We know the utility industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by sustainability, resilience, and reliability. To navigate these changes effectively, utilities must modernize how they plan, build, and operate their systems. This requires detailed, accurate, and up-to-date information about their networks.
However, it’s more than just amassing information. Best-selling author Adam Grant once quipped, “The future belongs to those who connect dots.”
“The hallmark of expertise is no longer how much you know.
It’s how well you synthesize.
Information scarcity rewarded knowledge acquisition.
Information abundance requires pattern recognition.
It’s not enough to collect facts.
The future belongs to those who connect dots. “
-Adam Grant
Historically, utility data has been siloed, with different departments and systems operating independently in their “silos of excellence.” This fragmented approach won’t cut it. Modern utilities need integrated data models that can widely represent their networks. It’s crucial for several reasons:
Modeling: Many common data techniques were established decades ago before most people had a computer on their desk! Is it any surprise that they are inadequate for modern complexities?
Integrated data models allow for better network representation, enabling more accurate analysis and planning. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the network are considered, leading to more informed decision-making.
Interoperability: Data must be interoperable with other key systems such as Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), Customer Information Systems (CIS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and electrical analysis, planning, and design tools. Interoperability saves time and money while improving outcomes. It ensures that data flows seamlessly across different systems, enabling better coordination and decision-making.
We’ve seen remarkable computing improvements in the last 3–4 years. Picture where we need to be in 3 – 4 more years. Will we still rely on clunky ETL (extract/transform/load data dumps)? I doubt it.
Information Accessibility: Data must be readily available to systems and users across the enterprise. This includes field workers, engineers, executives, and stakeholders. Accessibility ensures that everyone has the information they need, when they need it, to perform their role effectively. This access must extend to any connected or disconnected device to support the dynamic nature of utility operations.
Data Quality: Let’s face it: data quality work just sounds tedious – nobody wants to tackle that!
Quality has to be built-in to make our work more influential and less mundane. To support common workflows, complete and accurate data is a requirement. Incomplete or inaccurate data leads to costly errors, accidents, and inefficiencies. Utilities need reliable information for network planning, maintenance, and operations decisions. Ensuring data quality involves robust governance and validation processes that maintain the integrity and reliability of the network data while minimizing user burden.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are critical in meeting these needs. GIS provides a platform for integrating and visualizing spatial data, enabling utilities to view their networks holistically. One of the leading solutions is the Esri ArcGIS Utility Network.
By adopting the Utility Network, utilities can achieve several benefits:
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Integrated data models and seamless interoperability streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency. This leads to reduced costs and improved service delivery.
Better Decision-Making: Access to complete, accurate, and up-to-date information enables better decision-making. Utilities can make data-driven decisions that optimize network performance and reliability.
Improved Customer Engagement: A comprehensive view of network operations allows utilities to provide better customer service. This includes faster outage response times and more targeted outreach for vital programs.
Increased Resilience: The ability to synthesize data and recognize patterns helps utilities better plan for and respond to disruptions. This increases the grid's resilience and ensures customers have reliable electricity access.
Wrap-up
This is not just about keeping up with technological advancements; it’s about paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future. It’s about connecting the dots.
This is where GIS shines, connecting the network with all types of other data like environmental, demographics, and real-time feeds. GIS reveals these connections.
The ability to synthesize data and recognize patterns is crucial for navigating the forces of change and modernizing utility systems. As Adam Grant aptly said, "It’s not enough to collect facts. The future belongs to those who connect dots."
Energy utilities around the globe, large and small, are already connecting the dots. This complimentary ebook covers more than 25 examples of how and why because nearly every utility workflow involves location.