IREA is very proud of the cutting edge tools we’re implementing to help us meet our pledge of offering “the best possible service at the lowest possible cost.” Here are a few examples:

Creating Faster Response Times

SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, a capability we’re in the process of installing in each of our substations to help us identify and respond to problems more quickly. Simply put, SCADA enables our operators in Sedalia to monitor what’s going on in a substation so that we can minimize outage time. If there’s a problem, we can identify the affected substation and even the location of the problem within the region served by that substation. If the operator determines that the problem is temporary, he or she can “flip the switch” in Sedalia and the substation operations can be reset to normal. If a repair crew must be sent out, SCADA helps identify the remote area where the problem is located so technicians can be dispatched directly to the spot, saving search time. Then once the repair is finished, the Sedalia operator can restart service, saving the crew a trip to the substation. We began upgrading our substations for SCADA in 2007. System-wide, IREA’s annual average outage time is well below industry averages and SCADA will help us keep it that way while reducing long term operating and maintenance costs.

Strengthening System Reliability

Our Cable Testing Program is another way we’re cutting costs and providing better service to our members. Underground cables deteriorate more quickly than overhead distribution lines, mainly due to water infiltration. Digging up and replacing the cables is expensive, not to mention inconvenient to our members who would rather not have their backyards and streets dug up. IREA is using a new technology installed on a specially-equipped truck that can check cables from accessible spots to determine how much they have deteriorated in that area. If deterioration is beyond a certain amount, a fluid called CableCURE® is injected into the cable. This substance diffuses into the insulation surrounding the cable and then hardens.  As a result, the deterioration is drastically slowed and cable life is extended. Less frequent cable replacement saves money and reduces disruption for IREA and our members.

Improving Information Technology Systems

As IREA grows, the information technology tools we’ve put in place over the years are ready to be replaced. We’ve been exploring our IT options for the past two years and are prepared to implement a comprehensive new system that will improve efficiencies in areas including data storage, financial asset management, human resources, billing, and customer account management. This upgrade will allow us to add features such as outage management systems and new service staking that were outside of the capabilities of  our current system. As we improve efficiencies with these systems, our internal costs will be reduced, our service to you will be more efficient, and our members will have more options in directly managing their account and services.