To improve communication and share information between two separate but related agencies, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) worked with the New York State (NYS) Canal Corp. to launch a digital community of practice (CoP), a virtual communication hub for people with a common interest in the state’s canal system. By connecting through a central forum, the two state agencies can now work together more efficiently to educate, coordinate and utilize analytics.
Impact
Operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines, NYPA is the largest state public power utility in the U.S. The NYS Canal Corp. oversees and maintains the New York State Canal System, which spans more than 500 miles. Because more than 70% of the electricity produced by NYPA comes from renewable hydropower, NYPA shares an interest in the state’s waterways. To make the most of this vital resource, NYPA and the NYS Canal Corp. jointly created their CoP.
The CoP serves as a launch pad for analytics-based actions, and it helps employees share ideas and lessons learned between the two organizations. The agencies say the CoP has boosted the use of data visualization tools among staff, providing them better insight and decision support. Internal teams have also found the CoP reduces their reliance on IT teams to access information and analyze data.
Advice
NYPA and the NYS Canal Corp say these steps can help drive effective use of communities of practice:
- Host regular meetings for CoP members
- Promote analytics-based benefits
- Invite guest speakers to encourage participation and provide advice
