Unveiling the Future of the Digital Utility Journey with Alan Hope of Duquesne Light Company and Jordan Kincaid of GeoDigital [Power Perspectives Conversations at DISTRIBUTECH 2024]

The 2024 DISTRIBUTECH Conference in Orlando saw utilities and their partners reunite on the exhibit floor, allowing for the coverage of and reflection on successes in the past year. Not only that, but peers elsewhere in the industry who were hoping to catch a glimpse of what some of those successes attained in the past year had the key opportunity to hear from the trailblazers in the sector. What were the lessons learned? What are the pitfalls others should avoid? How can we replicate that success? These are the questions you hear utility leaders, especially, asking at DISTRIBUTECH.

For those who missed the chance to attend DISTRIBUTECH in person, Energy Central has endeavored to bring the insights directly to them. Among the invaluable conversations we had was the interview with Alan Hope, Manager, ADMS Program at Duquesne Light Company (DLC) and Jordan Kincaid, Sales Executive at GeoDigital.

DLC’s recent collaboration with GeoDigital resulted in, perhaps, one of the most accurate and comprehensive GIS connectivity models in the electric utility industry. Together, they successfully integrated DLC’s entire distribution network into the Esri Utility Network model in less than two years. GeoDigital’s methodology allowed DLC to successfully utilize the GIS model to transition from paper products to a digital GIS platform and a new OMS (Outage Management System) coming soon, and they have achieved all of this with minimal errors in their Utility Network dataset.  DLC now boasts a complete asset inventory with highly accurate primary and secondary topology, providing DLC with the foundational technology and model to achieve a critical milestone on the journey to the implementation of an Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS).  

DLC worked with GeoDigital to create their digital network using LiDAR and high-resolution imagery, along with artificial intelligence and virtual inspection processes, to support data conflation and GIS modeling. The Esri Utility Network helped DLC and GeoDigital manage their connectivity more easily and to begin the implementation of advanced applications like OMS and ADMS. Previously, DLC was using manual processes and CAD maps, which made it challenging to use digital tools effectively and integrate with other platforms.  

"We undertook the project to build out the GIS connectivity model and put in a platform that would allow us to be successful with outage management." – Alan Hope (Manager, Grid Modernization Program at DLC)

Against the backdrop of cutting-edge technologies and paradigm shifts being illuminated at Distributech, Hope and Kincaid were gracious enough to join Energy Central in a sit-down Power Perspectives Interview offering insights into their success and how that ties into the future for utilities. Delving deep into the intricacies of the electric utility GIS, connectivity modeling, real-time system data management, and technological integration, DLC’s story provides a roadmap for other utilities to navigate the evolving terrain of emerging ADMS technologies (Distribution Management System, Distributed Energy Resource Management System, and Distributed Energy Resources) and underscores the criticality of GIS accuracy when enabling future grid capabilities.

 

 

Why GIS Data Quality is Foundational to Modern Utilities

DLC is in the midst of a multi-year grid modernization effort to empower OMS, engineering design, and future ADMS technologies like DMS and DERMS. DLC previously relied on historical AutoCAD maps, with limited GIS records, frequently operating and planning day-to-day activities from paper-based maps. To fully utilize advanced distribution technology solutions, DLC first needed to digitize its records and build out its foundational network connectivity model.

Beyond real-time systems, critical foundational workflows within DLC were hindered without an accurate GIS connectivity model, ultimately impacting overall system reliability, distribution design and other critical work management streams including the ability to efficiently dispatch maintenance work orders.

 

DLC’s 3D GIS Field Inventory with GeoDigital

In 2021, DLC used an RFP process to select GeoDigital to deliver 3D GIS Field Inventory results into the Esri Utility Network model – a pioneering approach to GIS connectivity. GeoDigital utilized remote sensing technology to acquire LiDAR data and high-resolution imagery of DLC’s entire service territory using GeoDigital’s proprietary GridMapper data collection platform. The resulting data was then virtually inspected to properly build network connectivity at every pole – combining LIDAR, imagery, and DLC historical data into one fully conflated and extremely accurate data model.

Today, DLC has perhaps one of the most progressive and accurate GIS network models in the industry, fully utilizing the many advantages the Esri Utility Network offers. Over 330,000 poles were virtually inspected to fully and accurately model both primary and secondary networks and properly depict energy flow throughout the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan.

“Based on the initial AMI (Advanced Meter Infrastructure) validation we’ve done, our meter to transformer connectivity appears to be at 99.6% accuracy levels” – Alan Hope (Manager, AMDS Program at DLC)

 

DLC’s ADMS Journey and the Paramount Importance of the Esri Utility Network

Our discussion focused on the role high-fidelity GIS data quality is playing in DLC’s ADMS journey. Hope and Kincaid shed light on the foundational role that GIS systems need to play in the operations of modern, digital utilities.

These upgrades are enabling DLC to launch an Outage Management System, and future phases of their Grid Modernization Program will target ADMS functionality such as DMS and DERMS. These advanced applications are supported and enhanced by a highly accurate GIS model and the Esri Utility Networks functionality enables data quality. The quality of the connectivity model DLC obtained by working with GeoDigital’s innovative technologies and comprehensive methodology is still unique in many ways.

“DLC’s 3D Field Inventory was unprecedented. They were able to effectively utilize this modern approach to GIS connectivity in a way many others have not been able to do yet. The incredible results DLC has seen underscores why this approach is so meaningful.” – Jordan Kincaid (GeoDigital).

 

GeoDigital Highlighting Digital Solutions

DLC evaluated numerous approaches to capturing a connectivity model within Esri’s Utility Network platform and ultimately landed on the utilization of LiDAR and Imagery.

“After first conducting a “boots on the ground” approach we realized the limitations to that process and pivoted leveraging the technology approach to capture a point-in-time model which allowed for the accurate conversion process to occur.” – Alan Hope (Manager, ADMS Program at DLC)

This approach limited the exposure of field crews to typical safety concerns that are encountered during an asset inventory while allowing DLC to utilize the imagery to identify safety and reliability concerns with their assets and quickly respond to those concerns to provide enhanced customer service.

"Indeed, data integrity serves as fundamental to any effective decision-making and operational efficiency. In an industry where the stakes are high and the margin for error is slim, the consequences of flawed data can reverberate far and wide, from compromised network reliability to impaired customer service. Additionally, utilities typically don’t apply the lens of physical safety to data quality, high quality data enables enhanced situational awareness for our crews," emphasizing the criticality of accurate GIS data in ensuring both the safety and reliability when operating utility networks. – Alan Hope (Manager - ADMS Program at DLC)

 

New Tools for the Future: A Virtual Utility Environment Enabled Through GIS and Digital Twins

After completing the 3D Field Inventory, validating the resulting datasets in Esri, and addressing process-related improvements, Hope and Kincaid noted that the future opportunities they plan to collaboratively undertake really were unmatched.

"DLC has such a precise GIS data model now: full connectivity, free of topology errors, subfoot accuracy, and a matching 3D representation of their entire distribution system from the LiDAR and 360-degree high-resolution imagery we captured to facilitate this program." – Jordan Kincaid (GeoDigital)

To unlock that value, DLC and GeoDigital have partnered with Esri to make LiDAR and Imagery available to the DLC user base from within Esri.

"Using Esri, we can deliver content between GeoDigital's Enterprise Esri Server and DLCs. So, our user base can visualize our GIS in 2D in the Utility Network and access within Esri the 3D LiDAR and Imagery representation from GeoDigital’s VUE.360. We chose to partner with GeoDigital and Esri because currently it didn't make sense for us to host all of the data we collected. The infrastructure it takes to serve all of that imagery and LiDAR data to the rest of the organization on demand was a challenge best met by our vendors." – Alan Hope (Manager - Grid Modernization Program at DLC)

In Practice Example of GeoDigital’s Virtual Utility Environment

From there, DLC and GeoDigital find that they are only beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible now having a true digital twin of their entire distribution system. DLC is targeting safety, reliability, and maintenance-related efficiencies using LiDAR and Imagery. In the long term, the teams hope to address more complicated challenges during data refreshments.

“Future data collections will allow us an opportunity to identify and capture changes occurring on DLCs network that current processes might be missing. Alan and I spend a lot of time thinking about how to prevent ‘drift’ in their GIS. It is of such high quality currently, that we want good process and future data collection cycles to prevent degradation of the model. We expect artificial intelligence to greatly accelerate the benefits we can unlock together too." – Jordan Kincaid (GeoDigital)

A notable aspect of the collaboration between DLC and GeoDigital is the transformative impact of the OMS solution and enabling our journey to an ADMS. Hope emphasized the crucial role ADMS will play in tackling longstanding challenges encountered by DLC, particularly in the realms of outage management and optimizing the distribution network. By harnessing the capabilities of ADMS, utilities can achieve enhanced situational awareness, streamline decision-making processes, and optimize resource allocation in response to dynamic operating conditions.

Moreover, the integration of ADMS with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and real-time data analytics holds the promise of unlocking new levels of operational efficiency and resilience. As utilities navigate the complexities of an evolving energy landscape, ADMS emerges as a linchpin in their quest to meet the demands of a digital age while delivering reliable and cost-effective services to customers.

GeoDigital Ready to Connect to the Industry

Innovation Enables DLC to Pioneer the Path Forward

Regardless of which of the latest digital tools are being discussed, both Hope and Kincaid highlighted that the real opportunities have only come into practice through their true collaborative relationships, unlocking the combined expertise of the utility itself and its technology partners.

In particular, these experts discuss that for them to have tackled complex projects like GIS modeling for utilities, they had to truly trust each other as the need for transparent communication, iterative feedback, and a shared understanding of goals between the two partners could not be shortchanged.

“Field Inventories are tremendously difficult projects, and we used a cutting-edge, technological approach to model DLC assets with high accuracy. This required all stakeholders to be deeply committed to and aligned with each other, and the end result was so successful because all parties collaborated to overcome challenges along the way. It’s a testament to the incredible leadership of Alan and the entire DLC team. – Jordan Kincaid (GeoDigital)

The conversation and the insights from Hope and Kincaid underscored the importance of continuous improvement and adapting to future trends in the utility sector. Hope, for example, discussed that “all of this will converge, with AI becoming a tool that’s leveraged as a part of the process” and will include technologies like AI, aggregated imagery, and real-time system data, which all together could lead to enhanced data quality and operational efficiency in utilities as the way things are done transforms.

As another DISTRIBUTECH conference drew to a close, the exciting messages shared by Hope and Kincaid served to demonstrate the value of collaboration. Their expertise on integrating GIS data and digital tools in this way, emphasizing accuracy and thorough preparedness rather than fast-tracking a half-ready solution, should resonate with utility leaders across the industry.

From data quality challenges to the transformative potential of emerging technologies, the path forward is fraught with complexity and uncertainty, but the partnership between DLC and GeoDigital serves as a reminder of how success can be found on this pathway. In the words of Kincaid, “It feels like most utilities have learned to just live with (sometimes high) levels of inaccuracy within the GIS or other operational systems of record, and I don’t understand why. The capability exists to rapidly solve this, and ADMS really requires you to do so."

"Don't just accept what you know is bad data. It can present physical safety and reliability issues." – Alan Hope (Manager - ADMS Program at DLC)

Amidst the challenges lie boundless opportunities for innovation and progress. Through collaborative partnerships, continuous improvement, and a relentless commitment to data governance, utilities can chart a course toward a future defined by efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.