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Proven technologies remain a potent tool for improving distribution reliability, utilities tell Chartwell
Proven technologies remain a potent tool for improving distribution reliability, utilities tell Chartwell
ATLANTA – Electric utilities continue to rely on proven technologies in their efforts to maintain and improve distribution reliability to meet growing expectations from consumers and regulators, new Chartwell research shows.
About three in four utilities responding to a recent Chartwell survey are installing, upgrading or using their geographic information systems (GIS), outage management systems (OMS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems in 2007 to meet their reliability targets.
One in five utilities is considering or planning to use distribution automation as a way to boost reliability, according to the survey of North American utilities.
At the other end of the scale, proponents of mobile workforce management systems appear to have a tougher sell. Thirty-seven percent of utilities are not considering such a system this year, while only 11% are considering or planning for one.
However, each of these trends will be influenced by new product rollouts, vendor mergers and other developments highlighted in Chartwell’s latest research report, Distribution Automation and Field Services: The Chartwell 2007 Report.
“What’s interesting is how dynamic the playing field remains for utilities seeking to boost their reliability and customer satisfaction, as well as for systems and technology vendors,” says Scott Johnson, Chartwell Senior Research Analyst and author of the report.
Distribution Automation & Field Services: 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 distribution automation;
n geographic information systems
n mobile workforce management systems;
n outage management systems;
n supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA); and
n substation automation.
The publication marks Chartwell’s second 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 Chartwell at (404) 237-9099 or utility.info@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.
