TRC’s advisory consulting services help utilities mitigate risks by leveraging our extensive experience and proven methodologies. We provide comprehensive vendor assessments, detailed implementation planning and ongoing support to ensure smooth technology deployments that align with critical operational requirements.
Achieve Maximum Business Value from Your Digital Investments
A Strategic Approach to Utility Systems Modernization
In an era of rapid energy expansion and transition, more utilities today are implementing enterprise systems to harness data as a business asset for modernizing operations. These companies face the complex challenges of strategically building and launching new technologies that deliver on business objectives, drive customer value and meet regulatory requirements.
TRC’s advisory consulting services provide the expertise and strategic guidance needed to ensure digital transformation success. With our deep industry knowledge and proven methodologies, we help utilities develop robust roadmaps, select the right vendors and implement cutting-edge solutions that deliver tangible results—for the business and the customer.
Benefits of TRC’s advisory consulting services include:
- Accelerated project execution
- Proven industry-specific methodologies
- Comprehensive vendor market insights
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Tailored solutions for utilities
Seasoned Utility Professionals. Innovative High-Tech Experts.
TRC’s world-class consulting and advisory staff combine utility operations know-how with forward-thinking methodologies to tackle your most pressing enterprise implementation needs. Our seasoned delivery professionals and high-tech experts brings diverse backgrounds from consulting, software vendors and utility operations. In addition, our teams bring a unique 360-degree perspective on utility trends and best practices that augment and extend internal resources.
TRC’s advisory consulting services are built on rich market knowledge, proven program and project best practices and real-world software experience. We leverage our robust methodologies and project accelerators to help clients rapidly develop and execute strategies for deploying advanced solutions across information and operational technology. We tailor our approach to client-specific needs, ensuring they achieve organizational objectives while minimizing risk and maximizing return on investment.
With TRC consulting, clients leverage:
- Decades of utility industry experience
- A diverse team of former utility, vendor and consulting professionals
- Robust, field-tested best practices and project accelerators
- Comprehensive understanding of operational objectives and emerging trends
- Focus on long-term goals while delivering short-term wins
Trusted Services Across the Lifecycle
TRC delivers comprehensive support across the entire lifecycle of utility modernization initiatives, from designing and providing integration and interoperability to data management, cybersecurity, vendor support, change management and more.
Ensure operational success and business alignment for a myriad of systems, including advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), geographic information systems (GIS), distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) and more.
Our services and solutions empower utilities to:
- Develop clear, actionable roadmaps
- Build compelling business cases
- Navigate vendor landscapes
- Ensure regulatory compliance
- Drive successful organizational change
Strategy Planning and Roadmap
We create tailored strategies and detailed roadmaps to guide clients’ digital transformation journeys, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Business Case Development
Our experts help you build comprehensive, defendable business cases that clearly articulate proposed initiatives’ value and return on investment (ROI) to executives and regulators.
Business Requirements Definition
We leverage our extensive industry knowledge to help customers define detailed, actionable requirements that set the foundation for successful system implementations.
Market Research and Analysis
Our team provides in-depth insights into the rapidly evolving vendor landscape, helping you confidently navigate complex technology decisions.
Selection and Procurement Support
We guide clients through vendor evaluation and selection processes, leveraging our extensive experience and proprietary tools to ensure optimal outcomes.
Regulatory Support
Our experts help companies develop compelling regulatory filings and navigate complex approval processes, maximizing value and ensuring success.
Change Management
We provide comprehensive change management support to safeguard the smooth adoption of new technologies and processes across your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
TRC works closely with clients to identify quick wins involving high-impact, low-complexity projects that deliver rapid value. For example, we can help fix data that feeds into multiple systems, providing improved analytics across departments. We help utilities develop phased implementation strategies that balance short-term objectives with long-term strategic goals, enabling faster ROI while laying the foundation for more comprehensive upgrades.
Change management expertise is crucial in driving successful technology adoption. We work closely with your team to develop comprehensive communication strategies, user engagement initiatives and training programs that ensure smooth transitions and maximize the value of your technology investments.
We help utilities identify and develop critical skills for the long-term success of advanced utility operations, focusing on data management, advanced analytics and cross-functional collaboration. Our advisory services include workforce assessment and development planning to ensure your team is prepared for the evolving demands of a digitally transformed utility.
TRC’s deep market knowledge and ongoing engagement with leading vendors allow us to provide unbiased, up-to-date insights into the rapidly evolving technology landscape. We help utilities cut through the noise, define precise requirements and select solutions that best meet their specific needs and objectives.
As technology platforms incorporate AI into different analytical functions, TRC can ensure utilities can leverage this functionality through business process and systems integration. For example, TRC helps utilities implement solutions from AI vendors to analyze weather patterns, vegetation data and historical wildfire occurrences. This allows utilities to assess the risk for wildfire impacts and prioritize assets for vegetation management.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
Insights
The Transformative Benefits of 3D Facility Mapping for Utilities
June 26, 2025
Discover how modern 3D facility mapping empowers utilities to modernize infrastructure, improve asset management, and enable remote workflows with accurate digital twins, delivering cost savings and operational efficiency.
White Papers / Reports
Why Utilities Need a Comprehensive Data Management Strategy
June 17, 2025
Though traditionally late adopters, most utilities today are evaluating, if not implementing, digital technologies.
Insights
How to Build Resiliency Through Innovation—and Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
May 8, 2025
Around the world, resiliency matters more than ever for utilities. Consider this—In 2024, the U.S. experienced 27 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, the second-highest number on record.
Insights
Exceed Compliance Demands and Improve Leak Survey & Management with Mobile Asset Mapping
April 30, 2025
Leak detection and management is one of the most critical functions for utility companies managing gas infrastructure. As regulatory pressure mounts and public expectations shift, utility operators face a new era where legacy leak survey workflows are struggling to keep up
Insights
Grid Resiliency: Perspectives Across the Power Grid
April 16, 2025
In today’s changing energy landscape, grid resiliency is a top priority for all power system owners and operators. The ability to absorb disruptions and maintain power is crucial in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Insights
Why Utilities Need to Embrace “Control Rooms of the Future” Today
April 9, 2025
The business of utility operations has dramatically changed in the last decade. Managing grid operations, integrating distributed energy resources and ensuring affordable service involves making sense of massive data so business leaders, operational staff and field crews can operate more effectively.
Insights
How UK Utilities Can Create Business Value from Smart Metering Data
April 8, 2025
As the UK modernizes its energy infrastructure, smart metering systems have become crucial in forecasting, adapting and managing energy consumption. These advanced digital devices provide real-time data, enabling utilities and consumers to monitor energy usage more effectively.
Insights
Take the Right Approach to Implementing DERMS
March 27, 2025
Implementing DERMS can come with challenges. By understanding the unique challenges related to DERMS and adopting the appropriate strategies to mitigate potential pitfalls, utilities can effectively integrate and coordinate DER deployment to align with regulatory commitments and broader business objectives.
Insights
How ISOs, RTOs and Utilities Can Effectively Manage Massive Data
March 20, 2025
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, Independent System Operators (ISOs), Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and utilities face unprecedented challenges in managing vast amounts of data.
Insights
How to Reduce Risk in Control System Implementations
February 7, 2025
Control rooms serve as the nerve centers of utility operations, orchestrating the interplay of power generation, transmission and distribution. The “control room of the future” represents technology innovation and integration, combining advanced software systems, real-time data analytics and sophisticated visualization tools.
Insights
How DERMS Delivers Modern Utility Management
February 5, 2025
Today’s utilities are inundated with data—from sensors, smart meters, EVs, distributed energy resources, and more. But collecting data isn’t the challenge—managing it is. Without a comprehensive data management strategy, utilities risk: Missed opportunities for grid modernization Inefficient operations and rising costs Increased exposure to compliance, cybersecurity, and reliability risks This white paper outlines how utilities can shift from data overload to data-driven decision-making—transforming fragmented systems into a unified, strategic foundation for innovation and performance. What you’ll learn: Why utilities must treat data as a business-critical asset The 5 essential steps for building a resilient data strategy How better data governance improves forecasting, customer service, and asset management Where to focus first to support AI, cloud adoption, and DER integration
Insights
What Is Grid Modernization?
December 2, 2024
Today’s utilities are inundated with data—from sensors, smart meters, EVs, distributed energy resources, and more. But collecting data isn’t the challenge—managing it is. Without a comprehensive data management strategy, utilities risk: Missed opportunities for grid modernization Inefficient operations and rising costs Increased exposure to compliance, cybersecurity, and reliability risks This white paper outlines how utilities can shift from data overload to data-driven decision-making—transforming fragmented systems into a unified, strategic foundation for innovation and performance. What you’ll learn: Why utilities must treat data as a business-critical asset The 5 essential steps for building a resilient data strategy How better data governance improves forecasting, customer service, and asset management Where to focus first to support AI, cloud adoption, and DER integration
News
TRC Acquires Garanzuay Consulting, Amplifying TRC’s Energy Transition Consulting Services in Europe
September 26, 2024
Garanzuay Consulting provides a foundation in Ireland to continue TRC’s growth and expansion in Europe in support of the energy transition for all energy market participants.
Insights
Achieve Superior Asset Data Quality by Combining SAP with Lemur Mobile Mapping
September 23, 2024
Utilities struggle with asset data, which impacts every aspect of their business. Market priorities like grid modernization, decarbonization and increased energy demand only compound the problem of poor data quality.
News
TRC Helps Secure $4.4 Million Grant for Otter Tail Power Company’s Next-Generation Grid Resiliency Program
May 2, 2024
Today’s utilities are inundated with data—from sensors, smart meters, EVs, distributed energy resources, and more. But collecting data isn’t the challenge—managing it is. Without a comprehensive data management strategy, utilities risk: Missed opportunities for grid modernization Inefficient operations and rising costs Increased exposure to compliance, cybersecurity, and reliability risks This white paper outlines how utilities can shift from data overload to data-driven decision-making—transforming fragmented systems into a unified, strategic foundation for innovation and performance. What you’ll learn: Why utilities must treat data as a business-critical asset The 5 essential steps for building a resilient data strategy How better data governance improves forecasting, customer service, and asset management Where to focus first to support AI, cloud adoption, and DER integration
Insights
Shifting to the Cloud: Debunking the Myths of Migrating Utility Data Off Premises
April 14, 2024
This blog delves into common misconceptions surrounding cloud migration in the utility industry, addressing concerns about security, reliability, regulatory compliance, cost effectiveness, and complexity, while highlighting the substantial benefits and strategies for successful adoption.
News
Locana Awarded Modern Network Management at Esri Infrastructure Management and GIS Conference
November 22, 2023
Locana, an international leader in spatial technology, received the Modern Network Management Award at the 2023 Esri Infrastructure Management and GIS (IMGIS) Conference held in Palm Springs, California, October 10-12, 2023.
White Papers / Reports
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) – How Smart Should A Smart Meter Be?
June 26, 2023
According to the Edison Foundation’s Institute for Electric Innovation, over 124 million smart meters were expected to be installed in 78 percent of US households by the end of 2022.
Insights
Modernize Your Field Services with GIS and Work Order Management Combined
June 15, 2023
The role of field service management continues to dominate the world economy, as the market grows at an exponential rate. The market was estimated at 3.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach 5.7 billion by the end of 2026.
Insights
Harness the Power of Geospatial Data to Unlock Big Data Insights
March 16, 2023
For years, companies have been harnessing big data to glean insights that improve decision-making of every kind and at all levels, from entering new markets to building better products to delivering better services and experiences.
News
TRC and Greenbird Partner to Accelerate Grid Modernization for Utilities
January 31, 2023
Today TRC Companies (“TRC”) announced a go-to-market partnership with Greenbird Integration Technology, a leading integration technology provider based in Norway. Greenbird’s Utilihive platform enables utilities to accelerate their digital transformation and grid modernization efforts.
Insights
The Use Case Benefits of GIS Modernization for Utilities
August 10, 2022
Today’s utilities are inundated with data—from sensors, smart meters, EVs, distributed energy resources, and more. But collecting data isn’t the challenge—managing it is. Without a comprehensive data management strategy, utilities risk: Missed opportunities for grid modernization Inefficient operations and rising costs Increased exposure to compliance, cybersecurity, and reliability risks This white paper outlines how utilities can shift from data overload to data-driven decision-making—transforming fragmented systems into a unified, strategic foundation for innovation and performance. What you’ll learn: Why utilities must treat data as a business-critical asset The 5 essential steps for building a resilient data strategy How better data governance improves forecasting, customer service, and asset management Where to focus first to support AI, cloud adoption, and DER integration
News
Brookings Municipal Utilities Streamlines Processes, Boosts Efficiency with Modern GIS
June 14, 2022
Locana, a global leader in technology consulting and geospatial systems development, announced Brookings Municipal Utilities (BMU) successful deployment of a modern geospatial enterprise leveraging Locana services.
News
Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District Drives Reliable Operations with Locana Lemur Mobile GIS Solution
June 8, 2022
Locana, a global leader in technology consulting and geospatial systems development, today announced the successful deployment of its LemurSM Solution by Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.).
News
Locana Awarded Wildlife Habitat Analysis Task Order For The Bureau Of Land Management
April 27, 2022
Locana, a leading geographic data and technology company, has won a 10-year National Geospatial Data and Technology Support Services contract for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
News
TRC Selected as Systems Integrator for Otter Tail Power Company’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Program
April 5, 2022
Otter Tail Power Company selects TRC to serve as systems integrator for their AMI program covering northwestern Minnesota, eastern North Dakota, and northeastern South Dakota.
Insights
Six Considerations for a Successful Utility Network Cloud Implementation
October 26, 2021
For any GIS manager or IT professional tasked with implementing ArcGIS Utility Network (UN), knowing where to start can be daunting. If not properly planned, a UN setup in the cloud can be significantly more expensive and less accessible, stable, and secure.
Insights
On the Road to Decarbonization: The Role of All-Source Competitive Solicitations
October 14, 2021
All-Source Competitive Solicitations offer utilities an alternative to centralized planning, construction and dispatch of power supplies, helping to usher in a new era of market-driven technology innovation.
Insights
Amplifying the Next Phase of Fleet Electrification: The Pickup
September 30, 2021
TRC’s analysis for one client fleet shows that even a $70,000 EV can compete on cost with a comparable gas-hybrid vehicle priced at $40,000 – at least in California where upfront and ongoing incentives stack up quickly.
News
TRC Digital Selected by Snohomish County Public Utility District to Implement Siemens EnergyIP® Meter Data Management
September 15, 2021
Snohomish PUD selected TRC to implement, integrate and deliver their meter data management system (MDMS) on the Siemens EnergyIP® platform as a part of the utility’s Connect Up program.
News
Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company uses AI to assess and repair distribution pole damage
August 4, 2021
As part of its grid enhancement program, OG&E will leverage collaborative AI-powered image recognition technology that enables engineers to complete distribution pole inspections with greater accuracy and helps to reduce manual review of images.
Insights
Reasons for IT/OT Modernization
August 1, 2021
Opposites attract, and information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) are no exception. At one end of the digital grid sits IT as a business application, while OT exists at the other end of the digital grid as an asset-oriented application. For decades, IT and OT have been operating separately and are often physically isolated.
Insights
IT/OT Convergence Best Practices
August 1, 2021
A successful IT/OT convergence strategy involves identifying desired outcomes, managing the fragmentation of OT solutions, and developing common key performance indicators (KPIs) for both IT and OT teams. This approach helps in optimizing resources, driving effective collaboration, and ensuring a smooth transition towards a unified IT/OT environment.
News
TRC Acquires Montreal’s Quatric, Expanding Digital Capabilities for Utilities
June 16, 2021
Today, TRC announced the expansion of its digital capabilities with the acquisition of Quatric, a Montreal, QC and Quincy, MA-based firm that provides engineering services and technology solutions to electric and gas utilities.
Insights
What’s Next? Preparing for Utility Network Migration
May 12, 2021
In preparing for Utility Network Migration, taking an intermediate approach will allow you to resolve some key points. Utility Network Migration will run smoother if you build a “sandbox environment” and begin to 1) prioritize features 2) explore licensing options and 3) practice moving data.
Insights
5 Persistent Questions About ArcGIS on HANA
April 9, 2021
While ArcGIS on HANA implementation patterns are emerging rapidly, we continue to hear 5 persistent questions about how implementing ArcGIS on HANA would benefit an organization. Let’s walk through these 5 questions, I’ll show you how we help you get started with ArcGIS on HANA. Then you may realize the benefits this solution promises.
News
TRC Digital partners with Dominion Energy to evolve its distributed energy resource strategy
September 22, 2020
Dominion Energy, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, has partnered with TRC Digital to evaluate, implement and integrate technology to further the utility’s distributed energy goals. TRC Digital will facilitate Dominion Energy’s strategy development and technology execution, allowing Dominion Energy and its customers to accelerate the shift to distributed energy resources (DER) and net carbon reduction.
Insights
TRC Digital and Reactive help utilities measure inertia for a more resilient grid
September 21, 2020
Together, TRC and Reactive combine TRC’s industry-leading power engineering expertise with Reactive’s machine learning software to provide utility teams with high-resolution frequency monitoring and automatic event analysis.
Insights
TRC Digital Partners with Treverity to Put Utility Engineers at the Center of Their Data
June 26, 2020
As part of TRC’s LineHub solution, Treverity helps transmission engineers get a holistic view of the grid through powerful digital data visualization and a customer-centric user interface.
Insights
TRC Digital and Enbala can help utilities monitor, control and optimize distributed energy resources
April 17, 2020
Distributed energy resources (DERs) are changing the way utilities think about power generation and energy flow. TRC and Enbala can offer utilities a multi-layered solution that highlights the strengths of each company.
Insights
Why Modern Geospatial Holds the Key to Advancing Grid Resiliency and Reliability
April 17, 2025
In a world where energy supply and consumption are becoming increasingly dynamic and complex, energy providers are still expected to maintain a standard of safe, reliable and resilient power delivery. Distributed energy resources (DERs) – small-scale units of local generation connected to the grid at the distribution level that often include battery storage, electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging stations and residential solar – and associated business models are proliferating at a staggering rate. Traditional utility customers are transitioning from interacting with consumers to networking with prosumers, and utilities are facing pressure to become more sophisticated as policymakers push to shrink carbon footprints. Under this lens, traditional utility planning tools are insufficient. These tools have not fully embraced the potential or the expansion of DERs within power networks, where the increased penetration of DERs has the capability to wreak havoc on grid resiliency. Whether it be photovoltaic plus battery storage or EVs and fleet charging, it is imperative to be able to assess the locational impact of each resource in a timely manner. Traditional planning tools leverage a brute force method, requiring a significant amount of an engineering time to conduct one-off studies. But dynamic network tools that quickly model parallel simulations become a necessity to validate load flow calculations and understand the dynamic hosting capacity on areas of the network. Planning tools need to become more automated and integrate better with the utility’s back office systems to help reduce the time required to conduct an engineering analysis. For certain utilities, using traditional tools to validate the network model and load flow calculations could require four to six hours per circuit, and in some cases more than 20 hours. Multiply that by 1,000 circuits – as well as adding in the complexity of optimization-based problems such as DER location, storage dispatch and hosting capacity – and utilities are faced with a significant amount of time required just to conduct the studies, let alone being able to use the results.
Insights
How to Build Resiliency Through Innovation—and Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
May 8, 2025
Around the world, resiliency matters more than ever for utilities. Consider this—In 2024, the U.S. experienced 27 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, the second-highest number on record.
Insights
Why Utilities Need to Embrace “Control Rooms of the Future” Today
April 9, 2025
The business of utility operations has dramatically changed in the last decade. Managing grid operations, integrating distributed energy resources and ensuring affordable service involves making sense of massive data so business leaders, operational staff and field crews can operate more effectively.
Insights
How UK Utilities Can Create Business Value from Smart Metering Data
April 8, 2025
As the UK modernizes its energy infrastructure, smart metering systems have become crucial in forecasting, adapting and managing energy consumption. These advanced digital devices provide real-time data, enabling utilities and consumers to monitor energy usage more effectively.
Insights
Take the Right Approach to Implementing DERMS
March 27, 2025
Implementing DERMS can come with challenges. By understanding the unique challenges related to DERMS and adopting the appropriate strategies to mitigate potential pitfalls, utilities can effectively integrate and coordinate DER deployment to align with regulatory commitments and broader business objectives.
Insights
How ISOs, RTOs and Utilities Can Effectively Manage Massive Data
March 20, 2025
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, Independent System Operators (ISOs), Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and utilities face unprecedented challenges in managing vast amounts of data.
Insights
How to Reduce Risk in Control System Implementations
February 7, 2025
Control rooms serve as the nerve centers of utility operations, orchestrating the interplay of power generation, transmission and distribution. The “control room of the future” represents technology innovation and integration, combining advanced software systems, real-time data analytics and sophisticated visualization tools.
Insights
How DERMS Delivers Modern Utility Management
February 5, 2025
In a world where energy supply and consumption are becoming increasingly dynamic and complex, energy providers are still expected to maintain a standard of safe, reliable and resilient power delivery. Distributed energy resources (DERs) – small-scale units of local generation connected to the grid at the distribution level that often include battery storage, electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging stations and residential solar – and associated business models are proliferating at a staggering rate. Traditional utility customers are transitioning from interacting with consumers to networking with prosumers, and utilities are facing pressure to become more sophisticated as policymakers push to shrink carbon footprints. Under this lens, traditional utility planning tools are insufficient. These tools have not fully embraced the potential or the expansion of DERs within power networks, where the increased penetration of DERs has the capability to wreak havoc on grid resiliency. Whether it be photovoltaic plus battery storage or EVs and fleet charging, it is imperative to be able to assess the locational impact of each resource in a timely manner. Traditional planning tools leverage a brute force method, requiring a significant amount of an engineering time to conduct one-off studies. But dynamic network tools that quickly model parallel simulations become a necessity to validate load flow calculations and understand the dynamic hosting capacity on areas of the network. Planning tools need to become more automated and integrate better with the utility’s back office systems to help reduce the time required to conduct an engineering analysis. For certain utilities, using traditional tools to validate the network model and load flow calculations could require four to six hours per circuit, and in some cases more than 20 hours. Multiply that by 1,000 circuits – as well as adding in the complexity of optimization-based problems such as DER location, storage dispatch and hosting capacity – and utilities are faced with a significant amount of time required just to conduct the studies, let alone being able to use the results.
News
TRC Selected as Systems Integrator for Otter Tail Power Company’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Program
April 5, 2022
Otter Tail Power Company selects TRC to serve as systems integrator for their AMI program covering northwestern Minnesota, eastern North Dakota, and northeastern South Dakota.
Insights
Reasons for IT/OT Modernization
August 1, 2021
Opposites attract, and information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) are no exception. At one end of the digital grid sits IT as a business application, while OT exists at the other end of the digital grid as an asset-oriented application. For decades, IT and OT have been operating separately and are often physically isolated.
Insights
IT/OT Convergence Best Practices
August 1, 2021
A successful IT/OT convergence strategy involves identifying desired outcomes, managing the fragmentation of OT solutions, and developing common key performance indicators (KPIs) for both IT and OT teams. This approach helps in optimizing resources, driving effective collaboration, and ensuring a smooth transition towards a unified IT/OT environment.