Using Enhanced Analytics to Manage Vegetation Risk on an Electrical Distribution System

Summary

Hydro One Networks, Inc., operates approximately 121,000 circuit kilometers of distribution line covering approximately 102,000 kilometers of right-of-way. Our distribution rights-of-way traverse a diverse geography and are exposed to a population of over 7 million deciduous and coniferous trees. This tree population is one of the largest contributors to our distribution system outages and managing those trees represents one our biggest maintenance expenses.

To help improve distribution right-of-way vegetation management and other assets on our distribution system, Hydro One Networks Inc. has developed a spatially explicit analytical tool set that leverages Space Time Insight software and the Google Earth platform. This tool set uses span level data collection and analytical algorithms to visually display a comprehensive and cascading-information view of asset risk and priorities basedup on the demographics, condition, performance, utilization, and criticality of specific distribution line assets.

Join this session to hear about how we are using this tool to improve our vegetation management planning. Specific areas of improvement that are highlighted include; planning an annual program through a balanced risk approach; condition assessment; targeted off-cycle work and the identification of work-bundling opportunities.