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Utilities cite aging infrastructure, other challenges to improving distribution reliability in new Chartwell survey
Utilities cite aging infrastructure, other challenges to improving distribution reliability in new Chartwell survey
ATLANTA – North America’s electric utilities remain concerned whether their aging systems can keep pace with record-setting demands for power nationwide, new Chartwell research shows.
Aging infrastructure is the greatest challenge to maintaining and improving the reliability of distribution systems in 2007, according to one-third of utilities that responded to Chartwell’s first survey on the topic. Almost three-fourths of survey respondents also said their companies set records for peak power demand during the past 12 months.
These and other findings outlined in Improving Distribution Reliability: The Chartwell 2007 Report underscore the industry’s concern over the strains being placed on distribution systems by today’s power-hungry consumers, a trend that shows no sign of abating.
“Our research shows that utilities remain very concerned about improving distribution reliability, as they embark on major initiatives to update and automate their delivery systems. Many utilities must overcome years of deferred maintenance that now threatens their ability to meet the growing expectations and demands of their customers,” says Scott Johnson, Chartwell Senior Research Analyst and author of the report.
Improving Distribution Reliability: The Chartwell 2007 Report features original research based on survey interviews with engineers, supervisors, managers, directors and other executives at 102 North American utilities. Collectively, these companies employ more than 160,000 workers and serve more than 57.6 million customers.
Topics covered in the report include:
n challenges to improving distribution reliability;
n utilities’ spending and activities;
n regulatory concerns;
n aging infrastructure;
n vegetation management;
n aging workforce;
n storm response; and
n outage communications strategies.
The publication marks Chartwell’s first data survey report in its new Energy Delivery Research Series, which provides analysis and case studies on how utilities work to improve reliability, respond to outages and other emergencies, and communicate with customers during these times. The Series covers the programs and technologies essential to utilities that seek to provide safe, reliable service at a reasonable cost.
In addition to this report, Series members receive a number of topical reports that feature in-depth analysis, case studies and vendor profiles. Members also receive regular Industry Updates and gain access to Chartwell research staff, giving them input into research topics and future survey instruments.
If you have any questions about the research, please contact Scott Johnson, Senior Research Analyst and manager of the Energy Delivery Series, at sjohnson@chartwellinc.com. For information on membership in the Series, please contact Bill Grist at bgrist@chartwellinc.com.
ABOUT CHARTWELL INC.
Chartwell Inc. seeks to provide a better understanding of technologies, issues and management practices in the utility and retail energy services industry through best practices case studies and quantitative research.
