It starts innocently enough, usually with a polite knock at the door or a quick greeting outside. But the smile beneath that yellow hard hat could belong to someone who is anything but innocent. In fact, it could belong to a criminal. Reports of fraudsters posing as utility workers have become increasingly common over the years. These nefarious individuals seek out new ways to take advantage of unsuspecting customers.

What’s at stake for someone who falls for one of these scams? The outcome includes the theft of valuable goods or even the customer’s identity. Customers are being tricked into paying for unnecessary repairs or erroneous bills. Also, a loss of privacy and sense of security is another issue. As a utility company, your customers put their trust in you to safely deliver a service, and part of that safety involves putting plans in place that help your customers avoid situations such as these.

Here are a few proactive strategies utility companies should deploy to reinforce customer safety. (more…)

By now, we all know the drill with those “Exit Only” signs found on roadways and in parking lots. A safety precaution meant to maintain proper traffic flow so that vehicles move in one direction. A backflow prevention system works similarly by protecting potable water supplies from contamination due to backflow. Essentially, it’s a one-way gate that allows a city’s public water supply to flow into a customer’s pipes. It opens one way and stops anything from returning into the main water supply.

When most people think of a leak or a break in a water main supply line, they imagine lost water. Or they picture water actually seeping up from the ground. While that does happen, these events can also be the cause of a significant drop in pressure. When the pressure drops, there’s no force pushing water through pipes. The water that’s now contaminated with pesticides, human waste, soap, and other chemicals can potentially flow backward and straight into the cities water lines.

Today, we’ll talk about how a backflow prevention system works, the commonly installed types, and why it’s important to have. (more…)

Imagine you’re dozing off on your couch on a lazy Sunday afternoon when the doorbell rings. You let out a frustrated sigh before slinking off the sofa and shuffling to the door. Hopeful that what’s on the other side was worth getting up for. As it turns out, it wasn’t. It’s someone selling something, and you’re not interested. You grumble and yawn before retreating back to the living room. (more…)

The usage of data, robotics, and internet-enabled automation have revolutionized our lives. This technology also continually enhances processes and experiences, from watching TV to using cell phones to boiling water for tea. Also known as smart technology, these advancements receive the most attention when integrated with consumer goods. But, there are some industrial use cases for smart technology that are shaking up the status quo.

For utilities, smart technology as part of infrastructure benefits both the company and the customer. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, there were nearly 87 million smart meters installed for electric utilities alone in 2018. It’s likely that the number of installations has increased since then across multiple utility sectors, and for good reason. Let’s explore the positive impact smart meters can have on utilities and their customers. (more…)

When asked to name barriers that would stop them from proceeding with the purchase of an electric vehicle (EV), participants of McKinsey & Company’s 2016 EV survey had a clear top three: Purchase price, driving range and charging availability. Years later, as McKinsey pointed out in an updated piece, vehicle prices had declined and range increased. Access to charging stations became the new number one obstacle for consumers considering EVs.

There needs to be considerable investments and commitments into the infrastructure that supports EVs to make this technology more accessible. The most prominent area of focus is the charging station. But as with most things related to utilities—particularly those that involve power—creating a framework can be complex. Read on to learn more about developing a strong EV charging station infrastructure. (more…)

A project without a project manager is a lot like a runaway train without a conductor. The most successful endeavors have someone at the helm to keep critical players moving in the right direction. They know when to start and stop as needed and ensure employees are completing tasks on time. Despite this, one study of more than 10,000 projects across various industries found that only 2.5% of companies completed 100% of their projects successfully. That stat alone shows the importance of project management — and that there is room for improvement.

As is the case with most things, the simplest project management strategies tend to be the most effective. While every industry has its own nuances, there are some common threads in project management that apply across them all. If you’re looking for a few new ideas to implement, you’re in luck. Below, you’ll find three simple project management strategies to deploy that can keep your projects running smoothly. (more…)

The average number of car accidents in the U.S. each year is about 6 million. From fender benders to more serious crashes, many of these incidents result in considerable damage to cars,  property, and adjacent vegetation. They also pose a serious threat to the utilities that enable our society to function. Think about how many times you’ve driven by an accident and noticed that a car had damaged a utility pole. Now think about how emergency and traffic personnel must work with the utility company on that repair.

The answer comes in the form of a traffic incident management system, also known as TIMS. The system relates to the process needed to detect, respond to, and clear traffic incidents. The goal is to restore the flow of traffic as quickly as possible. This ensures the safety of motorists and those impacted by the crash and any workers or emergency personnel who play a role in the aftermath. (more…)

America’s heartland is best characterized by the peaceful and serene landscapes that envelope it. It has hospitality for miles and feed stores that serve as gathering spots for the locals. Unfortunately, there’s another characteristic of America’s heartland that’s not so heartwarming. Aging and ill-equipped electric infrastructure that can lead to spotty coverage. However, good things could be on the horizon for these rural and underserved areas through new or revamped methods. (more…)

There’s been some debate over the transmission of COVID-19 and the likelihood of someone contracting the virus from surface exposure. We also know that close person-to-person contact is the most likely way it spreads. Official documentation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines “close contact” as being within about six feet of another person.

Abiding by these guidelines is certainly possible. For field technicians who work alone or on large infrastructure components allow for that kind of separation.  Unfortunately, not all facets of the job will support social distancing as seamlessly. As a result, utility companies have gotten creative. They’ve turned to technology for essential activities like meetings that require employees to gather together. Here’s a quick how-to on holding productive virtual tailgate meetings.  Along with tips on getting the most out of your employees’ time. (more…)

Company executives have historically viewed data analytics and consumer intelligence giant, J.D. Power, as an all-knowing source when it comes to what customers want. Among other studies, the firm has conducted customer satisfaction surveys for decades. They routinely publish research on which industries (and companies) are making customers the happiest. There are also the times when analysis probes even deeper, searching for the way that customers feel about specific functions or operations. (more…)