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There are thousands of utility companies operating in the United States as of 2023, providing residents with power, water, recycling, sewer, and trash services. The sheer magnitude of coordination required to operate a network of that size is mind-boggling. Disruptions to that network can be inconvenient at best and life-threatening at worst.
And as the climate shifts, disruptions in the form of major weather events are becoming more frequent.
This post will consider:
For utility companies, accurate and timely weather forecasts are not simply nice to have. They’re crucial to effectively respond to storms and minimize impact on customers.
There are various ways for utilities to get up-to-the-minute forecasts and state-of-the-art modeling for future concerns, and StormImpact is one of the most feature rich and responsive platforms available. In this blog post, we explore the features and uses of StormImpact's software and its role in assisting utility companies in preparing for and responding to weather-related disruptions.
StormImpact's primary goal is to deliver power outage and damage predictions to utility companies, enabling them to deploy their resources effectively. By positioning crews and resources ahead of a storm, companies can respond promptly to power outages and infrastructure damage, ultimately leading to faster restoration and higher customer satisfaction. We ultimately help our customers remain in the good graces of regulators and the media as well, since timely and accurate responses to impactful weather saves lives and money.
The platform focuses on various types of storms, including convective thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tropical weather, and the outputs are highly customizable, allowing each company we serve to adapt the outputs to highlight their specific areas of concern.
The tool operates as a cloud-based web platform, accessible through individual user dashboards. Users can log in and access a suite of tools within their browsers, allowing them to easily consume the generated forecasts.
The platform offers forecasts several days in advance, creating a baseline for calm days while capturing smaller storms that might not be considered significant events. The intuitive dashboard includes maps, plots, and tables, offering a comprehensive view of each forecast. Users can export information to spreadsheets and PDFs, facilitating easy sharing within their organizations.
StormImpact recognizes that different utility companies have unique needs and requirements. This is why the software platform is highly customizable, catering to the specifications of each client. Each dashboard is designed for a particular client, since a utility with territories in the coastal southern US has very different concerns than one serving the Great Lakes region. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and custom tailoring is critical to excellent results in any weather-modeling and prediction tool.
Just like the dashboard, notifications are tailored to individual users, ensuring that they receive relevant and actionable information, whether it's severe weather notifications or forecasts to be incorporated into internal reports and assessments, utility companies can adapt the software to fit their workflows.
The platform provides real-time notifications, alerting users when severe weather is approaching, and the thresholds for receiving these notifications are defined by individual users. This flexibility empowers utility companies to establish internal processes that align with their specific needs, ensuring timely response and preparedness.
While StormImpact provides critical weather information, it also plays a pivotal role in triggering the responses of utility companies. By predicting the number of outages and the potential impact on a particular region, the software platform prompts companies to take necessary action.
In the face of severe weather, a response can include mobilizing crews, securing additional resources, and implementing restoration plans. The information supplied by the platform acts as a catalyst, initiating the response process for utility companies, helping them make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.
Scott Hull, co-founder and chief web engineer notes, “One notable feature of the software is its ability to simulate ‘what if’ scenarios, particularly with hurricanes.” Given the unpredictability of hurricane paths, utility companies need to anticipate the storm's trajectory and plan their response accordingly. Scott continued, “it allows users to shift the storm's spatial position, adjust its speed, and modify its intensity. By experimenting with these parameters, utility companies can evaluate the potential effects of different scenarios, aiding them in resource allocation and decision-making.”
Modeling software has made a significant impact on utility companies, contributing to their preparedness and response capabilities. By encoding historical knowledge and experience into a data model, the platform helps bridge the gap between retiring employees and new hires, ensuring that valuable expertise is retained within each organization. Scott noted, “Our customers have noted that our ability to support and validate decision making enhances their resilience, enabling them to better serve their customers and communities, which is our ultimate goal.”
Climate change means weather patterns are becoming increasingly unpredictable, so utility companies need advanced tools and technologies to navigate the challenges posed by storms and extreme weather events. By providing accurate forecasts, customized experiences, real-time notifications, and simulation capabilities, this software empowers utility companies to make proactive decisions, optimize resource allocation, and minimize disruptions caused by storms.
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