Bullet slideOptimizing Leak Abatement with Improved Leak

Data Acquisition and Analysis

AGA State Affairs Committee Meeting- Oct. 10, 2016

N. Jonathan Peress

Environmental Defense Fund

Overview: Utilities and PUCs seeing the

benefits of Spatial Analytics

• PSE&G/EDF leak survey prioritization project complete; informs cost effective program implementation and emission reductions

• Advanced leak detection finds more leaks, enhances program effectiveness (e.g., Centerpoint)

• Spatial analytics (i.e., new data gathering, processing and visualization methods) like EDF PSE&G project improving utility decision-making and program management (e.g., PWC)

• Additional utilities integrating leak data acquisition, analysis and methane emissions into leak abatement program implementation (e.g., National Grid, PG&E)

• Begin with state regulatory backdrop

A small fraction of sites and components contributes the majority of emissions.

Leak-Prone Pipe / Replacement Grid Flow Ranking

PSE&G using data after applying Hazard Index algorithm to prioritize parcels

New Survey Techniques Prioritize Well

Cumulative

Distribution

Curve

New locational methods and sensors (e.g., Picarro) being integrated by utilities

• PG&E, CenterPoint Energy, EDF UNU analysis finds 3 to 5 times more leaks than standard (e.g., FI)

Source: CenterPoint Energy Presentation

July 2015

Picarro Enterprise Value Proposition

Picarro Implementation Significantly

Reduces Leaks

Picarro Analytical Mode Proactive Pipe

Replacement Significantly Reduces Leaks

July 2015

September 2016 – Proposed Settlement

• Methane emission flow rate data in prioritizing leak prone pipe replacement

• Integrate leak flow rate quantification into leak abatement program

• Revenue incentive for targeting and repairing leakiest pipe segments

How spatial analytics can empower asset management for gas utility companies PWC – April 2016

• “By integrating spatial analytics’ predictive modelling with risk-based integrity management programs, utilities can meaningfully improve their asset integrity, investment decisions and deployment of people, processes and technologies.” –Source: PWC

Advancing Solutions (with information)

• Utilities, stakeholders, regulators and public benefit from information.

• Resolve disconnect between infrastructure condition (leaks) and expenditures.

• Enhance project management, leak reductions and cost-effectiveness.

• What leaks can and should be repaired, mains replaced? Utility experience validates that data acquisition, quantification, spatial analytics can be used to manage and prioritize.

• No longer just about research and pilot projects; utilities around the country are operationalizing.