Innovation in Utilities: How Avangrid is Transforming with Data Science
Mark Waclawiak’s roots in the utility industry run deep. His father worked at United Illuminating, (now part of the Avangrid family of companies), while his mother ran a consulting firm designing power and lighting systems for commercial businesses. From a young age, Mark was immersed in the world of electrical engineering, frequently surrounded by blueprints and designs in his mother’s office. This early exposure to the critical role of electricity in modern society shaped his desire to contribute to the field and ultimately led him to his current role.
“I grew up with electricity and electrical engineering being a part of everyday life,” Mark recalls. “It was always a topic of discussion, and it really crystallized in me a desire to be involved in the electrical grid and how it impacts our lives.”
Marek Waclawiak giving a presentation on underground system protection in 1989!
Leading the Charge at Avangrid with Innovation Through Data Science
Mark now heads the Operational Performance division within Avangrid’s Data Science and Analytics department. His team is dedicated to improving reliability and resiliency for customers through various means, including capital projects and advanced AI technologies. “Our focus is on enhancing reliability and resiliency,” Mark explains. “Whether it’s through engineering, analytics, data science, or advanced AI technology, everything we do is aimed at improving the service we provide to our customers.”
While innovation can be a buzzword, it translates to tangible improvements in service reliability at Avangrid and its operating companies. What sets Avangrid apart is its in-house data science and analytics team within the operations division, something Mark highlights as unique in the industry. “Having a core data science organization within operations is relatively rare for an electric utility,” Mark notes. “We’ve been fortunate to build a brilliant team of data scientists, data engineers, and data analysts. This integration of advanced data science into daily operations has significantly transformed our approach to service delivery.”
One critical area where Avangrid leverages data science is vegetation management. With over 42,000 miles of overhead distribution lines in New York, managing trees that pose a risk to the electrical grid is a massive task. “We have identified over 10,600 danger trees that could impact reliability,” Mark says. “Using data science, we can prioritize which trees pose the most significant threat and focus our efforts where they’ll have the most impact. It’s about maximizing the value of every dollar we invest in this work.”
Asset management is another area where data science plays a crucial role. Avangrid has millions of poles, transformers, crossarms and reclosers in New York alone. Deciding which equipment to inspect or replace based on subjective judgment is impractical. Instead, data models help prioritize assets based on their condition and the potential impact on the grid, ensuring that maintenance efforts are focused where they are most needed. “Taking operations from the subjective to the objective is critical,” Mark explains. “It helps us make decisions that best impact our customers, especially with such a wide scope of challenges.”
The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Grid Management
AI also plays a crucial role in managing the vast and complex electrical grid. Avangrid’s Health AI platform uses computer vision technology to analyze millions of images of the grid’s infrastructure. This technology, which is currently under development, will help identify issues such as degrading crossarms or cracked insulators without requiring manual inspection of each image. “We’re talking about millions of images,” Mark points out. “AI allows us to analyze these at scale and extract the insights we need to make informed decisions. It’s a huge advantage.”
Another innovative tool being built by Avangrid’s Data Science and Analytics team is the GeoMesh platform, which uses machine learning to model the grid’s response to various weather conditions. Given the diverse geographical and environmental conditions across Avangrid’s service territory, this granular approach helps tailor maintenance and improvement efforts to the specific needs of each area. “GeoMesh lets us break down our service areas into smaller sections and model the unique challenges they face,” Mark explains. “This level of granularity is key to making effective, data-driven decisions.”
One of the most exciting aspects of Avangrid’s approach is the widespread buy-in from the entire operations team. This isn’t just about data scientists working in isolation; it’s about a cultural shift where operations leaders actively seek out data-driven insights to inform their decisions. “It’s not just academic,” Mark says. “Our operations leadership is fully on board, and they’re hungry for more data-driven insights. It’s really exciting to see that shift in mindset.”
Looking Ahead To The Future
Avangrid is committed to leveraging data science and analytics to enhance the reliability and resiliency of the electrical grid. This focus is particularly important as the grid faces increasing challenges from aging infrastructure, climate change, and the push towards electrification. By integrating data science into the core of its operations, Avangrid is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and continue delivering reliable service to its customers. “The utilities that effectively use data and data science methodologies are the ones that will be able to make the right decisions,” Mark emphasizes. “And that’s what’s going to benefit our customers the most.”
Avangrid’s commitment to innovation through data science is a testament to its forward-thinking approach. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering a culture of collaboration, Avangrid is transforming the way it manages the electrical grid. This transformation not only improves service reliability but also ensures that Avangrid is prepared to meet the evolving needs of its customers. As Mark Waclawiak and his team continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with data science, the future of utility management looks brighter than ever. “We’ve seen remarkable success in a very short amount of time,” Mark reflects. “And that’s because we have brilliant people doing brilliant work, supported by leadership that’s open to new ideas. It’s a combination that’s driving real change.”
