- Company: Lake Region Electric Cooperative
- Location: Pelican Rapids, Minnesota
- Solution: AiDASH Intelligent Vegetation Management System (IVMS)
About the Lake Region Electric Cooperative:
Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC) is a member-owned, member-controlled electric utility serving more than 28,000 member-consumers with 30 substations that power approximately 4,046 miles of overhead lines located in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.
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The Problem: Incomplete data and an ad hoc approach.
Two years ago, LREC leadership approached Abe Nebgen, Utility Arborist, with a critical question: “What would it take to fully optimize our vegetation management program?” Like many electric cooperatives, Abe is operating a small team with very limited resources.
Abe realized there was a big opportunity to bring in a technology solution to meet this challenge . Aware that satellite imaging was being used by other utilities to capture, analyze, and provide real insight, he brought in AiDASH Intelligent Vegetation Management System™ (IVMS) to support his optimization and modernization efforts. For the first time, Abe could see his network in a way he hadn’t been able to without IVMS.
Challenges included:
- Incomplete data: In-house data was sometimes lacking, making it difficult to quantify the work across the system.
- Ad hoc system management: The system had not recently been fully analyzed or “dug out,” leading to reactive rather than proactive maintenance.
- Need for a more systematic approach: LREC was looking for insightful ways to implement a more effective 4-year cycle, dividing the system into quarters to better manage resources and ensure consistent coverage.
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The Solution: Proactive, not reactive.
The new AiDASH-enabled approach included:
- Comprehensive system management with a new visual layer: Moving from a reactive to a proactive stance, Abe and LREC emphasized always having an inventory of the system – using satellite imaging and AI to make it possible.
- Credibility and transparency: IVMS provided a data-driven backstop that the entire organization could use as a source of truth to limit subjectivity and make informed decisions about where to focus and how to be as efficient as possible.
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Impact: Quality, efficiency, and credibility.
Key impacts included:
- Improved data quality: The system inventory provided clear and actionable data, making it easier to allocate resources effectively.
- Operational efficiency: With a clearer understanding of problem areas and a systematic approach to maintenance, the company reduced the risk of outages and improved overall system reliability.
- Increased credibility: The data-driven approach gave the team the credibility they needed to advocate for necessary budget increases and systemic changes.
Using satellite-first with AI-based technology, LREC has laid a foundation for a more resilient and reliable network through data-driven vegetation management. With the support of technology partners and a commitment to improvement, LREC is well-positioned to meet future challenges and continue providing reliable service to its customers.
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About AiDASH
AiDASH is an AI-first vertical SaaS company on a mission to transform operations, maintenance, and sustainability in industries with geographically distributed assets by using satellites and AI at scale. With access to a continual, near-real-time stream of critical data, utilities, energy, transportation, water and wastewater, and other core industries can make more informed decisions and build optimized long-term plans, all while reducing costs, improving reliability, and achieving sustainability goals. To learn more about how AiDASH is helping core industries become more resilient, efficient, and sustainable, visit www.aidash.com.
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