Avangrid uses data to increase grid reliability and customer satisfaction

Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a leading renewable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, has launched a new initiative focused on improving the reliability and resiliency of the electric grid for its electricity customers by leveraging data analytics to proactively prioritize tree maintenance. This innovative approach, which analyzes potential impact, historical reliability and risk, is being piloted at Avangrid’s New York subsidiaries, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E), and has already delivered significant benefits to customers.

“We are always looking for innovative tree maintenance programs because trees are a major cause of power outages for our customers,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid. “By launching this data-driven methodology, our approach has evolved and many efficiencies have been realized, especially when it comes to hazardous trees. These dead or decaying trees are outside the distribution right-of-way, but still pose a significant threat to the electric grid. Our new prioritization methodology has resulted in us removing more hazardous trees in a month than ever before, and at a lower cost. This will significantly improve the reliability of our customers, especially as we are in the middle of the summer storm season. I want to thank the New York Public Service Commission for their support of our vegetation management programs and for recognizing the value they provide to our customers.”