Theo Laughner
Tennessee Valley Authority, USA

Biography
Theo Laughner is a power quality specialist in the right of way and meter maintenance department with the Tennessee Valley Authority. The department is responsible for the daily download of over 1000 power quality instruments, revenue meters, relays and digital fault recorders. In addition, the department is actively integrating these data sources into an enterprise database system. Laughner has been with TVA for 14 years providing IT technical support, software development and engineering support for the transmission organization. He has authored or co-authored numerous technical papers and articles within the power quality and GIS arenas. Laughner received a B.S. degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. He holds a Professional Engineering license in Tennessee. He lives in Harrison, TN with his wife (Holly) and four kids (John, Hannah, Cote and Zane).

Abstract
The Role of GIS in a Modern Utility

Utilities around the world are deploying infrastructure to modernize operations which will enable the connection of distributed, renewable resources. However, in the new operational paradigm situational awareness is critical. Historically, geographic information systems have been employed in the utility as part of the design and construction phases of asset lifecycle. New GIS technologies will bring the maps out of the design department and into operations! This presentation shows the many uses of GIS in utilities today and serves to provoke thoughts about how GIS can be used in the future.