An increase of climate-related grid disruptions combined with stricter storm response regulations continue to put pressure on utilities. To reduce the duration of electric outages for customers, utilities need to better prepare for incidents and enhance their response efforts.
With service to a combined 5 million customers in New York and New Jersey, ConEdison and its subsidiary Orange & Rockland embarked on an initiative to improve storm response management.
Qualus was engaged to help determine a solution and streamline the existing storm response process. With existing knowledge and understanding of the business process and standards at ConEdison, Qualus started the process with a focus on the existing Network Management System (NMS). Given the status of NMS as one of the core operational technologies utilized by ConEdison, Oracle Field Services (OFS) was identified as an ideal solution.
Although OFS was primarily a planning and scheduling tool, it was extremely configurable and fit the needs of ConEdison from a mutual aid perspective. The plan was to implement the new tool to manage their onboarding process; however, it could also be used to reduce existing manual efforts to record time entry for the contingent workforces. In addition, OFS would replace a Site Safety Management System that was approaching the end of its useful life.
Adding to the complexity of the project was the challenge of replacing two operating company processes with a unified new process utilizing technology. Qualus, working closely with ConEdison, was able to deliver a solution that met all requirements.
The first phase of the project rolled out in August 2023 and consisted of the new mutual aid onboarding system and a portal that ConEdison and its contractors use to create new storm events, resource requests, and roster management. The system was put to work almost immediately after being implemented and was adopted by users as well as the contracting companies, who are now required to fill out and submit their own rosters through the portal.
Although it was important to complete phase one in a timely manner due to the storm season approaching, teams were able to work in parallel on phase two timesheet entry scope of work. It consisted of configuring OFS to record daily time entries of external workers, vehicles, and equipment. In November 2024, the time entry and approval functionality went live, allowing for more accurate time recording and billing remediation following the close of a storm event.
“Working with Qualus has been a truly positive experience. Their team has consistently demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a commitment to excellence. Their support has made our projects smoother and more successful. The collaboration with Qualus has been instrumental in achieving our goals and ensuring the success of our initiatives,” said Joe Polito, Department Manager of Storm Execution & Support Ops at ConEdison.
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