Extreme weather events have devastating impacts on both people and the environment, as well as utilities. The loss of power during flash floods, hurricanes, and winter storms can have catastrophic consequences that go beyond basic emergency supplies. Utilities are now turning to data and AI to better prepare for and respond to these challenges.
US utilities face challenges from severe weather events
In recent years, the US has experienced numerous weather-related disasters, resulting in billions of dollars in damages. Severe winter weather events have caused outages and posed threats to the grid’s reliability. Winter storms like Uri and Elliott have highlighted the vulnerabilities of the US utility infrastructure.
Challenges in maintaining power during extreme weather
US utilities face several key challenges that impact their ability to provide reliable power during severe weather conditions:
- Inability to identify at-risk assets
- Ineffective outage predictions
- Delayed or inadequate response time
- Failure to meet winterization standards
- Ineffective vegetation management
These challenges, along with unplanned generating unit losses and reduced natural gas production, contribute to the difficulties utilities face during extreme weather events.
Utilizing innovation and intelligence for disaster preparedness
Data, AI, and advanced technologies can help utilities enhance disaster management and strengthen the grid’s resilience. The combination of IBM® Maximo® Application Suite and IBM® Environmental Intelligence Suite provides utilities with tools to better prepare for extreme weather conditions.
1. Reliability centered maintenance
IBM’s Maximo Reliability Strategies application integrates reliability centered maintenance, enterprise asset management, and asset performance management to help utilities identify and address at-risk assets. AI-powered tools like Maximo Monitor and Maximo Predict optimize maintenance strategies and reduce downtime.
2. Outage prediction
The IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite Outage Prediction allows utilities to monitor and predict outages more accurately using weather intelligence data. This improves response times and enhances demand response capabilities.
3. Field service management
IBM Maximo Mobile and MAS streamline crew response and inspection processes, leading to faster mobilization and better emergency preparedness. Mobile inspections can be integrated with Maximo Visual Inspection for enhanced efficiency.
4. Vegetation management
The IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite Vegetation Management platform provides AI-driven insights for better vegetation management decisions. By prioritizing critical areas for tree trimming, utilities can mitigate power outage risks.
As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, utilities must leverage data and AI to address industry challenges and enhance their preparedness. IBM’s client resilience solutions offer effective tools for maintaining grid reliability in the face of extreme weather.
Learn more about the IBM Maximo Application Suite (MAS)
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