Checking In with Energy Central Expert: Matt Zimmerman, VP of Operations at UDC

As utilities continue to modernize their operations and embrace digital transformation, the convergence of geospatial intelligence, engineering design, and operational data has never been more important. Few understand that intersection better than esteemed member of the Energy Central Network of Experts, Matt Zimmerman. As Vice President of Operations at UDC, Matt leads the firm’s Systems Integration and Digital Design & Construction services. With more than two decades of experience in geospatial utility solutions, Matt has built a career helping utilities bridge the gap between complex systems, streamline workflows, and unlock the full value of their data.

In this annual Expert Check In interview, Matt reflects on how far the GIS space has come, from early systems of record to today’s modern and integrated “systems of systems.” In this conversation, he shares insights on the growing importance of spatial data in utility planning and operations, the leadership lessons he’s learned guiding teams across technology and engineering, and the opportunities he sees ahead as utilities embrace digitalization and interoperability.

Read on to dive into the broader dialogue on the future of utility innovation.

Matt Chester: Let's make sure to introduce you to our audience generally first: can you share what your current role is and what was the journey you took to get into this place working in the utility sector? 

Matt Zimmerman: Hi, and thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this community. My current role at UDC is Vice President of Operations, leading our Systems Integration Service. We provide a variety of services to utilities, generally focused on GIS and energy delivery systems.

Coming to the utility sector started with a lucky opportunity to join a small engineering and software firm called Miner and Miner. I spent nearly 20 years working on the software technology side of the utilities, specifically in the asset design and construction space. I was quite fortunate to join a Project Management team which allowed me to travel globally, visiting countless utilities, and to learn about their workflows, operations, and most importantly—the people. The chance to learn straight from the source was invaluable. It was clear early on that utilities are very unique from other businesses in how they operate and regulate themselves and, even among utilities, they are each quite unique.

MC: You’ve spent much of your career working with geospatial utility solutions — how have you seen this space evolve over the last two decades from where it started? And how have you observed the more recent changes in the past 1-3 years? 

MZ: This space has evolved significantly over the last two decades, especially from a technology perspective. We’ve witnessed the transformation of GIS from a system of records to a system of engagement, and now to a system of systems around IT\OT convergence. The advent of cloud, mobile technology, and big data has enabled utilities to share their data more easily and become more effective in delivering their commodities.

In the past three years, there has been a considerable shift towards newer networking technologies, such as cloud, and the integration of geospatial data with large operational models. It’s been incredible to be a part of the work UDC is doing to connect GIS with large control room and design operations, as well as construction systems. Data interoperability is also something I’m starting to see develop through digitalization projects.

MC: How do you see the role of data — particularly spatial data — expanding in the planning and operations of utilities?

MZ: Data is king. It’s a key currency. Spatial data, in particular, plays such an important role in how utilities govern themselves and manage their operations and assets. Utilities are relying more and more on real-time data to make informed decisions, ensure employee safety, generate appropriate revenues, and approach regulatory requirements in innovative ways.

That in-house knowledge of how the grid or pressure systems are laid out can be lost as employees leave or retire. That’s where the digital data thread becomes so important. And so, we see data, good accurate data I should say, becoming critical to fuel better decision-making and enable utilities to build better models that can incorporate automation.

MC: What leadership lessons have you learned managing teams that sit at the intersection of technology, engineering, and operations?  

MZ: I have learned that it truly takes a dynamic team of individuals to run any sort of operation. The more trust that team has in each other and in their leadership, the more that team is going to consistently achieve their goals and the better the utility is going to operate.

MC: What are you excited about when it comes to becoming a part of the Energy Central Community? What value do you hope to bring to your peers and what are you hoping you’ll get out from it personally?

MZ: Energy Central provides a great platform for UDC to share its voice. We’re excited to continue sharing things we’ve learned that we believe are meaningful and impactful to the utility community. We enjoy bringing utilities together, and we’re excited to be part of a platform that brings together different perspectives.