In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, utilities are under increasing pressure to deliver reliable, resilient, and customer-centric services. One of the most transformative steps a utility can take is modernizing its Geographic Information System (GIS) by transitioning to next generation platforms that interoperate with other enterprise utility systems for grid operations, customer management, and financial and asset management. While the benefits to a utility’s internal operations are well-documented—improved asset management, streamlined workflows, and enhanced field mobility—the real winners of GIS modernization are the utility’s customers themselves.
Here’s how:
1. Faster outage response and restoration
When modern GIS systems interoperate with real-time operations systems like outage management systems (OMS) and advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), this enables utilities to pinpoint outage locations quickly, dispatch crews efficiently, and keep customers informed with accurate restoration times. The result? Shorter outages and better communication during emergencies.
2. Improved service reliability
By leveraging spatial analytics and predictive modeling provided when GIS is integrated with asset health monitoring systems, utilities can proactively identify infrastructure vulnerabilities and prioritize maintenance. This reduces the likelihood of service interruptions and ensures a more reliable energy supply for customers.
3. Enhanced customer communication
Modern GIS platforms support customer-facing applications such as outage maps, service request portals, and mobile apps. These tools empower customers with real-time visibility into service status, planned maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades in their area.
4. Faster new service connections
With streamlined workflows and integrated data, utilities can accelerate the process of connecting new customers. GIS modernization reduces manual data entry, improves coordination between departments, and shortens the time from application to activation.
5. Support for clean energy and DER Integration
As customers adopt rooftop solar, electric vehicles, and other distributed energy resources (DERs), modern GIS systems help utilities manage these assets spatially. This ensures safe interconnection, grid stability, and the ability to offer innovative rate plans and incentives.
6. Equitable infrastructure planning
Advanced GIS tools enable utilities to analyze demographic and geographic data to ensure infrastructure investments are equitable. This helps address energy justice concerns and ensures underserved communities receive the attention they deserve.
7. Transparency and trust
Modern GIS systems make it easier for utilities to share data with regulators, municipalities, and the public. This transparency builds trust and fosters collaborative planning for community resilience and sustainability.
Key takeaways
Modernizing utility GIS systems isn’t just about upgrading technology—it’s about transforming the customer experience. From faster outage response to enabling clean energy adoption, a modern GIS empowers utilities to serve their communities more effectively, equitably, and sustainably.
With Esri’s Modern Network Information Management System as a core, Schneider Electric as built a One Digital Grid platform not just to modernize utility GIS but to modernize the entire grid management lifecycle that pairs GIS together with grid operations systems, asset health management, distributed energy resource management and customer engagement.
Get in touch to find out how utility customers will benefit from this transformative leap forward.
About the author
Matthew Crooks, Global Product Management Leader for ArcFM
With over 14 years at Schneider Electric and a deep well of industry experience, Matt plays a key role in shaping the vision and strategy behind ArcFM XI and EcoStruxure™ Grid Asset Performance (EGAP) tools.
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