Transforming Utilities with Geospatial Intelligence and AI: Insights from TRC at Esri UC 2025
At the 2025 Esri User Conference, I had the opportunity to sit down with two leaders at TRC Companies: Jeff Haight, GIS Managing Director, and Zach Valchar, GIS Practice Leader. TRC is not only a long-time Platinum Partner of Esri, but also an industry pioneer in integrating artificial intelligence, 3D scanning, and advanced GIS practices across utility and infrastructure sectors.
This interview offered a detailed look at the momentum behind Utility Network migration, the convergence of IT and OT, and the practical use of AI in accelerating geospatial transformation.
You can watch the full interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6TG3wx0y_k
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Reflections on Esri UC 2025: Growth and Momentum
Jeff opened the conversation by noting that attendance at this year’s Esri UC was strong, even in the face of economic uncertainties. That, he said, was a clear sign of the enduring value of geospatial technologies.
One notable theme was the overflowing demand for AI-focused sessions. Whether out of genuine enthusiasm or “fear of missing out,” as Jeff put it, it’s clear that professionals across the industry are ready to operationalize artificial intelligence. Another highlight was the way organizations are evolving from simply managing spatial data to building data pipelines, integrating cloud architectures, and using current data in real-time decision-making.
The conference also spotlighted a growing interest in imagery and 3D data, along with a stronger push toward operational efficiency through deep system integration.
What TRC’s Platinum Partnership with Esri Really Means
As a Platinum Partner—Esri’s highest tier—TRC is deeply invested in the Esri ecosystem. Jeff explained that for TRC, geospatial is not just a department—it’s a company-wide strategy. While his role focuses on GIS across all of TRC’s sectors, their utility team (Intelligent Grid Solutions) serves as a core engine for innovation.
This strategic alignment means TRC is applying Esri technology not just in utilities but across transportation, environmental services, and infrastructure. The partnership is not symbolic—it’s rooted in deep mutual investment. Esri recognizes TRC’s commitment, and in turn, TRC contributes meaningfully to the platform’s evolution.
The Duke Energy Utility Network Migration: A Milestone Moment
One of the most compelling success stories discussed was TRC’s recent work with Duke Energy. The project involved migrating Duke’s gas utility infrastructure from GE Smallworld to Esri’s Utility Network—a complex task that just reached go-live the previous weekend.
Jeff shared the behind-the-scenes energy of the moment: standing in Duke’s office late on a Sunday evening, conducting final confirmations across multiple teams nationwide, and celebrating with high-fives once the system was officially live.
What made this migration notable is that it represents TRC’s second major Utility Network go-live, following a similar groundbreaking project with National Grid several years ago. While the early projects were more challenging due to the nascent state of the platform, today’s implementations benefit from more robust tooling and greater client readiness—though they remain highly complex.
Bringing AI and 3D Scanning to the Field
TRC is applying AI and 3D scanning not as buzzwords, but as practical accelerators for field and asset data collection. Using unmanned optical scanners, in partnership with Geocam, TRC is able to capture high-resolution 3D facility maps in under an hour. This data then feeds into machine learning pipelines that extract features, improve accuracy, and dramatically reduce processing time.
According to Jeff, workflows that used to take months now take weeks—or even days. The ability to instantly generate digital twins not only speeds up analytics but also enables more sophisticated use cases like risk modeling and predictive maintenance.
AI is not just an external deliverable, either. Internally, TRC uses conversational AI to enhance executive interfaces, streamline proposals, conduct employee sentiment analysis, and assist with project delivery. The company’s philosophy is to “bake AI in” rather than apply it as a superficial add-on.
AI Across the Enterprise: Speed, Savings, and Scale
Jeff and Zach made it clear that TRC is not chasing AI for AI’s sake. Instead, they’re using it to reach 60–80% project completeness faster, enabling their teams to apply expert refinement where it matters most.
This has not only improved project timelines but allowed TRC to deliver high-quality work at more competitive price points—benefiting clients directly. Jeff framed the impact as a “one-two-three punch”:
1. Cost savings enabled by AI workflows
2. Faster time-to-value for clients and modernized systems
3. Improved quality from blended machine and human input
These efficiencies also position TRC to scale more effectively as project demand increases.
Data Migration and Utility Network Pitfalls
When discussing the challenges of migrating legacy systems into Esri’s Utility Network, Zach emphasized the need for up-front assessments. Every utility has its own unique data quirks—often shaped by decades of acquisitions, system fragmentation, or outdated processes.
TRC’s “Utility Network Edge” program helps utilities start with a structured roadmap. By evaluating data health, integration points, and end-goals early in the process, the team reduces friction later in migration and implementation.
Failure to understand the starting point is one of the most common pitfalls in these types of projects. Zach emphasized that careful planning, governance, and an alignment between business objectives and technical capabilities are essential to long-term success.
Post-Implementation Support and Governance
Once systems go live, the work doesn’t stop. Zach highlighted the importance of supporting clients beyond implementation through DevOps frameworks, governance models, and configuration management within ArcGIS Pro.
Many clients choose to adopt TRC’s DevOps processes used during implementation as ongoing support tools. These practices help maintain production stability, validate updates, and support customized workflows across teams.
Additionally, establishing clear governance helps unify how data is maintained and edited—especially in large organizations with fragmented responsibilities. Post-implementation planning is increasingly seen as a critical success factor, not just an afterthought.
What Comes Next: Trends for the Next 12–18 Months
Looking ahead, both Jeff and Zach agreed that the integration of GIS with broader operational systems like ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management Systems) and SCADA is the next frontier.
Esri’s Utility Network is serving as a bridge—helping utilities link spatial data to control systems, field operations, and enterprise decision-making. This convergence of GIS, IT, and OT (Operational Technology) is key to enabling real-time asset visibility and smarter infrastructure.
TRC is uniquely positioned to lead in this space because it offers expertise across all of these domains—providing clients with end-to-end capabilities under one roof.
Why Clients Choose TRC
When asked how TRC differentiates itself in a competitive marketplace, both leaders pointed to three main factors:
* Deep geospatial expertise built on years of working with Esri and a staff of hundreds of career GIS professionals
* Full-stack integration of IT and OT, enabling cross-disciplinary projects that unify systems and workflows
* A commitment to innovation through AI, with every project designed to accelerate time-to-value
This trifecta allows TRC to deliver not just technical solutions, but strategic value for clients navigating digital transformation in energy, utilities, and infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
This conversation was an eye-opening look at how TRC is evolving from a service provider to a true innovation partner in the geospatial industry. From massive Utility Network deployments to real-time AI-driven data processing, the company is helping shape what the future of infrastructure looks like.
You can watch the full interview here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6TG3wx0y_k
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