FirstEnergy faced the challenge of digitizing a vast array of documents and maps into a centralized GIS and spatial management data system. The utility had disparate records regarding hundreds of property owners whose properties were crossed or adjacent to more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines and their alignments. The utility’s existing records were scattered across many different formats, tucked away in various locations and involving differing digital systems of real estate and easement agreements. Physical records are often subject to damage from mishandling or inappropriate storage.

FirstEnergy’s primary needs included depicting easement occurrences throughout their rights-of-way (ROW), translating historical legal deed descriptions into geometric data using transmission alignments and property parcel data and managing the data associated with over 126,000 parcels/abutters. The data regarding parcels/abutters included contact history, notice mailing and acquisition status information.

Burns & McDonnell implemented a comprehensive mapping solution, leveraging the project team’s GIS technology and knowledge. The team developed custom tools for field agents and office teams to manage all ROW information. The project team created direct connections to FirstEnergy’s existing databases, streamlining reporting and improving usability. The generated reports were designed to be used by field agents for customer contact, project summaries and restoration of construction impacts.

Burns & McDonnell implemented GIS services to enrich data, digitize easements, link documents to a central location and manage geospatial information. A geospatial portal, OneTouchPM, was implemented to facilitate stakeholder management, easement digitization and real estate.

Strategic collaboration was made a top priority throughout every phase of the project. The team maintained a culture of continuous improvement by engaging in critical discussions and asking FirstEnergy stakeholders pertinent questions. Additionally, the cross-functional collaboration with the firm’s environmental services, technology consulting, and transmission and distribution teams allowed for knowledge to be shared throughout the project, providing for a seamless solution implementation.

The team facilitated weekly GIS data exchanges and quarterly project GIS data transfers and services for FirstEnergy. The project team also synchronized and reconciled contractor databases to a master GIS database, resolving any identified data conflicts.

As part of digitizing easement metes and bounds, existing landowners along project corridors were validated, providing FirstEnergy with the most updated information possible. Equipped with accurate information, FirstEnergy was given the ability to improve communication with landowners and other stakeholders about potential effects of future projects.

The provided solution also reduced the time required for FirstEnergy projects to progress through the project initiation and project development phases. Efficiencies were increased for FirstEnergy’s property acquisition and construction management teams by providing more complete and accurate ROW mapping.

The project was implemented as part of Energize365, FirstEnergy’s investment program focused on creating a technologically advanced approach to a more secure and reliable electric grid. The efforts made during this project have helped the utility pursue its goal of providing reliable energy for customers while also prioritizing clean energy resources.

Since the implementation of this solution in 2019, over 22,000 contact reports have been submitted using the new method, involving more than 60 external and internal users. The streamlined process has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also has improved key invested parties’ satisfaction and reduced the risk of litigation. The integration of GIS technology and continuous process improvement has resulted in more resilient, efficient and customer-focused energy infrastructure for FirstEnergy.