Technology

Technology brings efficiencies and opportunities for the business and more control and convenience for our customers. Director of Technology Werner Bornman reports on progress in 2022 and looks ahead to 2023.

My JE

Our energy saving mobile application My JE, launched in 2021, was recognised for its contribution to the Island’s carbon reduction targets – in line with our TCFD commitments – by winning the Digital Jersey Technology Award for Sustainability. Over 17,000 Islanders have downloaded the app which leverages Smart Meter data to help customers better manage their electricity consumption. This year we made its features available to a broader base of customers by launching a companion web-based version for use on desktop computers and PCs for those who do not have access to a smart phone. Further enhancements for 2022 included multi-premises capabilities that enable owners of multiple properties to access energy consumption across all their properties via a single interface, and a disaggregation feature. The latter provides additional insight on where energy is consumed by category of appliance, such as heaters, cookers, lighting, entertainment. Before the end of the calendar year My JE consumption information will also be available to our 3,000+ pre-payment customers, with more enhancements planned for FY23 as we continue to help customers save energy and support Jersey on its journey to net-zero.

17,000+

My JE app downloads since launch

CRM

We successfully implemented a new cloud-based Customer Relationship Management platform this year, providing the latest in customer service technology including opportunities for omnichannel customer engagement, and guaranteeing consistency of service delivery across all business channels.

Cyber Security

Cybersecurity remains a key focal point. We continually invest in our cybersecurity toolsets to combat new threats in an ever-changing landscape. This has included advanced, cloud-based vulnerability and threat assessment tools.

Data Lake

We have invested in a world-class, cloud-based data lakethatenablesefficientanalysisofasignificant amount of Smart Meter data to provide new insights into network asset utilisation. This, in turn, enables us to target infrastructure investment where and when it is most needed, optimising our infrastructure investment strategy. Our integrated business model is allowing JE to be far more targeted in our investment programme and enableshighcapitalefficiencies.

WAMS

We have also completed the roll-out across the entire Energy Division of the new Work and Asset Management System (WAMS) that utilises the world-leading platform Hexagon EAM. The WAMS project is now gathering data and trends that will yield optimum operational efficienciesfromourengineeringworkforceand move forward maintenance programmes both on the Distribution Network and production plant at La Collette Power Station.

Looking ahead to 2023

• We will be partnering with Vaiie, Jersey Post’ digital transformation company, to enhance our billing and customer communication capabilities. • We will launch a commercial customer portal to provide insights into business energy consumption. • We will evolve our public EV charging platform with the next generation of fast chargers and additional services to keep pace with increased uptake of low-carbon electric transport.

ArcGIS

We have now completed the migration, begun last year, of our existing cable records and operational distribution/transmission schematics to the worldleading ESRI Geographical Information System ArcGIS. In partnership with Jersey-based Digimap, ArcGIS provides a modern GIS mapping solution that provides a higher degree of geospatial data sets for planning and analysis. Coupled with the deployment of mobile devices such as iPads to frontline Energy employees, the solution bringsoperationalefficienciesindataaccessandin-field diagnostics and decision-making.