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Breaking the Cycle: Using Data and Advanced Field Technology to Eliminate Repeat Outages.
As utilities work to improve reliability performance and reduce repeat outages, a critical but often underrepresented function is the role of field-based reliability engineering in identifying and resolving root causes on active distribution circuits. This session highlights how a large urban utility’s Regional Engineering Reliability team has evolved from a reactive response model to a proactive, data-driven approach to improving system performance.
The presentation will focus on how circuits with repeat interruptions are systematically identified using performance metrics such as CEMI and CELID, enabling targeted prioritization of high-impact areas. Reliability engineers perform detailed field walkdowns to evaluate real-world conditions and identify underlying issues, including damaged or degraded assets, vegetation encroachment, structural concerns such as leaning poles, and conductor integrity issues. To enhance visibility and improve accuracy of field assessments, teams leverage advanced inspection tools such as high-powered binoculars, thermal imaging cameras, and drone technology which allow engineers to safely and efficiently inspect assets that are difficult to access or not visible through traditional walkdown methods.
Once field conditions are assessed, actionable work requests are developed to address identified risks and prevent future outages. A key focus will be on how this approach integrates engineering, operations, and construction teams to ensure timely resolution and sustained improvements. The session will also highlight the importance of prioritizing customer-impacting issues, including a targeted focus on economically impacted communities (EIEC), aligning reliability efforts with regulatory expectations and community needs.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how utilities can leverage performance data, advanced field technologies, and structured execution processes to reduce repeat outages, improve reliability metrics, and deliver more consistent service to customers.
