Power

Growing interest in decarbonization, electrification and distributed energy resources is changing how the electric grid is planned and operated. The convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) is unlocking opportunities for efficiency gains and cost savings — while consequently introducing cybersecurity risks that require advanced threat protection.

As the power industry takes center stage during the global energy transition, it must be prepared to reinvent itself by embracing change while navigating the headwinds. Transformational technologies and business model shifts offer significant value but must account for an evolving workforce, customer expectations and regulatory uncertainty.

At 1898 & Co., we understand how to turn big ideas into operational realities, resulting in actionable plans and sustainable results. As part of Burns & McDonnell and its more than 120 years of power experience, we deliver solutions that work in the real world, not just exist on the drawing board. Our experience spans nearly every customer type, including utilities, independent power producers, governments, transmission system operators and investment firms. With a deep understanding of your digital and physical infrastructure, we turn data into action with ease.

Together, we can envision and enable the future, making it both practical and progressive.

Our Work

Exploring the Feasibility of Using Floating Solar for Innovative Ends

A Colorado water district wanted to look into the cost-effectiveness of using floating solar panels for renewable energy, water conservation and other objectives. Alongside potential benefits, a study highlighted challenges that temper the project’s prospects for economic viability.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions With Electric Vehicles in Maricopa County

Maricopa County, Arizona, recently took steps to begin electrifying its county vehicle fleet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ozone-producing air pollutants. To prepare for the transition, an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan was needed to develop a phased approach to the transition and determine where and how to deploy the EV charging infrastructure.

Looking to the Future With a Digital Transformation Road Map

Salt River Project (SRP), an electric utility based in Arizona, is in need of a significant transformation within its power system to continue delivering reliable services.

Cloud Data Platform Deployed for Ozarks Electric Cooperative Provides New Visibility Into Customer Energy Usage

Ozarks Electric Cooperative was unable to effectively monitor and quantify the power savings resulting from a recently implemented time-of-use rate program. As a cooperative utility serving more than 70,000 homes, businesses, farms and industries in Northwest Arkansas, Ozarks needed a new data analytics platform that would provide better visibility into how effectively the new voluntary program was working.

New Evergy Project Portfolio Management System Delivers Single Source of Truth for Annual Capital Planning

For many years, Evergy has relied on a spreadsheet-based project development workbook (PDW) system for planning, budgeting, prioritizing and managing large capital projects. Thanks to a talented Evergy support team, the PDW had long provided exceptional functionality for this large Midwestern utility, but it was time for an updated project management system.

Defending a Large Power Producer Against Cyberthreats Means Anticipating the Intentional and Unintentional

The main principle guiding cybersecurity strategy development is to recognize that not every threat will be from an advanced persistent threat or other known adversary. There are many incidents that were simply the result of an unintended action. A comprehensive cybersecurity plan for a large power producer accounts for both intentional and unintentional events that could disrupt vital operations.

Technical Proficiency and Industry Knowledge Drive Advisory Council Discussions Toward Better Outcomes

After founding an advisory council of public interest groups and industry representatives, Arizona Public Service required a skilled partner with industry experience to lead meetings that improve outcomes for the public and the utility.

Utility Company Accelerates DC Fast Charging Station Deployment

The need to decrease carbon emissions is accelerating the popularity of electric vehicles. A DC Fast Charging Corridor Study and the interactive tool developed as part of the analysis are being used to grow a utility’s EV charging infrastructure in a way that minimizes impact on the grid.

Comprehensive Software Solution Streamlines Transmission System Modeling for LG&E and KU

Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities (LG&E and KU) must annually gather data on updated load forecasts, generation resources, current transmission system information and planned transmission system projects within a 10-year planning horizon in order to build a digital model of the transmission system. As a registered transmission planner, LG&E and KU is responsible for collecting this data and updating the model annually to satisfy the NERC MOD-032 requirement. A robust software solution is streamlining this complex and burdensome requirement.

Building a Data Platform for Operational Analytics

Virginia-based Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) needed a data platform to enable self-service operational analytics and support a data-driven culture. The solution developed by 1898 & Co. involved ingesting key operations data sources such as meter data, substation operations, distribution topology and billing details. The result was a platform that identifies system electrical losses and serves as a catalyst for future analytics use cases.

Reimagining the Electric Grid

The world’s electrical needs are evolving — the electric distribution grid must evolve with them. Entergy is using a bold new holistic planning process to jump-start this transformation.

Innovative Software Solution Streamlines Cost Estimating for Entergy

As distribution system upgrades surge, utilities need a more accurate efficient, and transparent way to scope and estimate these projects. A digital cost estimating and project scoping application built for Entergy transformed a cumbersome and inefficient process into a streamlined, data-driven methodology that provides critical insights needed for developing and monitoring billion-dollar-plus capital programs.

Digital Transformation Project for Northeast Utility Yields Significant Operational Efficiencies

A computerized maintenance management solution (CMMS) implementation for a large Northeastern utility has enabled operational staff to view digital twins of physical components and equipment running a network of pump stations. The result has been significant efficiencies as well as much-improved ability to monitor, predict and respond to operational issues. Asset and analytics templates can drive efficiencies via Asset Framework.

Using SOAR to Speed Incident Resolution

A large electrical transmission owner/operator (LTOO) sought to expand automation as a force multiplier.

Asset Protection and NERC CIP Compliance

A major North American electric utility holding company needed assistance with cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and risk management for its critical assets, including wind, solar and all other generation assets.

Operational Data Gaps Resolved With an OSIsoft PI Software Solution

A Midwest-based independent power producer and supplier was seeing discrepancies between energy output of wind turbines and the energy available to be sold to customers. To effectively track and build awareness of outages at the corporate level and improve communications with consumers, a new software solution was implemented that created operational efficiencies across the board.

Turning Data into Action With Project Management Tools

FirstEnergy’s project pipeline is essential to continue serving its 6 million customers reliably. In need of an integrated suite of project management tools — tailored and automated across the utility — FirstEnergy sought assistance for implementation, while striving toward efficient internal processes and project completions.

Empowering Renewable Energy to Cross U.S.-Mexico Border

Baja California in Mexico offers some of the strongest wind resources on the West Coast. For all the minute details involved in developing a major wind farm to help serve demand in nearby Southern California, Sempra and IEnova turned to us, a frequent partner on wind projects, for owner’s engineer services.

Making a Strong Case for Utility Infrastructure Hardening

As required by a new Florida statute, Tampa Electric Company (TECO) needed to provide a 10-year storm protection plan. A list of projects and their calculated benefits was developed in alignment with the statute using an innovative analysis tool to establish overall budget levels and prioritize projects to provide the maximum benefit to customers.

Comprehensive Analysis for Interconnection

As renewable energy becomes more predominant in California’s generation mix, Pacific Gas & Electric needs a reliable way to effectively interconnect generation customers. Generator interconnection studies provide detailed reliability analysis to inform this process.

Replacing 69-kV Wood Utility Poles

Salt River Project’s gas-treated wood poles had a high failure rate during high winds. Careful technical and economic analysis identified the optimal annual replacement rate to continue providing safe, reliable and affordable electric power to the region’s 2 million customers.

Managing Aging Infrastructure

Safety and operational issues often go undetected in urban secondary networks. A large electric utility tackled the problem head on by completing a thorough analysis of its system.

Optimizing Regional Systems for Improved Reliability

Wisconsin Public Service needed to manage the risks of aging infrastructure and prepare for an electrified future. A holistic planning methodology led the way to the most beneficial and cost-effective projects for reliability.

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Insights & News

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Investing in a Dynamic Space for EVs

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Benefits of Incorporating Renewables Into an Integrated EAM

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Repowering Breathes Fresh Life Into Older Wind Installations

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Protecting OT Systems Against Russian Hacktivist Threats

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The GISt of Utility Design

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Strategic Utility Planning With Future-Focused Solutions

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GIS Backlog Is Rising at Utilities Thanks to New Demands

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Digitizing Historical Records Is a Challenge Worth Addressing

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Planning Is Essential as New, Sophisticated Operational Technology Is Deployed for Utilities

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Transforming Grid Investment Planning

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Energy Vectors Will Become Integrated as Carbon Emissions Roll Back

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A Whole Systems Approach to Power System Planning

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Building Smarter and Safer for What Lies Ahead

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Adjusting the Sails to Advance Wind Energy

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Accurate GIS Data Is Trail Map Utilities Need to Implement ADMS or Upgrade to the Utility Network

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Get Ahead of the Crisis: Factor Evacuation-Driven Demand Into Utility Plans for EV Charging

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7 Questions to Consider for Offshore Wind Transmission in the U.S.

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Decarbonisation of Heat in Europe

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Bringing Insights to Power Utilities With Edge Intelligence

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Renewable Energy’s End-of-Life Challenge: Identifying Recycling Options for Batteries, Solar Panels and Wind Turbines

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Q&A: Frederic Dubois on Adding an Edge to Intelligence

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Essentials of an Industrial Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Program

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Inflation Reduction Act: Tax Incentives to Accelerate Fleet Electrification

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Stability Challenges in Grids With Large Penetrations of Renewables

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Preparing Your Organization for Oilfield Electrification: Things to Watch

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Oilfield Electrification: Collaboration Between Producers and Utilities Can Result in a Win-Win

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Electrification’s Impacts on System Planning

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Utility Disruption and the Drive for Change

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Leveraging Climate Incentives for Oilfield Electrification Projects

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7 Questions to Consider About Hydrogen Hubs

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DOE Transmission Needs Study Serves as a Call to Action

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Examine Track Record Before Committing to a Lenders Environmental and Social Consultant

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The High Cost of Safety Complacency: Failing to Plan Ahead for Disruptions

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Impact of Harmonics in a Distribution Network After Capacitor Bank Placement

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Distribution Grid Operators Face Increasingly Complex Dynamics as Electrification Ramps Up

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Finding New Opportunities Under a Streamlined PJM Interconnection Process

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Port Electrification Requires Resilient Infrastructure

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Panels, Plants and Tractors: Integrated Energy and Agriculture Solutions

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EV Cybersecurity Measures a Major Priority With NEVI

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Offshore Wind Transmission: How Far Has the U.S. Come?

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Staying Breach-Ready During a Cybersecurity Labor Shortage

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6 Tips for Building National EV Charging Corridors People Will Use

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Perspectives on Utility Transformation

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Cyber Resilience Spurs Reassurance for Renewables

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A Tool for Modernizing the Grid

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4 Factors Will Steer the Journey to Fleet Electrification

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Untapped Hydro Capacity Can Advance Clean Energy Goals

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Building Resilient, Self-Healing Grids Starts With Careful Analysis of Feeder Layouts and Load Distribution

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Let’s Get to the Right Outcomes by Measuring Processes, Not People

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Regain Sponsor Focus by Measuring What Matters in Your Change Initiatives

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Preparing the Power Industry for USPS Fleet Electrification

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There Is a Dark Side to KPIs That Could Be Slowing Your Change Efforts

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Imagining an Electric World

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Understanding the Long-Term Impacts of Electric Vehicle Charging

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Electrifying the Nation’s Mass Transit Bus Fleets

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Analytics Yield Clearer Picture of System Losses for Electric Cooperative

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Evaluating the Impacts of Electric Vehicles on Utility Distribution Systems

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Shifting 3 Fundamental Elements of Culture Creates a New Environment

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Four Answers to Navigating the Interconnection Queue

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Rightsizing Your Risk: Understanding Stakeholder Exposure

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It Takes Courage to Push Past Boundaries for True Organizational Change

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Power Grid Challenges and Opportunities for Transit Electrification

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Let’s Get Real About Federal Spending on Cybersecurity

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To Change Behavior, Reduce or Increase Friction

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Refining the Roles of Planning and People in Digital Transformation

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A Structured Approach Supports Proactive Asset Management

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Six Simple Measures to Prepare for Industrial Cyberattacks

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Distribution Implications of DER Aggregation Under FERC 2222

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How Hydrogen Storage Could Support Renewable Energy Resiliency

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Let’s Find Better Strategies to Counter the Upsurge in Ransomware

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Evaluating Firm Fuel Options to Weather Challenging Conditions

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Proactive LNG Equipment Assessments Can Help Maintain Energy Supply

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Three Keys to Successfully Implement Oracle Primavera Unifier

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A Road Map for Successful Conversion to a Fully Electric Fleet

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Zero-Trust Security Model: First Line of Defense in Cybersecurity

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Building a Case for People Change Management in Sustainable Capital Projects

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Three Things We Can Do to Reduce Friction and Lessen the Pain of Change

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Affirmation and Japanese Philosophy Can Help Your Change Project

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Five Factors Form the Basis for Wellfield Electrification Decisions

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A Few Pages From Agile Principles Can Be an Antidote to Change Weariness

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Navigating the Practicality of Cybersecurity Investment Incentives

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Comparing the Advantages of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Hydrogen

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A Pragmatic Approach for Asset Management Planning

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Reflecting on Solar Panel Glare and How to Mitigate It

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Making the Move to Port Electrification

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Understanding the Role of Renewable Identification Numbers

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Four Reasons to Choose the Desert for Your Data Center

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Shifting Power Market Dynamics Prompt Focus on Unit Operating Parameters

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Steps for Successful Migration to the Utility Network Model

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Vulnerability Assessments Create Road Map for Cybersecurity

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Rural Broadband Funding Auction Creates Opportunities for Utilities

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Increasing User Adoption of Business Intelligence

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COVID-19 Pandemic Accelerates Decline in Coal-Fired Generation

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Alert Calls for Action to Secure Critical Infrastructure OT Systems

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Utilities See End-of-Life Changes for Assets With PJM Interconnection

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Using Asset Framework to Transform Data Into Operational Intelligence

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Choosing a Framework for Optimal Risk Management

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Confronting the Energy Challenges of Growing Indoor Agriculture

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Make It Strong: The First Step in Modernizing the U.S. Grid

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Executive Order Adds Momentum to Mitigation of Cyberthreats to U.S. Power Industry

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Grid Stability Considerations for Successful Offshore Wind Projects

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We Have the Power to Change the EV Landscape

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Transforming Utility Resilience

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Automating Security Operations: SOAR Supports Integrated Cybersecurity

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Bridging the Gap: Benefits of a Business Continuity Plan

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PMO Technologies Keep Remote Project Teams Connected

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Implementing Compartmentalization Protects People and Enhances Security

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Mind the Gap: Resilience Goes Beyond Compliance

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Preparing Wind Projects for the PTC Bubble

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How Prepared Is Your Utility to Sustain and Extend Emergency Measures?

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Citizen Developers, Agile Methodology and People Change Management for Digital Transformation

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Overcoming Primary Challenges for Secondary Network Operators

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Key Considerations for a Renewable Future in Michigan

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15 Organizational Leadership Lessons From the Super Bowl Champs

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Zeroing in on Operational Goals Through a PMO

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Manage Outages by Harnessing the Power of Technology and Project Management

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Making the Case for Energy Storage

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Strategic Considerations for Modernizing OT Networks

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Grid Architecture: Crossing the Chasm Between Concept and Implementation

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URGENT/11 Vulnerabilities: Understanding Them and Protecting Systems

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Designing for Data Quality

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Achieving 100% Renewable Energy

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An Up-to-Date Security Plan Brings Physical, Cyber Together

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Grid Modernization: Strong, Smart, Sustainable

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Applying Modern Data Acquisition for Construction Sites

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Security Technology Is Not Enough

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Navigating the Complexities of Vehicle Electrification at Multiunit Dwellings

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Enriching Your Solar Plant Inspection With UAS

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Expanding Electrification to Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

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Between-Route vs. In-Route Bus Charging: Making a Wise Choice

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10 Infrastructure Considerations for Fleet Electrification

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Grid Modernization: Changing the Way the Grid’s Future Is Planned

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Order 843 and CIP-003-7: How They Will Impact Low Sites

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Notes on CIP-002-5.1a Modifications

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Bringing Data Centers Into Site: Choosing a Strategic Location for Data Center Development

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Securing the Supply Chain

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Our Services

Analytics & Business Intelligence

We deliver data analytics and business intelligence that is useful, intuitive and actionable, within the context of your industry.

Architecture & Infrastructure

We break down data silos, address data quality challenges and organize via architecture and infrastructure focused on accessibility for analytics and visualization.

Business Case Assessment

We use proven methodology to deliver accurate, timely assessments, examining macro and micro trends to create solutions-focused reports based on market experience.

Business Outcome Solutions

We help establish comprehensive operational technology (OT) cybersecurity programs that mitigate risk, protect investment and anticipate future needs.

Capital Asset Planning

We assist in the development of actionable plans that map out capital investments in a way that can be easily translated for key stakeholders.

Cybersecurity Executive Advisory Services

Our executive advisory services help you expand and manage your cyber programs in concert with broader business goals, seamlessly integrating with operations.

Design, Protect, Optimize

We support your critical infrastructure cybersecurity needs with design, protection and optimization services through all stages of your cybersecurity journey.

Energy Policy Advisory

We understand future energy policy changes as well as existing regulations, so we can provide a comprehensive view of the business impacts.

Enterprise Technology

Optimize your digital investments that support capital project delivery and operational platforms, such as geospatial and asset management systems.

Financing & Forecasting

We factor in a multitude of financial analyses and studies to build the fiscal base for forecasts that satisfies internal, external and public expectations.

Geospatial

We reveal keen insights by analyzing geospatial data and enabling access, visualization and understanding based on experience and innovative technologies.

Infrastructure Modernization

We help you build an infrastructure modernization plan that aligns with your business goals, meets customer needs and employs the right technology.

Owner's Engineer Services

Gain the experience of a team working beside you as a direct extension of your staff, focused on your goals, reviewing project progress and processes, and scheduling from start to finish.

People, Culture & Change

We help you establish a strong foundation based on the strengths of your people, your culture and the idea that change is a critical determinant of success.

Process & Performance Management

Our technical specialists guide owner/operators of critical infrastructure assets in evolving operations to enhance performance, optimize processes and commit to continuous improvement.

Project & Portfolio Management Systems

We provide in-depth, multidecade program management, project controls, engineering, design and construction business experience to manage capital projects.

Project Planning & Development

Our consultants understand your challenges and are positioned to help you address the evolving demands you face when mapping out a large-scale project.

Rate Design

Our consultants have led electric, water, wastewater and solid waste utilities through public and regulatory processes associated with rate design.

Regulatory Support

Our power industry experience enables us to support the entire regulatory process — filing development, testimony support and public hearing presentations.

Strategic Asset Management

Our diverse experience helps uncover and develop focused solutions to help you manage your assets in a safe, strategic and sound manner.

Transaction Advisory

Our transaction advisory services are built on industry experience, technical knowledge and business acumen, designed to help you make practical decisions.

Transmission & Distribution Planning

We bring an experienced and pragmatic perspective to the challenges of transmission and distribution planning, helping you navigate complex projects.