In its continuing efforts to improve the efficiency and reliability of its electric distribution system, Pedernales Electric Cooperative has initiated a system-wide field inventory. The 12-month project, which began in early March, is moving into the Johnson City and Blanco areas.
“The goal of this system inventory is to collect more comprehensive data that PEC will use to create accurate mapping information for all PEC facilities and equipment — from the PEC substation to a member’s meter,” PEC Vice President of Engineering and Energy Innovations Brad Hicks said.
The data collected during this inventory will benefit PEC members in a number of ways, including helping PEC improve reliability and speed outage restoration, as well as launch new products and services to members in 2015. The data will also aid in studying and managing load capacity.
The Co-op has contracted with Davey Resource Group (DRG) to perform the comprehensive field inventory, and DRG technicians will physically visit each substation, electric pole, meter, device and all pad-mounted equipment owned by PEC and located throughout the Co-op’s 8,100-square-mile service area. Some weekend work may be necessary.
DRG field technicians will record the GPS location of every piece of PEC’s equipment and take a thorough inventory. Technicians will use tablets to collect the data and take photographs of equipment.
“Technicians working for DRG will wear vests and GPS backpacks identifying them as DRG contractors. They also will have photo identification issued by PEC and will carry a letter of authorization from the Co-op,” Hicks said. “In order to safely and efficiently canvass our service area, DRG technicians may use an all-terrain vehicle (displaying the DRG logo) to help them travel. DRG staff is only recording PEC equipment — they will not need to go inside members’ homes.”
The Davey Resource Group is a reputable firm that has completed system inventories for a number of electric cooperatives and municipal and investor-owned utilities. For more information, visit www.davey.com/drg or call PEC at 1-877-372-0391 and press 1.
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