Electric utility storm restoration : crew work allocation optimization

Abstract

Storms damage Atlantic Electric's electric distribution network, resulting in power outages and expensive repairs. After severe storms Atlantic Electric hires external contractor crews to perform the majority of the restoration work. This project focuses on increasing the effectiveness of contractor crews by: 1) improving work flow processes that can result in restoration delays; 2) staging contractor crews at operations bases that are close to damage; and 3) optimizing the work allocation to contractor crews so that customers have their power restored sooner. An optimization model used by Atlantic Electric to pre-stage their crews is modified and improved so that it can suggest locations for staging crews throughout a restoration effort. The model compares well to actual storm assignments in previous storms, normally preempting Atlantic Electric's decision by one day. This suggests that Atlantic Electric's experts and storm managers are already operating efficiently, but that the model can help them reach their decisions faster since it incorporates all data instantaneously and objectively. The use of the model will also provide a valuable justification to the state regulators, who monitor storm responses, for crew movements and postings. Next, an optimization model is developed to improve the assignment of individual repair jobs to crews. Currently the process is performed manually and can vary from base to base. Decision makers must balance multiple factors, such as the number of crews available, location of damage points, the severity of the damage, and the number and type of customers without power. Under enormous pressure in a hectic environment, it can be difficult to analyze and weigh all these factors. Additionally, due to the infrequent nature of these large events, some personnel have limited firsthand experience in these situations, while others are extremely experienced and skilled. The model captures and codifies the methodology of Atlantic Electric's storm experts and provides a quick, consistent tool for assigning work efficiently. Finally, we suggest several process improvements to the contractor work flow.