Davey Resource Group’s Full System Inventory Helps A Caribbean-based Utility Prepare for Future Storms

Caribbean-based Utility

Davey Resource Group (DRG) collected data for a connectivity model of a Caribbean-based utility’s full distribution system, helping to create a map the utility can use to reduce outages and prepare for severe weather.

The Challenge

The Atlantic Ocean experienced an above-average hurricane season in 2023, with 20 named storms that were caused by record-warm sea surface temperatures. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2023 is ranked fourth for the most named storms in a year since 1950.

For communities in the Atlantic region, an increase in storms can lead to more power outages caused by storm damage. For an electric utility company based in the Caribbean, the first step for outage mitigation was to create a connectivity model of its entire system.

Since 1964, the utility has produced and distributed electricity to over 30,000 commercial and residential customers on several islands. To gather information about their infrastructure and assets to create the connectivity model, the utility partnered with Davey Resource Group (DRG).

The Solution

DRG began taking an inventory of the utility’s assets in June 2023. More than 10 crew members worked on each island simultaneously to gather data for Milsoft Utility Solutions platform, the utility’s GIS software. Since the inventory began, DRG has collected data on 38,000 poles, 2,000 underground features such as pad mounts, junction boxes, switch gears, manholes, and 81,000 electric meters.

Crews collecting data from manholes required specialized safety training in traffic flagging, opening and closing procedures, and stray-voltage and noxious-gas checks. Once the data was collected, DRG sent the information to a third-party software company, which integrated it into the connectivity model.

The Results

The inventory was completed in September 2024. With the connectivity model, the utility company has a comprehensive, up-to-date map of all its assets, allowing it to assess infrastructure, proactively repair equipment, create outage mitigation plans, and prepare for future storms.

The company is also upgrading its infrastructure to more durable equipment designed to better withstand hurricanes.

More than 10 Davey Resource Group crews worked on each island in the Virgin Islands simultaneously to gather utility asset data.

The utility in the Caribbean produces and distributes electricity to more than 30,000 customers on several islands.

Davey Resource Group collected data on poles, pad mounts, junction boxes, switch gears, manholes, and electric meters.

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