Following an increase in damages to its underground infrastructure, Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) decided to explore using artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent damage. KRDO news highlighted CSU’s experience with AI and damage prevention in a news segment.
CSU provides electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to the residents and businesses of Colorado Springs, Colorado. The American Public Power Association (APPA) recognized the utility as a Smart Energy Provider for its commitment to emerging technologies, smart energy goals, customer assistance programs, and more.
In 2023, CSU paid $500,000 in fines and had 478 utility lines damaged. They implemented Irth Insights for Damage Prevention to change that trajectory.
Irth Insights for Damage Prevention uses a SmartScore damage risk analysis engine that assesses risk factors, such as locator and excavator experience, to assign a Risk Score.
Based on the Risk Score, utilities can configure automated alerts and actions. For example, suppose the excavator on the job has previously damaged CSU’s infrastructure. When a new dig ticket with that excavator listed is analyzed by Irth’s SmartScore engine, it will be assigned a higher risk score. This helps prioritize high-risk tickets. Not only can CSU take preventative action, such as assigning a watch and protect, but the system automates notifications.
“Typically, damage prevention has been more on the reactive side where we've responded to damages after the fact and enforced on them. The new technology allows us to base our resources and our priority on higher risk areas,” Melissa Brown from Colorado Springs Utilities said.
Using this technology, CSU is better able to reduce incidents and enhance safety.