Municipal Light & Power, Anchorage, Alaska, will extend its use of Autodesk utility solutions by adding Topobase software to improve process efficiencies for managing critical design and as-built records. Autodesk Topobase provides a centralized repository for design and as-built records.

With Autodesk Topobase in place, Anchorage ML&P will be able to more easily bring together design and as-built network data created in Autodesk Utility Design (AUD) software with data from its property records and financial systems. This integration will help reduce data conversions and silos, and make more accurate spatial data accessible throughout the utility, driving better planning decisions and operating efficiencies.

Municipal Light & Power

Servicing an area of 19.9 square miles, Anchorage ML&P provides electric power to a large portion of the commercial and high-density residential areas of Anchorage, and also provides power to two military bases. In addition to delivering reliable services to customers, Anchorage ML&P must perform an annual voltage profile study of its distribution network, reporting to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Currently, data for this study is extracted from its legacy Continuing Property Records Management System, but soon Autodesk Topobase software will help to automate the process.

Anchorage ML&P employs Autodesk solutions that are purpose-built for utilities and that fit into the utility's workflow. In addition, Autodesk has provided consulting services to help further streamline the utility's processes from gathering legacy system data to sharing project information with teams throughout the company. For instance, using Autodesk Utility Design software for distribution design allows Anchorage ML&P to more easily generate material orders, estimate project costs, and track when drawings are assigned, approved, sent for construction, and finally when the as-built has been completed. AutoCAD Map 3D software is used to update the utility's grid maps and produce construction drawings.

Extending the benefits of integration beyond design-based processes, ML&P will integrate Topobase with a new financial system, PowerPlant by PowerPlan Consultants, and billing system, Utility PowerNet by Southeastern Data Cooperative. This will establish a core network connectivity model that includes interactive network tracing, and thematic network representation. As an open, more flexible solution, Topobase software can serve as a foundation for future growth.