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Industry: Gas Utilities

AI Can Transform Utility Operations—and These Steps Will Help Prepare Your Data for the Shift

Posted on by Ciara Tobin

The demand for more power—delivered reliably, safely, and with resilience—has never been greater. The growth in cloud computing and electrification is fueling demand dramatically, while extreme weather and cyberthreats are placing the grid at higher risk.

Amidst this unprecedented change, utilities are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) as powerful strategic weapons. An IBM study found that three-quarters of energy companies have implemented artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations or are exploring the idea.

Impactful use cases for AI and ML in utility operations abound. For example, these technologies can predict asset failures, analyze vegetation for heightened fire risk, detect cyber threats, improve demand forecasting based on patterns, reduce unplanned downtime, improve field crew productivity through smarter scheduling, and optimize the grid based on historical use, consumption trends, weather forecasts, and other critical information. AI is especially adept at analyzing massive volumes of data—a capability which utilities can use to spot trends that warrant action and make the most informed decisions.

Data holds the key to turning AI into an operational advantage, but siloed legacy systems and disparate data sources create formidable obstacles for utilities. The following steps can improve data preparedness for utilities that are ready to transform their operations with AI-enabled applications.

Unify Your Data Sources  

An effective utility operation depends on data from many sources, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), outage management systems (OMS), and the geographic information systems (GIS) that provide a complete view of the grid and utility network. Utilities are also operating asset management, work management, and customer information systems that may not integrate with each other—along with smart grid devices and IoT devices.

Given this complicated web of systems and data sources, it’s imperative for utilities to unify their data, integrate systems in real time, and create a single source of truth about network assets. This step is critical to leveraging AI-powered tools and solutions to their fullest.

Develop a Data Management Strategy

Another vital step in preparing for this transformation is the development of strategies for aggregating and managing the data AI will rely on to improve utility operations.  This can include meter data, historical data on grid and network performance, microgrid and islanding data, distributed energy resource (DER) data, and many other types.

Utility data management is a complex undertaking that involves tasks such as these, at a minimum:

  • Implementing a data warehouse solution ideally suited to handling utility-specific data
  • Developing data integration strategies for microgrid controllers and third-party applications
  • Establishing data-sharing protocols with DER owners and aggregators
  • Developing the necessary data infrastructure to support microgrid management and islanding operations
  • Creating a wide variety of data models, including those that enable microgrid performance analysis and optimization and others that integrate various DER types
  • Establishing scalable storage, archiving and retrieval processes for a high volume of data, along with retention policies that balance the need for historical data with the associated costs

Several specific data types require additional data management considerations. For example:

  • The proliferation of intelligent grid sensors and IoT devices requires edge computing strategies that support data streaming for real-time monitoring and integrate weather, satellite, and other data to improve resilience, while maintaining governance.
  • Gas pipeline integrity management demands the ability to consolidate inspection, maintenance, and risk management data, create quality standards for pipeline material and installation data, and facilitate the required regulatory reporting.
  • Gas demand forecasting and supply management requires effective management of historical consumption, weather, and market data, along with access to real-time gas flow monitoring and balancing information and reliable meter readings.

Ensure Data Quality and Integrity

AI algorithms demand high-quality, consistent data. Before adding AI-enabled tools and solutions, consider implementing measures for validating data on transformers, pipelines, and other assets in real time, and establishing data quality metrics specific to utility operations.

GIS data is especially vital to effective field operations, allowing utilities to model and analyze the network with accuracy. So it’s vital to implement processes that ensure GIS data is always accurate and keep data consistent across GIS and other systems. As utilities incorporate increasingly advanced geospatial data from sources like LiDAR (light detection and ranging), it’s equally important to develop strategies for integrating this information while maintaining its integrity.

Shore Up Data Governance

Operating in a highly regulated industry demands attention to data monitoring, control, and governance to ensure compliance. That’s why any strategy for incorporating AI into the utility’s operations must be grounded in a sound data governance approach.

Automated reporting mechanisms, strict data quality controls, and complete audit trails can facilitate timely and accurate regulatory submissions. It’s also critical to define ownership for every data utility type data, develop clear data standards and naming conventions, and implement catalog solutions customized to your data types and use cases. A cross-functional data governance committee that spans operational functions is vital to data stewardship.

Enhance Data Analytics for Better Operational Intelligence

A wide range of data analytics can enhance operations, providing a window into key functions like predictive maintenance, energy demand and load forecasting, demand response, and outage management. AI initiatives are more effective when the utility is better prepared to leverage these metrics.

Before moving ahead with AI full-steam, utilities should take measures such as these to improve their data analytics capabilities:

  • Aggregate and consolidate asset performance, load, weather, outage, grid topology, pricing, and operational data, along with maintenance records
  • Develop data pipelines that facilitate real-time asset health monitoring and demand response program data integration
  • Create data feeds and pipelines for real-time power outage management and restoration, along with dynamic load forecasting and pricing
  • Implement data streaming mechanisms that improve real-time grid and network monitoring, factoring in SCADA, grid sensor, and grid state estimation data
  • Integrate real-time pricing data with customer systems, while leveraging data to facilitate timely customer notification

Epoch Solutions Group: The Partner that Helps Prepare Your Data for AI

Preparing your data to leverage the power and value of AI is a complex effort. That’s why leading electric and gas utilities partner with the industry specialists at Epoch Solutions Group.

We help utilities prepare for the AI transformation through our industry-leading technology solutions and unrivaled capabilities:

  • The EpochField map-first mobile workforce management platform empowers your utility to digitally transform, automate, and streamline field service operations. This single application improves all field workflows and facilitates geospatially enabled back-office scheduling, work type authoring, and work order creation. Available on premise or as a SaaS solution, it’s the foundation you need for AI-ready data—simplifying data integration while ensuring quality and fidelity.
  • The EpochSync Pro tool synchronizes data between Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases—providing a flexible, scalable way to integrate data across multiple geospatial systems with consistency and reliability.
  • The Epoch UN Blueprint provides a structured process to speed and streamline your transition to the geospatially enabled Esri Utility Network, setting a foundation to implement AI technologies effectively across the operation.
  • With extensive expertise in geospatial software implementation, Epoch Solutions Group delivers valuable insights on managing and integrating the geospatial data that’s critical to utility-specific AI applications.
  • Our focus on the utility industry affords our team the knowledge and experience to offer tailored solutions that help prepare your data to leverage AI in utility operations.

Building the foundation to facilitate AI implementation is critical for electric and gas utilities that are ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing industry and future-proof their operations. By leveraging Epoch Solutions Group’s deep industry expertise and purpose-built technology solutions, you can create an AI-ready data infrastructure, accelerate your AI transformation, and position your organization for long-term success.

Contact an Epoch Solutions Group sales consultant or visit our website to learn more.

Technology’s Vital Role in Navigating Utility Asset Management Regulations in Australia and New Zealand

Posted on by Ciara Tobin

Utilities across the globe face significant challenges as they work to maintain regulatory compliance and achieve the operational excellence required to provide safe, reliable power in a volatile world. In Australia and New Zealand, electric and gas utilities must comply with a wide range of regulations that impact asset management, while evolving to meet aggressive climate change goals. The right technology can help leading utilities achieve both objectives.

Utilities Face a Demanding Regulatory Landscape

A complex web of regulations that impact safety, operations, and environmental protection all greatly influence how utilities in Australia and New Zealand manage field assets.

  • The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) guidelines cover various operational issues that impact electric utility asset management—from network reliability, efficiency, and performance, to pricing, revenue, and consumer protection.
  • The New Zealand Electricity Authority Regulations serve a similar purpose, providing guidance on grid reliability standards, establishing protocols for outage reporting and management, requiring asset management plan disclosure, and establishing an Electric Industry Participation Code.
  • On the safety front, AS 5577 sets electricity network safety management system requirements designed to ensure the safe design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of utility networks. The standard spans a range of requirements, from maintaining assets to ensure network integrity to using proactive vegetation management to mitigate brushfire risk. Similarly, NZS 7901 provides guidance on safety management systems for electric and gas utilities in New Zealand, with the goal of protecting residents and their properties.
  • For gas utilities, AS/NZS 4645 aims to ensure gas distribution networks operate safely and reliably by providing a risk-based framework for network management and requirements that span the network’s lifecycle, including design, materials, construction, testing, and commissioning. AS 2885 sets safety standards specific to pipeline design, construction, inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance.
  • The New Zealand Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 focuses on the safety of gas distribution systems, gas at the point of supply to consumers, and gas installations, as well as odorization and pressure management.

Along with meeting Trans-Tasman utility standards, Australian and New Zealand energy regulations, and the requirements of the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), utilities in these regions are evolving to attain climate change goals. With both the Australian and New Zealand governments setting a target of net zero emissions by 2050, utilities are transforming rapidly to ensure a smooth transition. Whether they’re undertaking renewable energy projects, implementing carbon capture initiatives, or supporting the demand for electric vehicle charging, they’re adapting their operations in ways that will demand more effective field asset management, better leak detection and repair approaches, and more sustainable pipeline management.

In addition to complying with these regulations, utilities in Australia and New Zealand are continually measuring their effectiveness against industry-standard reliability metrics to ensure optimal uptime and superior service. These metrics include the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), which measures the number of hours an average customer experiences non-momentary power interruptions over the course of a year, and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), which measures power interruption frequency.

Asset Management is Further Taxed in an Evolving Industry

Beyond complying with numerous regulatory requirements and meeting industry reliability standards, utilities in Australia and New Zealand are battling other obstacles that make asset lifecycle management more critical, yet more challenging.

  • Aging infrastructure creates financial and operational demands, including the need to invest in and prioritize asset maintenance and replacement and to deploy effective strategies that balance asset life extension with high performance.
  • Renewable energy demand is forcing utilities to modernize the grid to accommodate bidirectional power flows from clean energy sources, and to improve energy demand forecasting and load management.
  • Cybersecurity risks continue to grow as a smarter grid makes utilities more vulnerable to attack, requiring investments in better infrastructure protection, data privacy compliance approaches, and cyberattack response and reporting mechanisms.

A Digitized Field Service Management Platform Addresses These Challenges

As electric and gas utilities in Australia and New Zealand grapple with the difficulties of complying with stringent regulations governing safety, reliability, and environmental protection, improving field asset management becomes a must. A modern, map-first field service management platform can help utilities meet rigorous regulatory requirements while achieving the operational excellence it takes to thrive in an evolving environment.

The following asset management system capabilities greatly simplify the many operational tasks involved in maintaining compliance:  

  • Geospatial Asset Tracking. It takes accurate tracking and traceability to comply with mandated reporting requirements. A modern field workforce management solution with digital as-built capabilities enables utilities to gain real-time visibility into their assets network-wide, deliver the necessary attribute management documentation, and maintain a complete audit trail of historical asset information.
  • Real-time Data Synchronization. Accurate data is critical to demonstrating compliance, yet most utilities use multiple, disparate systems that complicate data management. The right asset management solution shares GIS and other data across multiple applications in real time, notifies operations staff of potential regulatory issues, and automates compliance reporting—improving efficiency while ensuring data integrity. Additionally, a data migration tool like EpochSync Pro enables utilities to overcome the hurdles of getting GIS data into the correct format, so they can leverage the benefits of GIS technology using platforms like the Esri ArcGIS Utility Network. EpochSync Pro seamlessly synchronizes data bidirectionally and accurately between Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases.
  • Regulatory Updates and Guidance. A vendor that provides a modern asset management platform will monitor the landscape for regulatory changes and update the system as needed, relieving the burden from the utility’s staff. The vendor will also offer compliance best practices gleaned across many similar organizations.

While regulatory compliance is a chief objective for utilities in Australia and New Zealand, it’s equally important to leverage technology that positions the organization to evolve in response to new demands. Utilities are discovering that a modern field asset management platform can help them future-proof their operations, gain agility, and improve efficiency. Capabilities like the following are must-haves for utilities committed to these goals:

  • Mobile Functionality. Today’s mobile utility workforce needs robust, easy-to-use applications that streamline asset inspection, maintenance, and repair. A map-centric asset management system provides mobile apps and digital forms that speed and simplify tasks, with offline capabilities that ensure the solution is always accessible and the work continues uninterrupted.
  • Predictive Maintenance Analytics. A digitized asset management system helps keep utilities operating reliably by using advanced analytics to predict asset failures, optimize maintenance, and inform strategies for reducing risk.
  • Features that Improve Grid Resilience and Reliability. With climate-related risks on the rise, utilities need a field service management platform that improves infrastructure reliability and resilience in the face of frequent and severe storms, droughts, and other extreme weather. A solution that integrates distributed energy resources, enhances outage management, and speeds outage response is invaluable in this environment.

EpochField: The Solution of Choice for Utilities in Australia and New Zealand

As electric and gas utilities in Australia and New Zealand grapple with complex regulations, stringent climate change mandates, and numerous operational challenges, they recognize that the right technology will position them to meet the demands effectively. Many are finding the solution in EpochField.

EpochField is a map-centric, geospatial-based platform that provides the robust capabilities a utility needs to stay compliant and resilient, deliver power reliably and safely, and meet the growing demand for sustainable power. This scalable, configurable solution provides real-time asset visibility, streamlines field operations, simplifies data management, and improves staff efficiency, while making it easier to maintain compliance amidst a complicated regulatory landscape.

EpochField is the flagship product of Epoch Solutions Group, dedicated to equipping utilities to achieve operational excellence, sustainable growth, and regulatory compliance. We become a true partner to your business, combining our deep utility industry expertise with an innovative, purpose-built solution that meets the demands of electric and gas utilities.

When you choose EpochField, you gain both a solution and a partner that will help your utility meet today’s regulatory and operational challenges and keep you agile and prepared to tackle whatever tomorrow brings.

Contact an Epoch sales consultant to learn how our field service management solution can help your utility maintain compliance and achieve operational excellence. Or visit our Utility Operations Resource Center for insights and resources from the utility experts at Epoch Solutions Group.

2025 Esri User Conference

JULY 14-18, 2025 | SAN DIEGO, CA

Visit with Epoch Solutions Group in Booth #912

Join Epoch Solutions Group in booth #912 for the 2025 Esri User Conference, the world’s largest GIS conference. Join us in discovering new opportunities to streamline your utility field operations with EpochField, leveraging GIS technology and Esri.

Schedule a demo with one of our solution engineers to learn about implementing the best-in-class utility field service software.

Demo Date Demo Time
Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

With EpochField, Learn How to:

  • Leverage real-time insights to take control of your scheduling and dispatching.
  • Manage your workforce on the go with Mobile Workforce Management.
  • Plan, track, and manage your work orders and field service workforce—from the field to the back office.
  • Capture operational data for coordinated asset management, automation, and visibility at all times.

With EpochSync Pro, Learn How to:

  • Synchronize data between Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases.
  • Define custom mappings for the development of hybrid data models and attribute manipulation.
  • Transition your team with minimal training.
  • Leverage industry-standard development languages such as .NET, Java and Objective C to build applications on Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

With EpochUN Blueprint, Learn How to:

  • Accelerate Your Migration: Quickly implement the Esri ArcGIS Utility Network with a structured, step-by-step approach, reducing time to productivity.
  • Leverage Certified Expertise: Benefit from the guidance of Esri-certified professionals who have successfully deployed numerous large-scale Utility Network projects.
  • Utilize Industry-Specific Models: Rely on tailored data models designed specifically for the utility industry to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Integrate Multiple Data Sources: Seamlessly migrate from various data sources, like Smallworld and Esri geometric networks, using EpochSync Pro or other tools.

2025 AGA Operations Conference & Biennial Exhibition

MAY 4-8, 2025 | AURORA, COLORADO

Visit with Epoch Solutions Group in Booth #601

Join Epoch Solutions Group in booth #601 for the 2025 AGA Operations Conference & Biennial Exhibition to explore our innovative software solutions for the natural gas industry.

The annual AGA Operations Conference is the natural gas industry’s premier gathering of natural gas utility and transmission company operations management from across North America and the world for the sharing of technical knowledge, ideas and practices to promote the safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of natural gas to the end-user. The Operations Conference is AGA’s largest forum with regularly more than 900 operations management in attendance, including 100 speakers, and over 100 technical presentations that run the gamut of topics, such as gas measurement, operations advocacy, safety, environment, storage, engineering, construction and maintenance, gas control, supplemental gas, corrosion control and piping materials.

Schedule a demo with one of our solution engineers to learn about implementing the best-in-class utility field service software.

Demo Date Demo Time
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday, May 8th, 2025 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

With EpochField, Learn How to:

  • Leverage real-time insights to take control of your scheduling and dispatching.
  • Manage your workforce on the go with Mobile Workforce Management.
  • Plan, track, and manage your work orders and field service workforce—from the field to the back office.
  • Capture operational data for coordinated asset management, automation, and visibility at all times.

With EpochSync Pro, Learn How to:

  • Synchronize data between Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases.
  • Define custom mappings for the development of hybrid data models and attribute manipulation.
  • Transition your team with minimal training.
  • Leverage industry-standard development languages such as .NET, Java and Objective C to build applications on Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

With EpochUN Blueprint, Learn How to:

  • Accelerate Your Migration: Quickly implement the Esri ArcGIS Utility Network with a structured, step-by-step approach, reducing time to productivity.
  • Leverage Certified Expertise: Benefit from the guidance of Esri-certified professionals who have successfully deployed numerous large-scale Utility Network projects.
  • Utilize Industry-Specific Models: Rely on tailored data models designed specifically for the utility industry to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Integrate Multiple Data Sources: Seamlessly migrate from various data sources, like Smallworld and Esri geometric networks, using EpochSync Pro or other tools.

2025 Esri International Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference

APRIL 9-11, 2025 | FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Visit with Epoch Solutions Group in Booth #124

Join Epoch Solutions Group in booth #124 at the 2025 Esri International Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference to learn about our products and services. Move your organization’s location intelligence forward with GIS and connect with professionals from across industries, such as architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC); electric, gas, and district energy; telecommunications; transportation; and water.

Demo Date Demo Time
Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday, April 10th, 2025 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, April 11th, 2025 9:00 AM - 12:45 PM

With EpochField, Learn How to:

  • Leverage real-time insights to take control of your scheduling and dispatching.
  • Manage your workforce on the go with Mobile Workforce Management.
  • Plan, track, and manage your work orders and field service workforce—from the field to the back office.
  • Capture operational data for coordinated asset management, automation, and visibility at all times.

With EpochSync Pro, Learn How to:

  • Synchronize data between Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases.
  • Define custom mappings for the development of hybrid data models and attribute manipulation.
  • Transition your team with minimal training.
  • Leverage industry-standard development languages such as .NET, Java and Objective C to build applications on Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

With EpochUN Blueprint, Learn How to:

  • Accelerate Your Migration: Quickly implement the Esri ArcGIS Utility Network with a structured, step-by-step approach, reducing time to productivity.
  • Leverage Certified Expertise: Benefit from the guidance of Esri-certified professionals who have successfully deployed numerous large-scale Utility Network projects.
  • Utilize Industry-Specific Models: Rely on tailored data models designed specifically for the utility industry to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Integrate Multiple Data Sources: Seamlessly migrate from various data sources, like Smallworld and Esri geometric networks, using EpochSync Pro or other tools.

DISTRIBUTECH® 2025

MARCH 24-27, 2025 | DALLAS, TEXAS

Visit with Epoch Solutions Group in Booth #4902

Join Epoch Solutions Group in booth #4902 for DISTRIBUTECH® 2025 to learn about the latest challenges and opportunities shaping the energy sector. Visit us to discover how our solutions can help address your unique needs and drive success.

DISTRIBUTECH® is the premier annual event for transmission and distribution, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that power our homes and businesses. Explore the latest in electricity delivery automation, energy efficiency, and demand response. Dive into distributed energy resource management, renewable energy, smart cities, and EVSE interconnection. Discover advancements in resiliency and reliability, advanced metering, and T&D system operations. Uncover the latest in communication technologies, cybersecurity, and sustainability.

Our focus is on delivering unmatched value, fostering lasting connections, and addressing the evolving needs of our attendees and exhibitors. Don’t miss our presentation, Empowering Utility Field Operations with EpochField: A Connected Mobile Workforce Solution. We’ll be presenting on Tuesday, March 25th from 1 pm – 1:30 pm and again on Wednesday, March 26th from 1:30 pm – 2 pm.

Schedule a demo with one of our solution engineers to learn about implementing the best-in-class utility field service software.

Esri's Demo Theater Schedule
Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Demo Date Demo Time
Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, March 27th, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

With EpochField, Learn How to:

  • Leverage real-time insights to take control of your scheduling and dispatching.
  • Manage your workforce on the go with Mobile Workforce Management.
  • Plan, track, and manage your work orders and field service workforce—from the field to the back office.
  • Capture operational data for coordinated asset management, automation, and visibility at all times.

With EpochSync Pro, Learn How to:

  • Synchronize data between Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases.
  • Define custom mappings for the development of hybrid data models and attribute manipulation.
  • Transition your team with minimal training.
  • Leverage industry-standard development languages such as .NET, Java and Objective C to build applications on Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

With EpochUN Blueprint, Learn How to:

  • Accelerate Your Migration: Quickly implement the Esri ArcGIS Utility Network with a structured, step-by-step approach, reducing time to productivity.
  • Leverage Certified Expertise: Benefit from the guidance of Esri-certified professionals who have successfully deployed numerous large-scale Utility Network projects.
  • Utilize Industry-Specific Models: Rely on tailored data models designed specifically for the utility industry to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Integrate Multiple Data Sources: Seamlessly migrate from various data sources, like Smallworld and Esri geometric networks, using EpochSync Pro or other tools.

Dominion Energy Selects EpochField to Improve Field Inspections and Maintenance with Accessible, Reliable GIS Data

Project Summary

Project Type:

Implementation of SaaS-based EpochField GIS mapping for users across eight locations, followed soon by integration with the SAP enterprise system to support work order management.

Number of Customers: 

About 6 million

Applications:

To equip line workers with easy access to reliable GIS data on field assets and access roads, facilitating inspections, maintenance, and emergency response work.

Solutions Implemented:

EpochField Work Management, EpochField Mobile, EpochField Workflow Builder, and EpochField Administrator

Member Benefits:

Access up-to-date GIS data in the field, with or without Internet connectivity

Obtain and log accurate details about available access roads

Breadcrumb where field crews have completed work and the best route when returning   

Improve situational awareness during field inspections and maintenance work

Dynamically share work order information bidirectionally between EpochField and SAP

Reduce IT workload by moving to a reliable, supported work order management system

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Introduction

Dominion Energy serves an estimated 6 million customers in 15 states, providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy to homes and businesses. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the publicly traded company employs over 17,000 people all committed to providing reliable electricity and natural gas, protecting the environment, and giving back to the communities where they live and work.

When Dominion Energy’s transmission line workers inspect and maintain assets in the field, obtaining accurate information about on-the-ground conditions and maintenance history is a must. But the utility’s existing map application proved difficult to use on site, especially when Internet connectivity is unreliable. To equip line workers with the data to complete their work accurately and safely, Dominion Energy implemented the EpochField Work Management solution and mobile application in December 2023. The success of this project quickly led to a second initiative, which will integrate EpochField and its work order management capabilities with the utility’s SAP enterprise system.

The Challenge: Accessing Accurate GIS Data in the Field

Dominion Energy’s internally-developed GIS mapping application (leveraging Esri Field Maps) posed significant limitations for field workers in the power delivery group.

“Our line workers had to connect to the Internet to download large mapping files to a hard drive and constantly update them to access accurate information about field assets,” said Matthew Rogers, Supervisor, Electric Transmission Lines Operations. “We needed to implement a more dynamic solution that our employees could easily update while they’re in the field doing climbing inspections, preventative maintenance, or emergency response work.” The utility also needed more reliable information about access road location, which is critical in the rural areas where many utility field crews operate.

The utility’s GIS group was talking with Epoch Solutions Group about other needs across the enterprise, so they were the first provider considered to address the digital mapping requirements of the transmission lines operations team. Dominion Energy quickly dismissed the idea of building a new mapping solution in-house in favor of implementing the EpochField platform and mobile application.

“Epoch Solutions Group listened to our needs and found a way to bring the solution we needed to fruition,” Rogers said. “We explained what we wanted our line workers to see, and we got everything we asked for.”

EpochField checked all the must-have boxes for Dominion Energy, providing a solution that’s easily configured to their needs (without requiring custom development) and easy to use in the field, with mobile capabilities and the ability to access data both online and
offline.

The utility also appreciated that this robust solution would make it easy for field crews to navigate to assets, while providing full visibility into the network structure and available access roads. After talking with EpochField customers and hearing about their exceptional experience with the solution, Dominion Energy was confident in moving ahead.

EpochField: Providing a Modern Solution with Utility-Specific Functionality

Thanks to the intuitive, easy-to-use mobile app, line workers across eight locations in Virginia can access EpochField’s GIS mapping capabilities through their iPads and iPhones. They’re able to work with the GIS mapping application both online or offline to obtain accurate, up-to-date information about utility assets and access roads, with no concerns about Internet reliability.

“If they find a new access road, they can breadcrumb it and the information will update in EpochField dynamically,” Rogers noted. They can also add newfound access roads to the map in EpochField for a more complete view of their work environment. Additionally, the breadcrumb feature enables them to track where they’ve been and document the best route to reach that destination the next time.

“We’ve integrated EpochField with an eNav system that contains all our structure and asset information,” Rogers explained, so a line worker can click on any point on the map in EpochField and get turn-by-turn directions to the site. As a SaaS solution, EpochField has also reduced the IT administrative burden previously required to maintain the internally-developed mapping application.

The Implementation: Smooth and Responsive

Throughout the project, periodic developer meetings and check-ins between EpochField and Dominion Energy’s IT and GIS teams kept everything tracking toward a successful completion on a 10-month timeline. To facilitate a smooth transition, Epoch conducted on-site train-the-trainer sessions for four office-based users, who then trained the transmission line workers.

“The in-person support prior to rollout was especially nice,” Rogers said. “From a project management standpoint, everything just fell into place.”

The Implementation: Smooth and Responsive

The response to the EpochField rollout has been very positive.

“Our line workers like that the EpochField application is basically in their pocket, available on their phone,” Rogers said. They also appreciate that they can provide updated field information to GIS, which reviews it for accuracy and pushes it out via EpochField.

“They like having a hand in the process of moving information from the field to the home office and into the application,” he noted.

Future Plans: Integrating EpochField with SAP

After such a great experience, Dominion Energy is moving forward with another EpochField initiative: Integrating the solution with its SAP enterprise system to improve work order management. The utility has been using an in-house system for field inspection work orders and recognized a tremendous opportunity to gain more robust capabilities and better reliability by using EpochField for this use case.

“SAP is the database for all the details on our assets, including all the work we’ve done on them over 80 years,” Rogers explained. “Being able to exchange that information between SAP and EpochField in a GIS format will provide our teams with better data and improve how they manage inspection work orders.”

The integration with SAP will enable Dominion Energy staff to obtain a visual representation of the area where inspections need to be done, gaining better situational awareness without toggling back and forth between separate mapping and work order applications. And they’ll access much richer historical information about the assets they’re assigned to inspect, gleaning potential clues about why an issue is occurring.

“EpochField will also show them any inspection work orders completed or planned,” Rogers added. If they see a future work order coming up, and they have the time, they can choose to complete the inspection while already at the site.

EpochField’s reliability will prove a further boon, eliminating the IT support required to resolve recurring issues with the in-house work order management application. “It will free our team to focus on other important IT projects,” he noted. The utility expects to have the EpochField/SAP integration live in early 2025.

Conclusion

The EpochField implementation at Dominion Energy underscores the value of leveraging a SaaS solution, purpose-built for utilities, to equip field staff with the data and situational awareness to work effectively and safely. Epoch Solutions Group has transformed transmission line inspection and maintenance at the utility, ensuring the organization can provide reliable power to millions of customers in their service area.

5 Trends That Will Impact Utilities in 2024

Posted on by Epoch Solutions Group
The environment that utilities operate in is more complex and volatile than ever, with significant forces impacting the ability to plan effectively and meet every stakeholder’s needs. James Street, CEO of Epoch Solutions Group, reviews the five trends he believes will have a major influence on utilities in the coming year.

1. Climate risks and electrification are stressing the grid.

More frequent and severe storms have become the norm and are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. While hurricanes have always been a concern, convective storms, extreme heat, and wildfires are also on the rise, placing more pressure on the grid. For example, a McKinsey report forecasts that by 2030, Minnesota will see a 75 percent rise in extreme heat days and Colorado will see a 29 percent increase in severe thunderstorm frequency. Almost 90 percent of the western US could experience as many as 30 high Fire Weather Index days annually. And persistent droughts are making it tougher for thermal and hydroelectric utilities to ensure reliable power. With much of the industry’s infrastructure assets well beyond their intended lifespan, extreme weather also becomes more difficult to respond to, resulting in more temperature-induced power line losses and longer power interruptions. The electrification trend and rising data center power use are likewise stressing the grid in ways we couldn’t foresee just a decade ago. As consumers and businesses adopt electric vehicles and favor electric heat pumps, electricity demand is escalating. And as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing become more prevalent, they’re driving up data center power consumption. With seasonal load profiles changing and electricity demand rising, utilities face greater pressure to ensure grid reliability and performance. In this disruptive environment, field asset management and vegetation management become more difficult yet more critical, demanding digitized, flexible platforms that enable utility staff to complete these tasks efficiently and accurately.

2. Grid planning is becoming more complex.

A dynamic and volatile environment will continue to complicate holistic grid planning that’s designed to manage growth, improve reliability, and enhance resilience. For example, dispersed and aging infrastructures, outdated technology, changing regulations, and evolving risks all make it more difficult to plan and manage field assets effectively. That includes assessing and monitoring asset health and risk, managing vegetation risk, and deploying field resources optimally, both for proactive, scheduled work and emergency situations. The increase in bidirectionality is only adding to grid planning complexity. Millions of devices at the edge—including solar panels, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats—are now participating in power generation and impacting grid behavior. This trend will make it more vital, though more complicated, to model and manage utility assets in the context of rising risks, changing customer behaviors, and aging assets. Enhanced modeling and asset management solutions will prove increasingly critical, especially to help field crews work optimally during regular operations and mutual assistance scenarios. With access to real-time information about live and offline assets, utilities can improve asset management planning by empowering field crews with accurate data and enhanced situational awareness.

3. New government policies are posing new requirements for utilities.

While government policy always has the potential to impact utility operations, two of the latest rules from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will likely require utilities to meet new requirements for ensuring gird reliability. One such rule directs the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) to develop a standard around transmission system planning for extreme heat and cold weather conditions. Another requires power transmission providers to report on their policies and processes for conducting extreme weather vulnerability assessments and identifying strategies to mitigate these risks. In addition, several energy policies aim to advance smart grid technology that has the potential to help electricity distributors reduce costs, improve reliability, and meet the challenge of balancing supply and demand. Though there are significant benefits to be realized, developing and implementing smart grid technology will require major capital investments. Many utilities are already moving ahead with smart grid systems that employ two-way communication and intelligent devices, aided by various US Department of Energy grant programs.

4. Government investment is facilitating the clean energy transition, but risks and challenges will remain.

Renewable energy adoption is increasing rapidly, now accounting for about one-fifth of US total power. With world leaders agreeing to new climate goals at the recent COP28 summit, that figure is set to rise significantly. Governments worldwide are providing financial incentives to ease the energy transition for power companies, with the US alone committing billions through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The IRA extends and modifies key tax credits for renewable energy investment and production, funds the acceleration of new energy infrastructure siting, and incentivizes carbon capture, while the IIJA is funding infrastructure modernizations that support clean energy expansion and improve resilience. Despite such financial assistance, along with the opportunity that the clean energy transition offers come a host of challenges for utilities. Renewable energy sources can be intermittent, yet consumers and businesses demand stable, reliable power. New energy sources take time to scale, but power demand is rising dramatically. The ability to plan effectively during this critical transition will require enhanced systems and better access to data that can help utilities make informed decisions about deploying and optimizing assets amidst change and unpredictability.

5. The digital technology transformation is helping utilities tackle emerging challenges.

Many utilities are finding that the transformation to digital technologies can help them meet new challenges, address emerging requirements, and adapt to continued change. In particular, they’re shifting away from legacy systems to more flexible and integrated platforms that support new ways of working. The move to cloud-based solutions, GIS-based applications, and digitized field service workflows, along with the integration of disparate systems and data sources, is helping leading utilities leverage data and technology to transform their operations and meet new challenges head-on. In modernizing their technology infrastructure and applications, utilities are prioritizing use cases that demonstrate the greatest tangible value. For example, a geospatial software platform that syncs asset data in real-time across disparate systems, applications, and devices can yield high ROI by giving operations and field teams the visibility and situational awareness to work more efficiently and safely. These digitized platforms also provide access to the data needed to prevent the disastrous consequences of unmanaged vegetation impacting power lines brought down by extreme weather, as well as inspect and manage joint use assets like poles, wires, and circuits to reduce costs and avoid redundancies.

Why Utilities Are Partnering with Epoch Solutions Group

Leading utilities recognize the value of partnering with a solutions provider that can help them meet new requirements and challenges at a time of great change and uncertainty. For many utilities, that partner is Epoch Solutions Group. Our EpochField solution leverages geospatial technology to help utilities improve field asset management, reduce costs, and minimize breakdowns and outages. This geospatial workforce management platform is empowering utilities across the US to meet reliability requirements, enhance safety, ensure power availability, and maintain compliance in a volatile environment. Schedule an EpochField demo to see how this solution can help you meet emerging challenges.
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The Latest Impacts of Grid Strain, Microgrids, and Other Trends Affecting the Utility Industry

In January 2023, Epoch Solutions Group CEO James Street met with energy industry forecaster Peter Kelly-Detwiler to discuss the growth of new technology, energy sources, and increasingly complex distribution grids. A lot has happened since then, including more severe weather events impacting an aging infrastructure, the growth of electric vehicles putting more strain on the grid, and increased use of microgrids to help ease the strain.
 
Peter and James met again in September 2023 to review the trends they have seen throughout the year, the impact they have had on the industry, and how utilities can adapt and thrive by prioritizing proper asset management strategies and technologies. Download the webinar to get insight from Peter on how your utility company can stay at the forefront of the trends affecting the industry and your utility company in the years to come.

Download the Webinar Recording

James Street

James Street
Epoch Solutions Group Founder & CEO

Peter Kelly-Detwiler

Peter Kelly-Detwiler
Energy Industry Thought Leader: Author, Consultant, Speaker

Drive Efficiency & Unlock the Power of Location: Geospatial Solutions for Gas Utility Asset Management

Managing your gas utility’s field assets in a way that reduces outages, reduces risks, and improves service has never been more challenging. The EpochField enterprise asset management tools help you drive down costs, improve service response, and avoid equipment failures by conducting more effective, proactive asset maintenance.

View this demo of EpochField’s asset management features to see firsthand how its GIS technology, map-centric interface, and other features can help you maintain, service and trace your field assets more efficiently.

Why It’s Critical for Gas Companies to Digitally Manage Assets

Posted on by Epoch Solutions Group

For gas companies today, the regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving. New laws, such as ASTM F2897, continue to raise the standards for how gas utility companies must manage and track their assets in the field.

To maintain compliance with ASTM F2897 and other emerging industry regulations, gas companies are required to ensure that their infrastructure assets are performing safely, reliably, and sustainably – and to report the condition of field assets at a more granular level than ever before. Attributes ranging from the exact location of an asset to its material composition, size, manufacturer, model, lot number, production date, and facility, and maintenance history must be digitally recorded into gas company databases, reported to regulators, and updated as conditions in the field change over time.

Digitally Transforming the Industry

While in the past gas company asset data has been collected by field crews primarily through manual processes or hybrid models involving both manual documentation and digital apps, the need for gas companies to digitize their asset management processes has never been greater.

To help gas utility companies capture the essential asset data they need to comply with regulations and achieve the operating performance they are seeking, a new generation of geospatial technologies is revolutionizing the industry. Aided by intelligent workflow automation and highly visual map-centric interfaces, these solutions are empowering back-office teams and field crews with the tools they need to more effectively communicate, collaborate, and share real-time geospatial data.

While there are many digital asset management solutions available to gas utility companies today, not all offer the full range of capabilities they need. To maintain assets optimally, keep pace with increasing consumer energy demands, mitigate risks, and stay in compliance, investing in an enterprise-grade geospatial solution is a best practice every gas company should follow. Serving as a point of integration across field asset management systems and applications, an advanced platform can deliver deep visibility into the condition of assets and real-time situational awareness that gas companies need to achieve these and other goals:

  • More comprehensive and proactive management of their infrastructure
  • Better troubleshooting of problems before they escalate
  • The ability to ensure the health and safety of field workers
  • Improvement in response times when service outages occur
  • Complete, up-to-date asset management records
  • Reduction in both operational costs and regulatory risks

Here’s What to Look for in a Solution

An ideal digital asset management solution should be built around geospatial technology that allows gas utility companies to both track and trace assets and integrate that data into all related operational and business process workflows.

The platform you select should be scalable, configurable, and enterprise-wide, and it should allow you to import geospatial data regarding field assets into interactive digital maps that allow your team to drill down and view pertinent details about infrastructure assets.

The platform should also automatically sync data between mobile apps, back-office servers, and applications deployed in the cloud to ensure that all stakeholders can see the same up-to-date data and efficiently plan surveillance, maintenance, and repair work accordingly. It should enable fast, easy workflow creation and management as well, without requiring additional coding, and feature automated work scheduling engines and distribution modules for mapped asset data.

With the right digital asset management technology in place, gas companies can realize these and other benefits:

  • Real-time data sharing across systems, applications, locales, and personnel
  • The ability to analyze data for strategic assessments, predictive modeling, and more informed decisions on field deployments
  • Automated workflows to accelerate productivity and reduce human errors
  • Faster responses to outages for more reliable service uptime and better customer experiences

Why Choose EpochField

With EpochField, gas utility companies can gain the visibility into the condition of field assets and the real-time situational awareness they need to understand and record high volumes of asset data, optimize the performance of assets, ensure safe, reliable energy delivery, and meet the regulatory mandates governing the industry. Highly configurable to meet each gas company’s unique operational requirements, EpochField offers these and other advanced features:

  • Mobile offline collection and viewing of asset data for field personnel who are often working in remote locales, without an Internet connection
  • High-performance digital maps that display geospatial data holistically and dynamically update as new data is processed by the system
  • Configurable work order forms that are produced automatically based on field mapping data
  • The ability to customize schedules, work orders, and other operations documentation for the specific project or situation at hand

Schedule an EpochField demonstration today.

Digitizing Gas Utility Workforce Management Enhances Community Safety

Posted on by Epoch Solutions Group

Industry technology is quickly transforming, making it essential for natural gas utility companies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their operational workflows. One way to accomplish this is to automate and digitize the data collection process. By digitizing workforce management, natural gas companies eliminate manual touchpoints that can compromise not only the quality and accuracy of the data but also community safety.

Tracking and traceability automation solutions enhance safety measures by allowing natural gas companies to adhere to safety and environmental regulations that keep communities safe by preventing gas line-related disasters and that reduce the gas industry’s environmental footprint. These digital solutions are revolutionizing the natural gas industry, bringing deep, real-time visibility into the locations, conditions, and technical attributes of natural gas assets, information that can be easily accessed and utilized by mobile field workers who are tasked with installing, inspecting, and repairing equipment.

The ideal tracking and tracing automation can support workflow processes allowing field workers to have remote access to asset map data and be able to work more efficiently in the field. When field workers can visually represent asset data, it increases the effectiveness and accuracy of both small, individual crews and entire services territories. Below are a few important features you want to look for when selecting your workflow automation.

  • A web-based platform to serve as a point of integration enterprise-wide for administration personnel, supervisors, and dispatchers
  • A full-featured mobile application allowing workers to conduct installation, inspections, and other routine maintenance tasks with all the data and functionality at their fingertips – on their smartphone or computing device of choice
  • Forms that can be easily configured
  • Offline functionality and high-accuracy GNSS receiver integration for easy mobile access to satellite data
  • A scheduling and dispatch engine that leverages real-time insights to expedite and simplify mission-critical workforce deployments
  • Mobile workforce management features that allow managers back at the office to dynamically track the location of field crews and quickly divert them to new locations as needed
  • Work-order management functions for easy digital planning, tracking, and management of work orders
  • Enterprise level asset management tools to coordinate essential operational processes and enable deep, ongoing visibility into the condition of remote natural gas infrastructure.

Download our latest guide, “Automating Tracking and Traceability Processes: Minimizing Human Error for Better Field Outcomes” to discover how digital tracking and traceability tools can help you lay the foundation for a future defined by greater uptime, innovation, and better protection from the damaging effects of environmental factors.

Automating Tracking and Traceability Processes: Minimizing Human Error for Better Field Outcomes

Posted on by Epoch Solutions Group

With industry technology digitally transforming so quickly, the pressure is on for natural gas companies to embrace new tracking and traceability tools as they are brought to market and to modernize their systems, applications, and organizations.

In this report, we explore how digital tracking and traceability tools are revolutionizing the natural gas industry and providing for easier, safer, and more efficient field operations.

Read the guide to learn:

  • The latest regulatory requirements affecting the natural gas industry, such as ASTM F2897
  • Why it’s important to make the investment now in automated tracking and traceability technology
  • Key features to look for when selecting a digitized workforce management solution

Download the White Paper

Sempra Energy Increases Field Worker Efficiency and Work Productivity

Project Summary

Project Type:

Implemented its geo-enablement platform solution to the electric and gas field workers.

Location:
Southern California, United States

Number of Customers:
2.5 Million +

Applications:

Allow field workers to search, identify, measure, and redline sketches through an intuitive user interface.

Solutions Implemented:
EpochField

Customer Benefits:

Ability to run on multiple device platforms such as Windows and iOS

Ability to work offline while beyond internet connectivity

Integration with Sempra’s current Work Management System

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Introduction

As the largest natural gas utility in the United States, Sempra Energy needed a software solution that would provide up-to-date data to its fieldworkers across the company’s service territory in Southern California. Along with their electric service territory and with approximately 2100 fieldworkers in the Los Angeles and San Diego metro areas, the company required a solution that would save fieldworkers time while helping them effectively manage and maintain gas and electric service to Sempra’s 25 million customers in the region.

The Challenge

Sempra, the parent company of SoCal Gas and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), required a simple yet powerful digital mapping solution. Furthermore, the solution needed to provide daily updated maps and lead to improvements in accuracy and efficiency for fieldworkers as they completed their day-to-day tasks. Some of the specific requirements included:

  1. Ability to run on multiple device platforms such as Windows and iOS
  2. The ability to work offline while beyond internet connectivity
  3. Integration with Sempra’s current Work Management System

The Solution

Epoch Solution Group has implemented its geo-enablement platform solution EpochField, to the electric and gas field workers across Sempra’s service territory. EpochField is a map-centric, Esri-based application that provides a suite of tools which help Sempra’s fieldworkers complete their daily tasks quickly and effectively. The application allows field workers to search, identify, measure, and redline sketch through an intuitive user interface.

One of EpochField’s advantages is its map-first approach – users can zoom, pan, and identify objects on the map as naturally as they would any map application on their phone or tablet devices. EpochField also provides the foundation for workflows in the field such as asset inspection, and gas leak survey. Through integrations with the enterprise work management system, work orders can be delivered seamlessly to the field.

The Results

In 2017, San Diego Gas & Electric completed its rollout of EpochField for electric field workers, and has seen vast improvements in efficiency and work productivity. The simplicity of EpochField’s user interface allowed SDG&E field workers to adopt the new platform quickly and with minimal training. For 2018, the remaining gas users are being deployed. Both Epoch Solutions Group and Sempra look forward to the continued expansion of EpochField into their workflow, and the future implementation of our EpochField Gas Leak Survey.

Integrating Smallworld Data into an Esri Environment At Puget Sound Energy

Project Summary

Project Type:

Data Conversion

Locations: 

Western United States

Number of Customers: 

1.1 Million +

Applications:

To convert Smallworld Data into
an Esri environment

Solutions Implemented:

EpochSync

Customer Benefits

Converting legacy data

Enhanced geospatial data

Use of Esri products

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The Challenge

Puget Sound Energy, a gas and electric utility company serving 1.1 million customers in the Pacific Northwest, has continued to supply their customers with natural gas and electricity since 1997. With their customers continuing to grow, PSE needed to have a better way to visualize their geospatial data across the enterprise. Esri was chosen for its web and portal technology and being able to disseminate the geospatial asset data. In order to complete this, PSE needed a way to efficiently extract the data from their legacy Smallworld system.

The Solution

Users throughout the PSE Organization can now access GIS Data any time they are connected to the web on the PSE Network. In the future, PSE may decide to expand this to public-facing servers that would allow access to users using any device connected to the internet.

Epoch Solutions Group recommended the use of EpochSync, an application to seamlessly migrate Smallworld data into an Esri enterprise geodatabase hosted in SQL Server. This involved an initial full synchronization of the data and, afterwards, ongoing periodic synchronization of incremental changes from Smallworld. Once this data was available on the Esri Server, the web architecture was leveraged to provide applications to end users that allowed them to log in through a single portal and access several different geographic datasets, whether or not that data originated in Smallworld.

PSE also had a need for several custom tools to be provided to their users, including an electric and gas distribution network tracing tool and a web markup tool allowing users to submit change requests to the electric distribution data administrators. Epoch Solutions Group built these tools into applications.

The Results

Users throughout the PSE organization can now access GIS data any time they are connected to the web on the PSE Network. In the future, PSE may decide to expand this to public-facing servers that would allow access to users using any device connected to the internet.