Why Network Grid Model Data is Essential for Energy Transition
Author Sticky
The time is now for transmission and distribution (T&D) operators to embrace digital transformation. From improved customer service to enhanced safety, the advantages of updating operations with digital technologies cannot be overstated. Utilities that successfully transform stand to cut operational costs by 25% and see performance improvements up to 40%, according to a McKinsey study.
For many utilities, digital transformation of business processes that affect network model data delivers a high return on investment. With a faster pace of change, new regulations, and new resources such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and distributed energy resources (DERs), it’s more important than ever to have unified, complete, and accurate electric network model data.
Unfortunately, T&D organizations are traditionally siloed into various operational, maintenance, and business functions. Data disparities, errors, and inaccessibility result. This hinders the ability to analyze data from the grid and apply relevant learnings contextually and holistically. Allowing the isolation of data across your utility results in higher costs, increased risks, and avoidable inefficiencies.
By adopting a shared network model integrating GIS and ADMS, cooperation among departments becomes simpler. The grid data itself becomes an information asset that can be leveraged across the enterprise to drive more effective decision-making and faster progress.

Integration of ADMS and GIS in a shared network model drives more effective decision making.
Image credit: GE Vernova
Benefits of A Unified Network Model
Developing a shared network model delivers a host of benefits. Three stand out as particularly relevant to modern utilities.
- With the right built-in governance and automation capabilities, you can ensure that the network model is electrically sound and up to date. Intelligent data management based on proven business process models helps reduce the burden of manual data maintenance while eliminating duplicate effort and human error. By bringing data together in one place, you create a shared source of truth about the evolving state of the network so everyone can work together to solve challenges regardless of department or role.
- Better data translates to better outcomes in terms of resilience and reliability. An accurate and complete network model enables teams to trace and resolve problems faster. By tracking utilization more closely, it helps drive more effective maintenance and helps you analyze patterns to respond to demand. As you update the network with new assets and new technologies such as DERs and IoT, a complete network model simplifies the integration of relevant data.
- Such an approach readies your grid data for the application of AI and machine learning to achieve predictive and prescriptive analytics and greater efficiency. The outcomes are not theoretical. For example, GE Vernova Grid Software’s Visual Intelligence platform can ingest and analyze almost any type of visual inspection file. Using AI, it greatly improves the productivity of data processing related to asset inspection and vegetation management through more accurate deployment of O&M teams.

Top benefits of developing a unified network model for utilities drives improved outcomes and greater efficiency.
Image credit: GE Vernova
How GE Vernova Grid Software Can Help You Modernize Your Network Model
GE Vernova Grid Software offers award-winning network solutions that maximize the power of grid network model data in your utility. We work with you every step of the way to maximize the value of existing assets while enabling you to modernize rapidly and achieve maximum ROI. Our field-proven solutions provide end-to-end network management including native interoperability, advanced analytics, and geospatial network modeling.
Read our eBook to learn more about leveraging a unified grid network model to become a more resilient, agile, and innovative utility.