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Inside and out, your co-op is really wired
This story continues our series, Innovation Plus, with a look at your co-op's use of technology
July, 2006
By Walter Allread
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| 'People make it work' Employing technology to serve members better isn't new at York Electric Cooperative, where a few systems are in their second or third generation. For instance, the co-op embraced automated meter reading (AMR) in 1987. Early AMR units helped meter readers keep up with growth — until housing density on some routes outstripped the units' storage capacity, necessitating two units per truck. Today, some York Electric meter readers use notebook computer-based mobile collection devices that can gather an unlimited number of readings as meter readers drive through cooperative-served neighborhoods. But notebooks are almost "old school," as young people today say, to co-op staking technicians. They can now use a computerized staking tablet, photo at right, that's more efficient for use in the field. The system maps the tablet accesses represent more progress. Based on GIS (geographic information systems) technology, the digitized maps are multi-layered marvels. A few taps on the screen will reveal up-to-date information on underground and overhead line maintenance, right-of-way work and pole inspection efforts. Earlier paper maps were bulky, rapidly outdated, and costly to update, co-op employees note. York Electric President and CEO Paul Basha notes, however, that technology cannot replace good old "people power." Says Basha, "People make it work, and our people are the best!" |
The "spaghetti central" of wires in the computer room beside Systems Administrator Kristi Brandon's office are almost as important as York Electric Cooperative's 3,500 miles of power lines.
The wires virtually connect systems that help York Electric, the second-fastest growing co-op in South Carolina, keep pace with rapid residential, commercial and industrial expansion. The technologies include systems for automated meter reading, outage management, member services, remote substation monitoring and control and staking and mapping functions.
As Director of Engineering/Operations Denny Lynn notes, the systems are impressive individually but even better when linked together. "Integration is the key," Lynn says. "We integrate all these systems to operate more efficiently."
Manager of Engineering Craig Spencer notes that the cooperative is progressive in the use of the latest substation control and data acquisition (SCADA) technologies. SCADA allows utilities to remotely monitor and control substations. Spencer says York Electric's newest substations now include programmable electronic controls and RTUs (remote terminal units). The controls allow for increased flexibility and record keeping. The co-op's RTUs collect relay data over high-speed frame relay lines, providing almost real-time data. "Basically, RTUs give you smarter substations," he says.
SCADA data meshes with another technology that helps the co-op keep power flowing reliably and efficiently to members — computerized system maps. The maps show not only York Electric's substations and the power lines running from them, but also everything else on the system — right down to the security lights in a co-op member's yard. Spencer notes that the cooperative is using geographic information systems (GIS) technology to keep system maps up to date. When staking technicians design new services for new homes on the co-op's system, that information goes directly into the system, the same day.
The daily updates also mean that cooperative line crews and servicemen, who now have notebook computers in their coop vehicles, are on the same page, digitally speaking, as co-op employees in the office. As Lynn notes, "The '
outside' people are more informed and in touch."
That, in turn, means quicker responses when co-op members report service problems. A call to PowerTouch, the coop's automated outage management system, gives York Electric dispatchers the exact location. The dispatcher can then pull up system maps and radio a crew with precise information on the service location. They can provide details such as the size and type of wire, transformer or pole needed. The system also makes it easier for dispatchers to monitor restoration progress and get crews where they're needed most.
Customer service representatives can also access the co-op's network to handle member requests. PowerTouch still offers members the option to speak to a CSR during regular business hours. That touch demonstrates how "the power of human connections" is more than a slogan for Touchstone Energy cooperatives like York Electric, according to Director of Administrative/Consumer Services Wanda Christenberry.
She says "people power" and technology are well integrated at York Electric. "Good choices have been made," Christenberry says. Adds Lynn, "It is all working well together."
NEXT MONTH: How economic development efforts pay off for co-op members
Related links:
Part 1: New systems, approaches help co-op handle growth »
Part 3: Industry helps hold down rates for all »
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