintenance, energy theft detection, real-time data collection and analysis, power outage predications, and customer experience optimization.
One aspect of AI use that is gaining more prominence is in the domain of grant writing. Though it would be easy to point to a large language model (LLM) to build out large amounts of narrative, that is merely the tip of the iceberg as it pertains to AI’s potential uses. AI tools can scan the digital landscape for updates on key funding programs, digest funding agencies’ requests for proposals to create draft frameworks for applications, create an agentic presence to attract interested funding partners, and create and complete templatized reporting and compliance reports.
Further, AI algorithms enhance accuracy and quality, as they can analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that human consultants might overlook. In grant writing, this means proposals can be tailored more precisely to meet funders’ requirements, increasing the likelihood of success. AI tools can also ensure compliance with formatting and submission guidelines, reducing the risk of administrative errors that too often lead to application disqualification.
Importantly though, AI should be seen as the instrument, not the musician — hand a child a Stradivarius and you can’t expect a symphony. Similar, AI’s efficacy and efficiency are ultimately determined by the expertise of the team using it. AI can be used to handle larger volumes of work without compromising quality, like simultaneously drafting multiple grant proposals or analyzing multiple funding opportunities. The challenges come to light when all that power is directed by a user that lacks proven expertise.
Keeping a Hand on the Wheel: Navigating AI’s Inherent Risks
While AI excels at automation, we have seen firsthand that it lacks the nuanced understanding and emotional intelligence required to craft compelling narratives in grant proposals — in other words, AI loses the human touch required to reliably and repeatedly secure grant awards. Overreliance on AI could result in proposals that feel impersonal or fail to resonate with funders. It therefore becomes critical to have AI tools in the hands of grant writing experts, as TRC does — we’ve secured more than $2.5 billion in grant funding and have served in multiple advisory roles at federal, state, and local grant funding programs.
Risks also present themselves in the form of data security and workflow integration. AI systems often require access to sensitive client data to function effectively. Without robust security measures, this data could be vulnerable to breaches, posing significant risks to both clients and consulting firms. Similarly, as firms integrate AI into their workflows, there is a risk of becoming overly dependent on technology. If systems fail or produce inaccurate results, it could disrupt operations and damage client relationships.
The Future of Incentives Services and AI Integration
As AI continues to evolve, its role in professional services will expand, driving innovation and efficiency across industries. In grant writing, AI will become a standard tool, enabling firms to deliver faster, more accurate, and cost-effective solutions. However, the human element will remain critical, as consultants must balance AI’s capabilities with the creativity and empathy required to connect with clients and funders.
Looking ahead, the professional services landscape will be characterized by hybrid models that combine AI-driven automation with human expertise. For us at TRC, we have and will continue to embrace the change to be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. The integration of AI in grant writing represents a significant opportunity for us to deliver improved outcomes at more efficient rates in higher volumes — an ideal confluence of solutions for our clients. TRC will navigate the challenges carefully to ensure that AI enhances, rather than replaces, the human touch that defines professional services.
TRC Companies can help you integrate AI technology into your utility business to ensure you can keep up with the rapid changes in the industry. Digitalization is likely essential for the future of commercial transportation and indeed the electric industry writ large, making it critical to implement AI and machine learning technology to increase efficiency and keep costs low.
TRC Companies can help you use AI to drive insights to inform your business practices, from customer usage to asset maintenance. Our technology partners and expertise in utility networks can help you revolutionize how you do business. Contact us today to learn how we can help you take advantage of AI in the transportation, utility, and energy industries.
