SMART NETWORKS TRENDS
Innovation is not just about technology and widgets, it’s also about processes. Gas distribution is very process-oriented and therefore process innovation must be considered as a way of improving. That’s precisely why gas businesses move forward by rethinking the daily process they carry out, and of course by considering the application of new technologies.
There is a belief that innovative ideas take too long to become a reality. The truth is that IT tools, processes and practices require time to design, test and implement. However, this can be certainly done much faster if an organisation establishes the correct mechanisms to achieve their goals and embraces flexibility. This means being prepared to learn new skills, having an open mind and embracing Change.
Smart networks shall allow network operators to make decisions quicker, in a safer and more efficiently manner.
In the event of an emergency, a fault or during ordinary operation of a network, decisions must be taken to minimise risks and use resources efficiently. This can only be done if a network's owners have the appropriate data. Historically, decisions and investments in gas grids have been based on ‘steady state modelling’ and pressure data throughout distribution networks, plus assumed demands for customers determined by a series of calculations.
The incoming initiatives will not only allow us make business operations much safer, but will also uplift efficiency, reducing waste and unnecessary work - which means money.
Security and safety
Security and safety are probably the main concerns in the gas distribution sector. Security upgrades are being carried on at the relevant sites to safeguard property, avoid unauthorized visitors and prevent sabotage or attacks. Millions of pounds will be invested in improving security conditions. Network owners will face significant expense in setting electrified fences, CCTV cameras, intruder alarms and 24/7 surveillance. This will lead to increased control in the permits to work both ordinary and emergency situations.
New tools must be developed to provide information to Network Operators, including; full control of people on site, appropriate competence checks, and permits to work which avoid conflicts. An integrated database would allow Gas Control to be aware of the operations being carried out and the engineers on site. New equipment needs to be developed to allow engineers on site provide information on the location and the task they are about to start.
Customer service
Being a strongly regulated business, gas distribution is being continuously asked to improve customer satisfaction. Domestic operations, street works, complaints management and emergency attendance are without doubt the areas which make our performance more noticeable for customers. But, how can smart networks contribute to provide the service that our customers expect?
It’s well known that once smart metering is finally rolled out re-connections will be undertaken quicker, yet some other issues will have to be worked out. Until then, remote supervision will play an important role to provide the service that customers expect.
Attending customer complaints on time and effectively can be very resource expensive. Network users demand immediate assistance when a problem arises and companies currently provide users several channels to communicate with them, however we need to go one step further. Complaints could be classified and then be distributed immediately to an agent responsible for its resolution. In the event of a technical problem, engineers could communicate with customers via video streaming, or by analysing the problem using a simple app downloaded onto customers` smartphones. Simple problems could be fixed remotely, and when this is not possible it can still be used to collect useful information for later resolution.
Service interruptions can be particularly annoying for our customers. So, network operators should minimize the impact of incidents by developing wider robotics technology which will be used in live gas mains to repair joints on large metallic mains and to carry out detailed survey works to assess the condition of the pipe. Thus delivering , a vast reduction in the footprint of our roadworks, and as a result the level of disruption caused by them.
Commercial challenges
The final area to keep on eye lies in the new challenges that Network Operators will have to face in the near future, such as the increase of Biomethane Network Entry Facilities (BNEF) and Shale Gas. These will likely raise the level of remote control required to avoid gas quality incidents and potential Intake unbalances.
Additionally, major companies have put their hopes in new gas usages like gas for transportation. This may lead to a significant number of gas stations being built in the future if CNGB (Compressed Natural Gas for Vehicles) develops as forecasted.
Both circumstances will require complex commercial agreements and consequently a continuous upgrade in remote monitoring and data collection. Real time data must enable operators to take correct decisions during unusual scenarios - this means more training will be needed using IT tools with models simulating these scenarios.
Recently a colleague who moved to a different company commented in her farewell address that, “Every person and role deserves change. People deserve new challenges and roles deserve fresh eyes”. I can’t agree more with this statement.
Identifying existing IT solutions that can expand other types of data capture in the field is key, but companies need robust business cases before they will invest significant sums of money.
Networks operators are being asked to reduce the operation costs by getting less allowance for their activity, so becoming more efficient won’t be an option anymore.