Rethinking Master Planning In A Data-Rich Environment Rethinking Master Planning In A Data-Rich EnvironmentBy Jennifer Steffens, Eric Harold, Ca...

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Rethinking Master Planning In A Data-Rich Environment
Rethinking Master Planning In A Data-Rich Environment
By Jennifer Steffens, Eric Harold, Caroline Burger, and Tim Loper

Historically, utility master plans have provided project recommendations and expected short- and long-term capital costs to guide future infrastructure investments. While these plans remain foundational to long-term planning, the traditional approach often results in static reports that are revisited every five to ten years.

Today’s utilities operate in an increasingly data-rich environment shaped by expanding monitoring systems, advanced modeling capabilities, and growing volumes of infrastructure information. At the same time, they are operating in a far more dynamic environment shaped by rapid growth, climate variability, aging infrastructure, and increasing regulatory complexity. Digital planning tools are transforming the master planning process from a periodic study into a continuously updated decision-support system that integrates data, models, and operational insight.

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