Utility fleet management involves complex decision-making, especially when it comes to justifying fleet expenditures to regulatory bodies. Central Hudson, an electric and gas utility serving over 300,000 customers, navigated this challenge by leveraging fleet benchmarking. Accurate, transparent, and comparable fleet data became critical for regulatory approval, strategic decisions, and effective fleet lifecycle management.

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The Challenge: Accurate Fleet Data for Regulatory Compliance

Public service commissions and state regulators require clear justifications for fleet expenses, such as vehicle replacements and technician staffing. Central Hudson needed precise data to demonstrate operational efficiency and validate their fleet management decisions as necessary, transparent, and consistent with industry standards.

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The Solution: Utilimarc’s Fleet Benchmarking Program

Central Hudson partnered with Utilimarc, implementing their annual benchmarking program tailored specifically for utilities. This solution provided comprehensive data on maintenance performance, vehicle utilization, lifecycle planning, and personnel forecasts. Utilimarc’s benchmarking offered Central Hudson the clarity needed to confidently justify expenses and optimize fleet operations.

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As Central Hudson's Fleet Supervisor James explained, “Benchmarking allows us to present the facts—how long a vehicle lasts and why we need to make capital investments. It’s about having the necessary data to justify these decisions.”

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Results Achieved Through Fleet Benchmarking

1. Data-Backed Justification for Rate Cases

Utilimarc’s benchmarking data streamlined Central Hudson’s rate case approval process, offering clear evidence that their budgets and resource allocations aligned with industry standards. According to Central Hudson, benchmarking clearly demonstrated that their spending practices were consistent with peer utilities, simplifying regulatory approvals.

2. Increased Operational Efficiency

Utilimarc streamlined data collection and reporting, enabling fleet managers to shift their focus from intensive data management to strategic decision-making. A Central Hudson fleet supervisor noted, “They manage the data for us, and we receive exactly what we need. We’re all busy, and we don’t have time for difficult processes. Utilimarc makes it easy, and that’s crucial for us.”

3. Transparent Lifecycle and Cost Management

Benchmarking provided accurate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations, improved lifecycle forecasting, and allowed strategic internal and external comparisons:

• Accurate TCO calculations improved financial decision-making.
• Enhanced lifecycle planning accurately predicted vehicle replacement timelines.
• Validated internal and external benchmarking enabled effective fleet performance assessments.

Central Hudson’s fleet supervisor highlighted, “Utilimarc’s benchmarking solution and their support helped us tackle our fleet data challenges head-on. Their team was there every step of the way, and now we have the accurate information we need.”

4. Optimized Vehicle Replacement Strategies

Benchmarking insights allowed Central Hudson to precisely evaluate vehicle lifecycle costs, identifying opportunities for improved fleet cost management. Accurate evaluations significantly advanced Central Hudson’s replacement planning strategies. “Having an accurate understanding of the lifecycle cost for each vehicle is crucial,” stated a fleet supervisor.

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Utilimarc: A Trusted Partner for Strategic Fleet Management

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Utilimarc has become an essential extension of Central Hudson’s fleet management team. Ongoing support and comprehensive benchmarking data empower Central Hudson to plan confidently for growth, aligning their operational strategy with sustainability goals and regulatory expectations.

Improve Your Fleet Operations with Benchmarking

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Discover how fleet benchmarking can transform your decision-making, enhance regulatory compliance, and optimize fleet lifecycle management.

Download the full Central Hudson case study here →

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Learn more about Utilimarc’s Fleet Benchmarking Solution or contact us today.

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