June 17, 2015
Special technology developed by Ergon Energy that creates a “virtual” version of the real world has won a prestigious international prize.
The “Roames Virtual World Asset Management System” allows Ergon to quickly and accurately inspect and assess electricity networks.
Chief Executive Ian McLeod said the International Edison Award – the electric power industry’s most prestigious honour – was a tremendous recognition for everyone at Ergon.
“Roames technology is an aircraft-based laser and imaging capture system which quickly and efficiently maps a network,” Mr McLeod said.
“Roames creates a virtual version of the real world to allow the fast and accurate inspection and assessment of electricity networks and the surrounding environment, particularly vegetation, without the need to deploy field crews.
“(It helps) us save millions annually in vegetation management. It contributes to a more reliable electricity supply, creates a safer working environment for crews, and helps get the lights back on to communities more quickly after a natural disaster.”
Edison Electric Institute president Tom Kuhn praised Ergon for developing the technology.
“Ergon’s ROAMES system offers a cutting-edge solution to many of the challenges of managing the company’s 160,000km transmission and distribution system, which spans across a vast and geographically harsh area,” Mr Kuhn said.
“This innovative technology will benefit customers and has the potential for broad application within and beyond the electric power industry. Ergon is truly deserving of the Edison Award.”
Dutch multinational Fugro, which purchased the Roames technology in 2014, now provides the service under a contractual agreement with Ergon and also to other utilities in Australia and overseas.
The data is giving the company’s asset managers an unprecedented insight into maintenance and other priority issues. Ergon also tapped into ROAMES to assess damage in the wake of Cyclone Marcia earlier this year.
