THE FUTURE OF UTILITIES

As energy utilities evolve, the landscape is becoming more varied and complex, incorporating technologies that were once experimental but are now essential. From microgrids and fiber installations to renewable energy and underground power systems, the utility infrastructure of tomorrow will look vastly different from today’s centralized, overhead networks. This shift brings an urgent need to map and integrate these new …

UNEXPECTED RISKS TO UTILITIES

Utilities face a broad spectrum of risks that extend far beyond the traditional challenges of aging infrastructure, natural disasters, and human error. As the world grows more interconnected and data-driven, it’s becoming increasingly clear that unconventional and often unexpected threats must be addressed to ensure the continuity of critical services like power, water, and gas. Unlikely Culprits: Birds as Fire …

THE LOOMING CHALLENGE OF AGING UTILITIES

Aging infrastructure is no longer just a looming problem – it’s a crisis we face daily, especially with the utility systems beneath our feet. From corroding pipelines to crumbling water mains, the challenges of keeping these systems functional and safe are immense. But even as the U.S. infrastructure bill brings in much-needed cash for improvements, we’re missing a critical piece …

PROACTIVE DAMAGE PREVENTION: UTILITY SURVEYS

Utility surveys are a refreshingly proactive measure in a field that often relies too heavily on reactive solutions. They’re usually done in the planning stages of a project and as such help to prevent construction delays, surprise infrastructure conflicts, and over spending. By addressing risks before they materialize, these surveys create the foundation for safer, more efficient, and cost-effective construction …

MACRO AND MICRO ECONOMICS OF DAMAGE PREVENTION

When you think about damage prevention, you might picture some folks with hard hats and spray paint, marking up the ground before a construction project kicks off. But if that’s where your mind stops, you’re missing the bigger picture. Damage prevention also has a mix of macro and microeconomic forces acting on it and which drive how we protect our …

THE POWER OF DATA IN DAMAGE PREVENTION

Data, in many ways, is like a powerful river flowing through our modern world. Just as our ancestors once captured the energy of flowing water with simple water wheels, we’ve advanced over time to harness that same energy with hydroelectric dams, fueling entire cities. Yet, for many, the vast stream of data that surrounds us still flows largely untapped, slipping …

WHAT MAKES A GOOD LOCATOR?

I was watching this video recently about what makes a good locator, and it got me thinking about the qualities that truly define excellence in this critical role. Utility locating is more than just a job – it’s a responsibility that requires precision, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety. The importance of this role cannot be overstated. …

IS TICKET SCREENING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Utility companies often face the critical decision of whether to implement ticket screening as part of their operations. For many, this process can lead to significant time and cost savings, but it there’s a few things to consider in how you implement screening depending on your priorities. The key to determining what type of ticket screening is right for your …

DEEPFAKES & DAMAGE PREVENTION

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the integration of sophisticated geo techniques and game theory principles could and hopefully will transform our industry and move the needle in damage prevention. This article delves into the synergy between these concepts, exploring how super-resolution satellite imagery, enhanced through Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), is revolutionizing our ability to audit, monitor, and improve safety …

THE GOLD STANDARD OF LOCATING

In the realm of utility locating and excavation, accuracy is paramount. One of the most critical steps in this process is verifying the location of underground utilities before construction or excavation activities commence. Traditional excavation methods often pose risks of damage to existing infrastructure, leading to costly and potentially hazardous incidents. However, vacuum excavation for verification offers a non-destructive and …