GIS heats up the district heating business

Four takeaways from the transformation towards data-driven decisions

Abstract

This paper describes how we at the utility company, Kredsløb, use GIS and geodata in the transformation towards more data-driven decisions. Through four actual cases, the value of combining geodata with business data to improve customer satisfaction, planning and efficiency is illustrated. The examples include the development of a rate calculator, renovation planning based on different data sets, identification of potential district heating customers, and automation of annual reporting. The article highlights the importance of data quality, ownership and cross-functional collaboration as well as the benefits of iterative processes and automation. Governance and networks are crucial to realizing the potential of GIS and geodata, which can transform utilities and create significant value.