There is a lot of talk about reliability, modernisation and cyber security in the utility industry, but are we talking about resiliency enough? And is resiliency considered sufficiently in risk management decisions?

On the latest episode of the Foresight podcast, Groundline USA's President, Christian Nolden discusses risk and resilience. He focuses on how creating strategies for risk, cyber security, digitisation, and also resiliency should be connected as part of an ideal asset management strategy. The aim is to build a system that can handle all types of occurrences, including things outside of your standard framework to get the best outcome for assets for the lowest long run cost.

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CONSIDER EXTREME WEATHER 'RARE' OCCURRENCES AS A RESILIENCY RISK FACTOR

The need to consider challenges like extreme weather and cybersecurity from an asset management point of view. These once rare events are increasing in regularity across the world so need to be treated as such. Resiliency focuses on the rare occurrence of an event, but considering risk within the whole picture gives you more precise data to make better decisions.

USING ASSET MANAGEMENT TO SYNC UP ALL ASPECTS OF THE BUSINESS

The key role of asset management is improving utility infrastructure while balancing spending. The right questions can easily improve data collection and the asset management strategy for better outcomes across the business. Focusing on all the above factors but also looking at the impact from each connection point – whether it be the lineworker, engineer or inspector – what is happening at each level?

CONSIDERING AN ALTERNATIVE EXPENDITURE APPROACH

How changing to a total expenditure approach which has been taken on around the world – looking at the total expenditure which encourages investment in both capital and operational costs. This helps cut bias and works using a fast or slow money system – which can both fall until capex and opex depending on the situation.

UTILIZING EXPERT KNOWLEDGE IN THE INDUSTRY

Christian emphasises the importance of collaboration, teamwork and transparency between utilities and vendors for innovation. Using experts in the industry into strategic conversations. Taking part in forums and working groups to gain knowledge and improving approaches within the industry.

Christian believes that asset management is the connecting tissue to all the above considerations, and if well thought out, will lead to greater asset knowledge and higher profits.

How do you currently plan for challenges in your utility? How do you gather the right data to protect your assets and increase profits?

You can listen to the podcast here.

To get in touch visit.

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GROUNDLINE ENGINEERING

Groundline is a global consultancy specializing in transmission and distribution lines engineering services for network operators and service providers. 

We bring creative thinking to projects, ensuring solutions are cost-effective, resilient, safe and good for the planet.  

With offices in the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, we have experience in all aspects of the power lines industry - from 11kV to 500kV+, new builds to refurbishments, condition assessments to asset management, site support and design verifications, to project management. Our team have worked around the world, from remote, dry deserts, to wild, wet rainforests, urban cities, to cyclone-prone prairies.

Whatever challenges you face, we understand your requirements.

Get in touch to discuss how we can ensure your power network is fit for the future.

Contact us here‍