Unlocking efficiency: GIS tools modernize utility management
April 10, 2025
Navigating the vast transmission and distribution networks for utility companies can be complex. There is a digital tool that can help.
When people think of the energy transition, they often picture renewable energy sources. Think wind or solar power. But there are other key aspects of decarbonization. One of the biggest challenges that we as engineers are trying to solve is transmitting that clean energy to communities¡ªsafely and reliably.
Lately, our integrated teams have been immersed in power delivery projects, helping utilities around the world deliver energy to their consumers. For example, we¡¯re assisting the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to upgrade, expand, and modernize the electrical infrastructure in greater LA. And we¡¯re supporting BC Hydro in British Columbia. There we are providing transmission and distribution engineering as well as project delivery services for the electrical infrastructure.
Working with utilities can be complex to say the least. There is an intricate web of power lines that crisscross our cities. Behind them, utilities are working tirelessly to maintain a steady flow of electricity to homes, businesses, and communities. And managing these networks isn¡¯t always so simple. Why? Because utilities are often buried underneath a whole bunch of historical and legal documents. For those who may not know, these are crucial elements to effectively manage transmission and distribution lines. It takes lots of time, investment, planning, and execution to get it all right.
But it is achievable when you have the right tools at your disposal. That¡¯s why our teams built out a Geographic Information System (GIS) model. It¡¯s a powerful technology that has transformed what we can offer to utilities facing operational challenges. Below, we¡¯ll explore the GIS tool. And we¡¯ll dig into how it can help utilities to best manage their vast networks of transmission, distribution, and other electrical infrastructure.
As we press forward with the energy transition, more and more utilities are looking for ways to reliably deliver power to communities while onboarding renewables and reducing GHG emissions.
The challenge: Navigating access issues
Before we dig too deep in the GIS model, we must first address the challenge our GIS model was developed to solve. But in order to do this, we have to take a quick trip back in time.
Between 1940 and 1960, many utilities purchased right-of-way (ROW) easements for transmission and distribution. These include access rights. These ROWs were strategic acquisitions used to link urbanized areas. They formed the start of the electrical grid. At the time, these areas were mostly farmland. Since then, urbanization and growth has led to new subdivisions, townhome communities, or commercial properties next to utility ROW.
This change in land use has made it difficult for utilities to maintain or identify historic access granted in the original easement. These access rights are essential in order to conduct routine and emergency maintenance activities. For example, if a power line gets damaged, the utility needs those access points. They must be maintained and identified so they can repair their infrastructure and continue delivering energy to consumers.
Today, we are in the midst of the energy transition. And utilities will continue to modernize, upgrade, and expand their infrastructure. They will need to know what easements and rights they have for each property. After all, hundreds of power delivery projects often require utilities to acquire easements from private landowners.
Check out this geographic image from 1980. See how far the ROW is from the nearby community.
Now, check out this geographic image from 2021. See how close the nearby community has grown toward the ROW? This is what becomes complicated for utility companies.?
As you might guess, this can be a contentious process. Why? Because the process involves many stakeholders. These often include governments, property owners, environmental groups, and local residents. Disputes with one or several of these groups can occur, which can lead to costly delays. The problem worsens when the original easement¡ªlikely granted long ago¡ªdoesn¡¯t provide the access that utility companies need.
It goes without saying but these legal issues can make it difficult and time-consuming for public utilities to build and maintain transmission and distribution lines. So, how can we make the process easier for everyone?
The solution: Developing our GIS tool
In the world of utilities, easements are the lifeblood. Power delivery projects depend on them. So, our GIS teams have created a digital solution to help lessen the challenges outlined above. In fact, it has changed the game.?
Our GIS tool is a testament to how technology can empower utilities and keep our cities running smoothly.
GIS is the best technology to tie the information together and provide a decision-support platform. Rather than a stack of old, dusty papers, the GIS tool creates a database that digitally stores the ROW details. It also makes the retrieval of those details efficient and accurate. This database is presented to our utility clients through a modern web browser interface that is available on both desktop and mobile platforms. Now, our utility clients have a clearer understanding of their prior rights through interactive web browser applications. It is a crucial asset in their mission to keep the lights on.
The GIS tool was born out of collaboration between our team and the Potomac Electric Power Company , a US utility company in Washington, DC. Why? To provide a visual assessment of Pepco¡¯s property rights. Essentially, the tool takes the original easement agreements¡ªdating back decades¡ªand overlays them on the ROW. That allows the utility to then click directly on the ROW and determine what the easement rights are for that parcel. For a utility like Pepco, it helps keep the wheels turning. It¡¯s more than a map¡ªit¡¯s a management tool that guides utilities toward a more efficient future.
Since the creation of the tool, our teams have been using GIS technology and tracking for all of our ROW-acquisition projects. The GIS database streamlines the process for utilities. It reveals historical and mapping information as well as existing access. This helps utilities plan for maintenance and mitigation. The interactive nature allows for checking project status and making informed decisions. It has proved itself as an asset that we can use to dramatically help our utility clients.
As we press on with the energy transition, we must be prepared for altered landscapes. There are likely to be challenges with easements, and the GIS database can be used to tackle these access issues head-on.
Behind the intricate web of power lines that crisscross our cities, utilities work tirelessly to maintain a steady flow of electricity to homes, businesses, and communities.
GIS to modernize utilities for the energy transition
Our GIS tool is a testament to how technology can help utilities and keep our cities running smoothly. As utilities continue to modernize, expand, and upgrade their grids it will become even more important.
GIS is playing a key role in modernizing the electric grid and ROW management. Using GIS technology¡¯s advanced spatial analysis can truly help utilities. It allows them to enhance the resilience, reliability, and efficiency of their operations. This modernization can improve transmission and distribution systems. And it helps implement smart grid technologies that provide valuable insights into grid performance and potential vulnerabilities. GIS facilitates better asset management and compliance; it helps reduce project delays and streamlines operations. As a result, utilities can meet the growing demands for renewable energy. They can adapt to climate challenges. And they can work toward a sustainable and secure energy future
As we press forward with the energy transition, more and more utilities are looking for ways to reliably deliver power to communities. At the same time, they want to onboard renewables and reduce GHG emissions. And our teams will be there to support them along the way.
