ArcGIS Utility Network Helps FirstEnergy Design an Efficient Electric Distribution System

Designing modern electrical grids requires consideration for resilience, sustainability, and energy efficiency within the crucial context of location.

FirstEnergy, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, recently completed a multiyear modernization project by replacing its older systems and migrating operations to ArcGIS Utility Network.

Key to this project was making the design process easier. 

"Since we were replacing these other systems, we recognized early on that we would need a more robust design program moving forward to feed the correct data to those systems," explained Jamie Chipps, manager of applications support for distribution at FirstEnergy. "Everything starts with the designer; we can't ensure network reliance without providing advanced applications and tools for designers to use.”

FirstEnergy worked with Esri partner GeoSpatial Innovations, Inc. (GSI), to implement its Distribution Design Studio (DDS), an end-to-end electric and gas line design and engineering platform that integrates with ArcGIS Utility Network, as well as FirstEnergy’s new advanced distribution management system (ADMS).

Designers and mappers across FirstEnergy's 10 utility companies were responsible for manually building the connectivity of its distribution system. The task was made more difficult because designers and mappers had to use the same mapping system but couldn’t work on designs simultaneously.

Designers would work in a graphics program, then hand the job off to the line shop when it was ready for construction. After construction was complete and the job packet returned, mappers would open the request in the same software and approve it. This system only allowed one employee to work on the design at a time, limiting their ability to make adjustments based on field changes.

This led to many phone calls and emails between the designer and mapper to ensure systems were represented accurately. Moreover, FirstEnergy didn't have a process for designers to capture spatial data accurately in the field.

FirstEnergy’s Utility Network implementation team recognized the inefficiency of the existing system and sought a new tool to standardize and streamline the design process.
 

FirstEnergy staff turned to DDS from GSI. This software platform provides advanced capabilities to improve the design and engineering process. DDS seamlessly uploads designs to FirstEnergy's Utility Network so that its geographic information system (GIS) has total access to both structural and electric network components. This enables staff to benefit from the interactive capabilities of ArcGIS technology.

Designers and mappers can now access the same data when needed, with the combined technologies. Designer workflows are streamlined with the built-in analysis tools within DDS, which eliminates the need for referencing multiple systems for electrical and structural analysis. DDS resolved connectivity difficulties, allowing designers to automate the circuit-building process rather than having to construct each circuit individually.

Additionally, DDS's engineering analysis tools are set to meet FirstEnergy's engineering standards. This means designs meet the company's engineering practices and National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements.

Importantly, DDS operates offline in the field. Rather than having to go back to the office to modify plans based on notes taken in the field, mappers and designers can access the tool on their iPad tablets and make changes based on what they observe. These changes are also reflected in their GIS models.

Key to the solution's success was FirstEnergy's change management team, who worked tirelessly with designers to get feedback on what they needed and help transition them to the new software. These change agents also provided a four-day virtual training session for users.

"It was important to us to incorporate the users along the way, asking them what they thought about our changes and what else we should do to improve the process," said Chipps.
 

After the deployment of both Utility Network and DDS, performance improved greatly. Designers and mappers say they can now access and update designs easily without problems. They also no longer have issues with information loading times or waiting too long. Moreover, because DDS builds the connectivity behind the scenes, mappers and designers no longer need to call each other to verify designs, saving both departments time. FirstEnergy's designers use DDS's field design component to capture spatially accurate points in the field. This ensures data integrity in Utility Network.

Data collected and created by designers using DDS is more accurate and maintains the connection between Utility Network and the ADMS. This level of data quality control provides numerous benefits to both internal stakeholders as well as FirstEnergy's customers.

Since launching six months ago, more than 600 FirstEnergy employees can now access the robust technologies.

"Launching these technologies can sound like a huge undertaking, but you can do it," said Chipps. "It will be better for your data and everyone in the long run."