Abstract

GIS Solution to Updating Utility Customer Gross Receipts Tax Information
Track: Electric Utilities
Authors: Larry Rose

Problems were discovered involving billing in our customer database. A variety of issues were uncovered that had eluded attention for many years---due to the lack of an efficient approach to solving them. GIS offered a simple and elegant way of spatially identifying the records that needed attention, as long as geographic information was available---it was not. A public/private sector cooperative effort was created to update and centralize all incorporated boundaries. Simultaneously, an internal company initiative aimed at analyzing, geocoding, modifying, updating, and informing all stakeholders of the impact ensued. The basis of this solution was to first make sure all customer records contained geospatial identification. A geocoding effort was mounted, utilizing available data. Techniques were developed. A 25% fix-rate for geospatial issues, and a 10% fix-rate for tax issues, resulted. Many companies had an overwhelming need to address these challenges. It became apparent that they lacked the resources to succeed.