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Osmose and Neara Partner for Utility Infrastructure Enhancement

In recent news, utility infrastructure management is receiving a significant boost through a new partnership between two industry leaders: Osmose Utilities Services, Inc. and Neara. This collaboration marks a critical move towards empowering utility companies with advanced AI-driven data solutions to enhance their transmission and distribution networks.

Utility Sector Transformations

Osmose, recognized as a premier provider of utility asset assessment, restoration, and life extension solutions, aligns its efforts with Neara, an innovative predictive modeling platform that harnesses artificial intelligence specifically tailored for utility networks. Together, these companies are addressing the pressing need for improved assessments and enhanced data accuracy in the utility sector. With utilities like CenterPoint Energy already reaping the benefits, the partnership promises a transformative impact on how these organizations manage and strengthen their infrastructures.

Combining Strengths for Enhanced Decision-Making
By merging Osmose’s robust field data collection and structural analysis capabilities with Neara’s advanced AI modeling, the partnership seeks to tackle longstanding data quality issues that have hindered effective decision-making within the industry. The utility sector often grapples with incomplete or outdated network data—challenges that can lead to premature asset replacements and missed opportunities for cost-effective upgrades. With the new joint offerings, utilities can expect to significantly optimize their resource allocation and restoration efforts.

Key Features of the New Partnership
1. Enhanced Data Accuracy
Osmose's teams conduct thorough on-site data collection, ensuring the reliability of the asset conditions reported. Neara’s powerful AI then refines this data, automatically enhancing GIS records to provide utilities with clearer and more actionable insights.

2. Improved Risk-Based Decision-Making
With Osmose's structural analysis, utilities gain in-depth insights into asset conditions. Neara complements this by introducing predictive analytics that quantifies risk levels, allowing for prioritized actions based on urgent asset needs. Together, they streamline decision-making processes, minimizing guesswork and enhancing efficiency.

3. Optimized Restoration Strategies
The precision of Osmose’s assessments allows utilities to target restoration efforts effectively. Neara’s technology ranks risk-adjusted priorities, ensuring that resources are allocated where they will have the most substantial impact on infrastructure reliability.

As stated by Jack Curtis, Chief Commercial Officer at Neara, effective decision-making within utility infrastructure is anchored by clean, accurate data, and their collaboration aims to bolster this aspect significantly.

Real-World Applications

Utility provider CenterPoint Energy has already begun employing these advanced tools to bolster storm preparedness and enhance overall network reliability. Eric Easton, CenterPoint Energy's VP of Grid Transformation, highlighted their commitment to building a resilient power grid. By integrating the best practices from both Osmose and Neara into their operations, they aim to continuously improve their service reliability and operational efficiency.

The benefits of this partnership extend beyond mere data collection, allowing utilities to shift from conventional inspection cycles to a more proactive, data-driven approach. The anticipated outcomes include:

• - Cost-saving Measures: Reinforcing high-risk assets can lead to savings of up to 70%, as opposed to full replacements.
• - Faster Restoration Processes: With tools optimizing restoration, disruptions can be minimized, potentially achieving repairs up to 80% faster.
• - Improved Asset Prioritization: With enhanced accuracy in identifying critical upgrades, the program promises a significant 25% improvement in asset prioritization.

In summary, the partnership between Osmose and Neara represents a significant stride towards modernizing utility infrastructure management. By leveraging advanced AI technologies and expert insights, the collaboration is poised to foster a more resilient and efficient utility landscape, ultimately benefitting consumers and service providers alike.

About the Companies

Osmose Utilities Services, Inc. has been operating since 1934, offering critical asset assessment and restoration services for utility and telecommunication sectors across multiple countries. With a workforce of over 4,000 professionals, they have established a reputation for enhancing the lifespan and reliability of utility infrastructures.

Neara, renowned for its AI-assisted predictive modeling, empowers infrastructure management through rapid, insightful analyses that would traditionally require extended manual efforts. With vast global modeling capabilities encompassing millions of assets, Neara is fundamentally transforming utility approaches toward risk management and operational governance.