SoCalGas Facing Natural Disaster With Technology

Summary

The video highlights SoCalGas, the largest gas utility in the U.S., and its use of ArcGIS Enterprise to manage over 100,000 miles of gas pipelines. In 2017, during the Thomas Fire and subsequent mudslides in California, SoCalGas deployed a GIS team on-site to assist in disaster recovery. With a centralized digital platform, the company quickly integrated data from multiple sources, allowing crews to restore gas services safely and efficiently within 28 days. The GIS system enabled faster decision-making, preventing further disasters and ensuring the safety of affected communities.

Takeaways

• 📍 SoCal Gas, based in Los Angeles, is the largest gas utility in the U.S., serving six million accounts and managing over 100,000 miles of pipeline.
• 🔥 In December 2017, the Thomas fire became California's largest wildfire since the 1930s, causing significant damage in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
• 🌧️ Following the fire, torrential rains led to devastating mudslides in Montecito, impacting over 500 structures and resulting in 21 confirmed deaths.
• ⚠️ SoCalGas recognized the risk of mudslides unearthing gas lines, which could lead to leaks, fires, or explosions, and responded promptly to the crisis.
• 👥 The company's new leadership decided that having a GIS team on-site during emergencies would be invaluable for response efforts.
• 🗺️ SoCalGas uses ESRI ArcGIS Enterprise to maintain and monitor its pipeline system, which was crucial during the Montecito disaster response.
• 💾 The single platform system of ArcGIS Enterprise allows for seamless data integration across departments, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.
• 📈 The use of ArcGIS Enterprise enabled rapid digitization of paper maps and integration of real-time data, streamlining the recovery process after the mudslides.
• 🏠 Service was restored to all Montecito residents in just 28 days, a significant improvement in response time compared to past incidents.
• 🛡️ The GIS platform's ability to visualize asset locations relative to damage areas was key to the successful and safe resolution of the crisis.
• 💤 The enterprise GIS approach provides peace of mind for SoCalGas, ensuring quick access to critical information without the need for manual searches.

Q & A

What is SoCal Gas and what services does it provide?

SoCal Gas is the largest gas utility in the country, serving six million accounts. It includes major production facilities, refineries, electric generation plants, as well as providing natural gas for homes, businesses, and restaurants.

What is the significance of the 100,000 miles of pipeline in SoCal Gas's operations?

The 100,000 miles of pipeline are crucial for delivering natural gas under high pressure to various customers, including homes, businesses, and restaurants. These pipelines are part of the infrastructure that SoCal Gas maintains and monitors daily for safety.

What was the challenge faced by SoCal Gas during the Thomas fire in December 2017?

During the Thomas fire, SoCal Gas faced the challenge of potential unearthing of gas lines due to mudslides, which could lead to gas leaks, fires, or explosions. The fire was the largest in modern California history and caused significant damage in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

How did SoCal Gas respond to the critical disruption caused by the Thomas fire and subsequent mudslides?

SoCal Gas responded by setting up an on-site incident command post and working closely with first responders. They used their GIS team to help restore service and ensure safety, leveraging the ESRI ArcGIS platform for efficient operations.

What role did the GIS team play during the Montecito mudslide incident?

The GIS team was invaluable during the Montecito mudslide incident. They were on site to provide real-time data and insights, which helped in securing damaged gas lines and rerouting pathways quickly and efficiently.

How does the ArcGIS Enterprise system benefit SoCal Gas's operations?

ArcGIS Enterprise allows SoCal Gas to have a single platform system where all data, including supply chains, compliance data, and customer information, is stored digitally and easily accessible. This facilitates seamless data integration across departments and enhances decision-making.

What advantages does having an enterprise GIS platform provide to SoCal Gas?

An enterprise GIS platform provides the advantage of integrating various departmental information onto one platform, allowing for better data management, running models, generating reports, and making informed decisions for customers.

How did the use of ArcGIS Enterprise impact the recovery effort at Montecito?

The use of ArcGIS Enterprise allowed for remarkable efficiency in the recovery effort. Paper maps were digitized, and data from multiple agencies were integrated on one map, enabling crews to reach the most affected structures and people quickly.

What was the outcome of the Montecito recovery effort in terms of service restoration?

Service was restored to all residents in Montecito in just 28 days, which was much quicker than in the past. This was achieved through the effective use of GIS technology and coordination among various response teams.

How does the use of GIS technology contribute to safety and peace of mind for SoCal Gas?

GIS technology contributes to safety by providing a visual interpretation of assets and damage, enabling quick and informed decisions. It also gives peace of mind by offering a single, easily accessible source of information, reducing the need to chase down data manually.