Over their long history of serving the public, electric utilities have consistently weathered crises. Utility personnel are accustomed to working around the clock in the face of hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms and fires, doing whatever it takes to provide customers with electricity when it is needed most.
Today, new circumstances are pushing utilities in unprecedented ways. The demand for electricity is growing at a pace not seen in decades, driven largely by the rapid development of large data-processing and advanced manufacturing centers. This surge in demand presents a dual challenge for utilities:
This situation creates significant operational strain for utilities. Resources are increasingly consumed by large projects serving a few concentrated loads. This can divert attention from the ongoing need to upgrade the existing infrastructure that serves millions of homes and businesses. For utilities, finding their way in this complex environment requires a sophisticated, strategic project delivery approach to bring their most critical assets into service.
Need for Strategic Project Delivery
Keeping portfolios and programs moving forward amid this period of intense demand is a unique but manageable challenge. This is where modern tools and processes can provide critical support to a utility’s project management organization.
Mobile and cloud-based technologies enable both large-scale new construction and grid modernization projects to progress without significant delays or cost impacts. The ability to accurately and collaboratively track change orders, schedule delays and cost impacts requires AI, automation and analytics to capture real-time data and predict project outcomes.
Many utilities find value in having their capital programs or portfolios implemented by an external team. It is paramount for that team to deliver results and minimize downtime by deploying management tools and processes that enable flexibility. An external program management office can help a utility stay focused on its core mission of reliable service while the program management office concentrates on the complex capital portfolio.
Building a Resilient and Flexible Grid
Flexibility is a critical attribute for utilities moving forward. To meet the dual challenge of serving new, large loads while maintaining the existing grid, utilities must challenge their operating assumptions. This requires a new level of strategic planning and execution to maximize its delivery of resilient and reliable power to all customers.
Although the demands on the grid are significant and extensive, the opportunities to build a stronger, more modern and more resilient system are clear. With the right partners and a strategic approach to system planning and program management, utilities can successfully address complex modern challenges. They can meet the needs of a growing economy while maintaining their essential mission of keeping the lights on for everyone.