Network operator AusNet has partnered with global data, analytics and technology company DTN to help improve its response to emergency events.
Specifically, the partnership utilises DTN’s Storm Impact Analytics, which is a state-of-the-art outage prediction tool which combines weather forecasts, regional and historical weather data, with AusNet operational data to support improved planning and decision-making during weather events.
Related article: AusNet trial pays customers to charge their electric vehicle
“These tools and analysis provide us with information in advance of a weather event, enabling AusNet to prepare and respond to extreme weather events ahead of time,” AusNet emergency operations specialist Sally Jacobs said.
These insights inform both advanced warning and scenario modelling, helping AusNet’s outage response management.
“This information will help us determine when a response is needed and where to allocate staff so that they are positioned and equipped to deal with potential issues,” she said.
As the climate changes, effective management of weather-related risks is becoming more complex, as illustrated by events in recent years.
“After two major disaster events, the 2019/2020 bushfires and June 2021 storms, we knew we had to change how we responded to big emergency events,” Jacobs said.
“We needed reliable and actionable insights which looked at the potential impacts to our service areas, tailored to our industry.”
Related article: Bridge over troubled data: confronting cyber threats hiding in Australia’s utilities sector
“We can now more confidently anticipate and respond to weather impacts on our network”, Jacobs said.
AusNet owns and operates three regulated networks: electricity distribution, gas distribution and the state-wide electricity transmission network, as well as a significant portfolio of contracted energy infrastructure.
