Otter Tail

Overview

Improving embarked on a project to assist Otter Tail, a specialized utility operating within the broader Otter Tail Corporation, with meeting new regulatory mandates set forth by the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The project aimed to improve the precision of power transmission capacity calculations in order to add value to the organization and the consumers. Given the critical nature of compliance, the project was executed under a tight timeline with minimal direct client engagement, relying on Improving's expertise

The Challenge

Otter Tail faced a regulatory challenge where new mandates required more precise calculation and reporting of power transmission capacity, along with automated exporting of calculations to other systems and organizations. This was driven by both MISO and FERC regulations. Otter Tail's existing resources and infrastructure were not equipped to handle these new standards, posing a risk of non-compliance which could result in penalties and diminished operational efficiency. The organization needed an updated system capable of meeting these regulatory requirements within a constrained timeframe.

The Solution

Improving approached the problem by first conducting a thorough assessment of Otter Tail’s current systems and identifying gaps in compliance. Post-assessment, a detailed statement of work was created to outline the project's delivery timeline and resource allocation. The team adopted a modified agile Scrum framework to ensure iterative delivery and continuous feedback, enabling flexibility and responsiveness to changing requirements. The project emphasized leveraging a robust and scalable tech stack, initially planned to use Angular but later adapted to Blazor per client’s governance directives.

Business Benefits

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensured adherence to MISO and FERC mandates, mitigating the risk of penalties.

• Operational Efficiency: Upgraded systems enabled more precise data collection and reporting.

• Agility: The Scrum methodology allowed for iterative development and quick responses to client feedback.

• Trust Building: Strengthened client relationship through effective project delivery and problem-solving under constraints.

• Future Ready: Established a scalable framework for future upgrades and compliance needs.

• Knowledge Transfer: Empowered Otter Tail’s development team with new technologies and practices

Technologies and Tools Used

• Scrum Framework: Adopted for iterative development and continuous

• Azure DevOps: Utilized for CI/CD pipelines and deployment processes.

• Blazor: Implemented for the front-end framework, replacing the initially planned Angular.

• .NET Core: Used for developing APIs and Windows services.

• SQL Server: Employed for data management.

• Docker: Containerized applications to ensure seamless development.

• Windows Internet Information Services (IIS): Deployment into client’s existing internal infrastructure

Partnerships

The project involved close collaboration between Improving’s team and Otter Tail’s regulatory and development experts. Despite minimal direct engagement, the partnership was fortified through regular check-ins and feedback loops. The client provided key infrastructure support, including Azure DevOps environments. This partnership was crucial in overcoming challenges related to technology shifts and access issues.

Lessons Learned

1. Adaptability: Successfully adapting to last-minute technology changes is critical for project success.

2. Client Communication: Regular check-ins and feedback loops are vital, especially with minimal direct client involvement.

3. Infrastructure Readiness: Ensuring early access to deployment environments can prevent lastminute bottlenecks.

4. Role Allocation: Proper distribution of roles and responsibilities within the team can enhance efficiency and reduce stress.

5. Knowledge Transfer: Explicitly stated goals around client empowerment can improve project outcomes and client satisfaction.

6. Regulatory Impact: Understanding the regulatory landscape is essential for delivering compliant solutions.

Conclusion

The Otter Tail project exemplifies Improving's ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, deliver under constrained timelines, and build high-trust client relationships. Our agile approach, combined with a robust technology stack and strategic client partnership, ensured successful project delivery and laid the groundwork for future engagements. This case study highlights our unique capability to adapt, innovate, and provide solutions that not only meet but exceed client expectations.