FortisBC Engages Vancouver-based Awesense to Conduct its Inaugural Project Greenlight Innovation Pilot
Project Greenlight member FortisBC, one of British Columbia’s largest energy providers, has engaged PwC Canada, a leading professional services firm, and Awesense, a Vancouver-based energy software company, to conduct a pilot program focused on improving the quality of the FortisBC electrical network connectivity model. The PwC team will design, develop and implement algorithms capable of determining the correct mapping of meters to transformers via phases, and populate the Awesense data model from which these algorithms will be run.
After successfully applying to FortisBC’s open call through Project Greenlight – a process that involves a shortlist review and direct pitch session – PwC and Awesense were selected to pilot their technology while solving a critical challenge faced by the regional enterprise. Awesense – whose Digital Energy Platform empowers utilities and energy providers to build data-driven applications and analytics that support future energy systems – has collaborated with FortisBC for over eight years.
Launching in 2022
The pilot with FortisBC involves the use of Geospatial Information System (GIS), Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) data to determine customer phase and meter-to-transformer association on a specific set of FortisBC feeders. The outcomes will have wide-reaching benefits for grid-based projects, and will reduce barriers for FortisBC to implement many internal initiatives.
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Upon pilot completion in summer 2022, the solution will be assessed for applicability to full-scale deployment.
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“Through this pilot, we hope to leverage the data from our advanced metering infrastructure to further improve the accuracy of our GIS system. We hope this improved accuracy will allow for more efficient operation of FortisBC’s electric distribution assets."
Michael Leyland, manager of Innovative Initiatives at FortisBC
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“We are thrilled to be working with FortisBC, a customer since the inception of Awesense, and PwC Canada, who will leverage our Digital Energy Platform to build a new algorithmic GIS correction application,” said Mischa Steiner, founder and CEO of Awesense. “Through this relationship, Awesense will be responsible for providing the platform, tools, and Digital Energy Model that will accelerate PwC’s efforts and new app development, reducing the time to GIS accuracy.”
“PwC is proud of the relationship and work we have developed with FortisBC, the foundation of which is delivering the highest standards in quality and value,” said Eric Clarke, Partner, PwC Canada. “This innovative pilot project will be no different, as PwC is focused on delivering bold ideas and solutions that are human-led, tech-powered and deliver results.”
Feeling inspired?
FortisBC, along with Project Greenlight members TransLink, City of Vancouver and City of New Westminster, have posted active calls for innovation on Project Greenlight.
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For more information about the program, including the registration and proposal process, contact:
John McPherson
Project Greenlight Program Manager
john@projectgreenlight.io
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