utility vegetation management

Comparing LiDAR, Aerial, and Satellite Data for Vegetation Encroachment Analysis

Managing the vegetation surrounding power lines is a massive challenge for electric utilities. Trees and thick brush grow constantly, closing the gap between limbs and live wires. When clearances are breached, the consequences for grid stability are immediate. According to Electrical Contractor, nearly 25% (about one quarter) of all power outages in the U.S. are directly caused by vegetation interference …

Electric Utility Joint Use

What Electric Utility Joint Use Really Looks Like Today

The concept of joint use in the electric utility sector has long been championed as a smart approach to infrastructure management. By allowing multiple entities to share utility poles, electric utility joint use aims to maximize resource utilization and reduce the physical footprint of infrastructure. However, what’s often depicted as seamless coordination and efficiency is more complex than it might …

geospatial data services

How Geospatial Data Services Amplify Co-Op Expertise, Not Replace It

How Geospatial Data Services Amplify Co-Op Expertise, Not Replace It In a rapidly evolving world, cooperatives are increasingly turning to geospatial data services to enhance operations and strengthen decision-making. These advanced solutions offer tremendous potential for growth and optimization, but they are most effective when they support, not replace, human expertise. By integrating geospatial data services into daily operations, co-ops …

Utility Vegetation Management: When Vegetation Data Starts Working for You

In the modern era of utility management, leveraging data-driven insights is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) is a critical component in maintaining the safety and reliability of power infrastructure. As vegetation encroaches on power lines, the risk of outages and hazards escalates. Fortunately, with the advent of innovative data solutions such as EMPACT Vegetation Insights …