GIS-Based Crisis Response System for Electric Distribution Utility: A Case Study Of Covid-19 Pandemic In Malaysia

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has impacted 188 countries, with more than 6 million infected people, and Malaysia is not exceptional. With stringent control measures and rapid action by multi-sectoral agencies, Malaysia is only a few countries that collectively managed to reduce the number of human and economic losses, far better than the projection. Critical infrastructure remained intact and full of functionality during the unprecedented crisis. The supply and demand by the electric utility companies are of utmost critical to support the Government of Malaysia’s decision in infective prevention and control, rapid response, epidemiological forecasting, pandemic supply chain coordination, continuity of essential service, surveillance, and risk communication. To survive on this new normal, the business and operations of the utilities must rely on good data, advanced technology, and science-based decision support. This article presents local practices and experiences by GIS Distribution Network (GISDN), a project unit in the Distribution Network (DN) division of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to co-support the decisions mentioned above. GISDN has supported the TNB Crisis Management Team (CMT) of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state, starting from the Movement Control Order (MCO) for COVID-19 pandemic response in Klang Valley. Maps and statistics of TNB assets in the areas of Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) intelligently delivered by GISDN for use by the CMT groups. In the case of EMCO at Selangor Mansion and Malayan Mansion, geographical information provided to ensure the reliable electricity supply from 40 substations in the total lockdown area that involving around 6,000 residents in 365 residential and commercial units. The web-GIS application dashboard for CMT also developed by GISDN to monitor the status of more than 214 gazetted quarantine stations in Kuala Lumpur. Besides, the web-GIS dashboard application for the situational awareness of COVID-19 based on administrative boundaries in Klang Valley delivered to support the Standard of Operating Procedure (SOP) for Return to Work (RTW) program in GISDN, especially for the use of for site-work approval. These geospatial deliverables and web-GIS dashboard applications aid better visualization, risk-informed forecasting, and response planning for TNB to cope with COVID-19 clusters and zones updated by MOH on the daily basis. In conclusion, this study provides a new insight into the future advancement of spatiotemporal GIS capability, its intelligent architecture design, and an evidence-based decision support system to reduce pandemic risk in the future.