Case Studies

Case Study Library

Explore real-world examples of how our solutions have helped clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Each case study highlights a unique problem and the tangible benefits our clients have experienced.

Automation & Efficiency Improvement

Case Study: Monetizing Meter Data with PCI Energy Accounting

Client Problem: Validating and optimizing meter data to improve settlements and reduce errors
Summary: Discover how PCI Energy Accounting helped a client reduce manual meter validation and improve data accuracy, leading to significant cost savings
Key Benefits:
- Decreased overall manual validation by 75%
- Identified and eliminated bad meter data
- Saved $1 million annually by reducing unnecessary field technician dispatches
What our client said: “PCI EA has helped us reduce manual validations and improve the accuracy of our meter data, saving us both time and money.” – Senior Analyst

Case Study: Streamlining IESO Asset Tracking for a Global Sustainable Infrastructure Provider

Client Problem: Inefficient and time-consuming manual reporting processes
Summary: Learn how PCI’s GenManager automated reporting and optimized performance for a leading sustainable infrastructure provider
Key Benefits:
- Reduced manual reporting time by 60%
- Improved accuracy of performance reports
- Enhanced operational efficiency and insights
What our client said: “Since implementing GenManager, we’ve achieved massive time savings and improved accuracy by automating these calculations.” — Business Analyst

Back Office & Energy Accounting System Upgrade

Case Study: From Manual to Modern: Streamlining Energy Accounting Workflows

Client Problem: Managing energy accounting for multiple balancing authorities with labor-intensive, spreadsheet-based systems and over 900 manual calculations.
Summary: Learn how PCI helped a major utility consolidate multiple systems and automate daily and month-end processes, saving over 11 hours daily and 9 days per month-end cycle. By integrating workflows and reducing spreadsheet dependency, the utility improved auditability, data quality, and overall operational efficiency.
Key Benefits:
- Saved 11 hours daily and 9 days monthly through automatio
- Reduced Unaccounted For Energy and field tech dispatches
- Enhanced auditability with full data lineage and exception reporting
- Consolidated multiple LBAs and systems into a single system of record
What our client said: “Every layer we removed made us more efficient. What used to take hours or days now happens almost instantly, and we’re confident in the data.” – Manager of Energy Accounting

Case Study: Readying the Back Office to Participate in the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM)

Client Problem: Replacing legacy back office/energy accounting systems to support WEIM participation
Summary: Learn how PCI helped a client replace their legacy back office systems to support participation in the Western EIM, improving data accuracy and operational efficiency
Key Benefits:
- Seamless integration with market settlements and transmission billing
- Enhanced data tracking and auditing capabilities
- Improved efficiency in handling large volumes of data
What our client said: “We gained immediate benefits using the GenTrader optimization tool after barely entering EIM. We wish we’d had it long before we joined the market.” – Client GM & EIM program manager

Data Modernization & Reporting Transformation

Case Study: Unifying Data & Streamlining Reporting with PCI Insights

Client Problem: Analysts were spending 90% of their time on data prep instead of analysis due to inconsistent reporting workflows and fragmented data sources.
Summary: See how PCI Insights helped a large cooperative transform its data strategy by centralizing data, automating reporting workflows, and enabling direct analysis via Power BI and Excel. The result: faster reporting, unified data access, and empowered analysts now focused on insights — not input.
Key Benefits:
- Reduced reporting time from hours to minutes across teams
- Built-in APIs and tools automated routine data extraction
- Centralized data warehouse eliminated duplication and confusion
- Integration with Power BI and Excel enabled self-service analytics
What our client said: “We needed a centralized repository that was intelligence-ready. Now anyone can plug into the warehouse with Power BI or Excel and actually start using the data — instead of searching for it.” – Sr. Manager, Applications Development

ETRM Solutions

Case Study: Optimizing Back-Office Workflows & Revenues Using PCI’s ETRM Platform

Client Problem: Replacing a legacy ETRM system to consolidate enterprise-wide processes and improve back-office functions
Summary: Discover how PCI’s ETRM platform helped a client optimize their back-office workflows and increase revenues by streamlining meter data validation and settlement processes
Key Benefits:
- Reduced time and effort required for meter data validation and settlement
- Enhanced accuracy of settlement calculations and reporting
- Significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency
What our client said: “In the first six months of using PCI’s ETRM tool, we saw initial savings of over $160,000 — just due to efficiency gains. The savings have only increased since we added system enhancements.” — Settlements Analyst

Case Study: Guzman Energy Recovers $1.2M and Scales Risk Operations with PCI

Client Problem: Disconnected tools made risk tracking, settlements, and invoice validation inefficient and error-prone.
Summary: PCI helped Guzman centralize data, automate settlements, and recover $1.2M from a WEIS billing error.
Key Benefits:
- $1.2M recovered through invoice validation
- Automated credit and compliance tracking
- Unified view of REC, ICE, and bilateral trades
- Settlements streamlined across 20+ providers
What our client said: “Without PCI, WEIS would’ve continued to bill us incorrectly… That alone paid for the project.” — Christin Hanley, Director of Data

Forecasting & Market Bidding

Case Study: From Manual Inputs to Market-Ready: How a Midwestern Utility Streamlined Forecasting with PCI

Client Problem: Montana-Dakota Utilities Company (MDU) relied on three disconnected Excel-based forecasting tools with manual processes that consumed 90 minutes daily and introduced significant risk of errors in day-ahead market submissions.
Summary: Learn how PCI Forecaster helped automate load and wind forecasting, streamline bid submissions to MISO, and achieve a 50% improvement in forecast accuracy—freeing up staff time and eliminating costly manual errors.
Key Benefits:
- 83% time savings: Forecast workflow reduced from 90 to 15 minutes
- 50% increase in wind forecast accuracy (MAPE dropped from 28% to 14%)
- Elimination of manual errors and risk in market bids
- Faster, more confident forecasting using PCI’s cloud-based automation
What our client said: “We were forecasting 125% of our wind farm capacity and still had a 28% error rate. With PCI, that dropped to 14%. That’s either a sign that our previous tool wasn’t really accurate — or PCI is just really good. Probably both.” – Randal Gerving, Business Analyst

Fuel & Gas Management

Case Study: OG&E Automates Gas Settlements and Streamlines Reporting with PCI

Client Problem: Legacy Access database and spreadsheet-based workflows made gas settlements slow, manual, and difficult to audit.
Summary: PCI helped OG&E implement a unified Gas ETRM platform that replaced manual processes, automated invoice validation, and integrated directly with enterprise reporting tools.
Key benefits:
- Streamlined daily workflows and reduced spreadsheet dependence
- Automated cashout calculations and invoice validation
- Power BI and Excel reporting fed directly from PCI datasets
What our client said: “Our goal was to get to one single source of truth. Now accounting gets their report each month that is updated automatically. It’s simpler and more reliable.” — Renee Crowel, Manager, Regulatory & Energy Settlements, OG&E

Market Integration & Renewable Resource Management

Case Study: Benchmark to Breakthrough: How GSOC Evaluated PCI's Forecasting Accuracy

Client Problem: Managing geographically dispersed load and solar resources while improving solar forecasting accuracy to support grid operations
Summary: Learn how PCI Forecaster outperformed competing tools in a proof-of-concept benchmark for the Georgia System Operations Corporation (GSOC), helping reduce forecasting error, capture curtailment more accurately, and prepare for a portfolio-wide rollout across 1,400+ MW of solar assets
Key Benefits:
- Outperformed other vendors in curtailment capture and forecast accuracy
- Automated integration of meter data and forecast output using PCI’s API
- Enabled future expansion to load forecasting and broader system optimization
What our client said: “PCI did a great job forecasting the windows where curtailment would happen based on history. For this particular plant, their solution was better than any of the others.” – Paul Davis, Senior Forecaster

Case Study: Automating Renewables Management & Transmission Optimization for Wind Energy

Client Problem: Managing high transmission costs, inaccurate wind forecasting, and data spread across disparate systems
Summary: Learn how PCI helped a major renewable energy company streamline its operations by automating wind portfolio management, optimizing transmission, and improving forecasting accuracy to scale efficiently
Key Benefits:
- Lowered transmission costs by minimizing losses and improving routing decision
- Improved forecast accuracy and reduced imbalance exposure
- Increased scalability for 24/7 operations and large new projects like SunZia Wind and Transmission
What our client said: “At the end of the day, being able to decrease [transmission cost] will be a big win.” – Sr. Manager

Case Study: Deploying PCI’s Platform to Capture Benefits in the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM)

Client Problem: Support multiple market functions and integrate renewable resources
Summary: Learn how PCI’s platform helped a client participate in the Western EIM, enhancing market functions and integrating renewable resources
Key Benefits:
- Supported multiple market functions with a single platform
- Enhanced integration of wind and solar resources
- Achieved substantial efficiency gains and lower operating costs
What our client said: “EIM and PCI are synonymous. We feel both of those three-letter acronyms can be used interchangeably.” — GM & EIM program manager

Case Study: PCI Guides New Participant Into the Western EIM

Client Problem: Transitioning to the Western EIM and replacing unscalable homegrown systems
Summary: Discover how PCI guided a client through the transition to the Western EIM, replacing unscalable systems and improving overall market participation
Key Benefits:
- Seamless transition to the Western EIM
- Replaced unscalable homegrown systems with a robust platform
- Enhanced operational efficiency and market participation
What our client said: “We gained immediate benefits using the GenTrader optimization tool after barely entering EIM. We wish we’d had it long before we joined the market.” – Client GM & EIM program manager

Market Participation & Bidding Optimization

Case Study: Powering Growth: Enabling JOU Modeling and Bidding with PCI’s Software

Client Problem: Modeling a Joint-Owned Utility (JOU) resource in the CAISO market
Learn how PCI’s software enabled a client to model and bid a JOU resource in the CAISO market, improving operational efficiency and accuracy
Key Benefits:
- Enabled accurate modeling and bidding for JOU resources
- Improved integration with existing systems
- Enhanced operational efficiency and accuracy in the CAISO market
What our client said: “PCI’s software has given us the ability to quickly adapt to changing market conditions and make more informed decisions. It has become an indispensable tool for our team.” — Senior project manager, Wholesale Power Marketing

Case Study: Using PCI’s Integrated Platform to Optimize Northeast Markets Participation

Client Problem: Optimizing participation in multiple markets and handling bid-to-bill workflows
Summary: Discover how PCI’s integrated platform helped a client optimize participation in the PJM, NYISO, and ISO-NE markets, improving operational efficiency and data accuracy
Key benefits:
- Streamlined bid-to-bill workflows across multiple markets
- Improved data accuracy and compliance
- Enhanced operational efficiency and market participation
What our client said: “PCI has really helped us to diversify our portfolio and uncover many more opportunities across a broader spectrum of market products.” — Manager, Power Settlements

Outage Management System Replacement

Case Study: Successful Deployment of PCI’s Generation Outage Management System at a Major Utility

Client Problem: Validating and optimizing meter data to improve settlements and reduce errors
Summary: Discover how PCI’s solution enabled a major utility to replace its legacy outage management system with a modern, consolidated platform, improving flexibility and reducing market risks
Key Benefits:
- Improved flexibility and ease of use
- Reduced market risks with detailed auditability and edit logging
- Seamless integration with existing systems
What our client said: PCI’s platform provided us with the flexibility and security we needed to replace our outdated system, significantly reducing our operational risks.” — Project manager

Case Study: Benefits Realized by Deploying PCI’s Solution for Generation & Transmission Outage Management in the Western U.S.

Client Problem: Consolidating outage management systems and improving outage planning and communication
Summary: Learn how PCI’s Outage Management solution helped a Western U.S. utility improve outage planning and communication, leading to significant operational efficiencies
Key Benefits:
- Consolidated multiple databases into a single system of record
- Enhanced outage planning coordination and communication
- Achieved significant cost savings and improved data accuracy
What our client said: “PCI’s Outage Management solution has dramatically improved our outage planning and communication process. Our team’s collaboration has never been better.” — Director, Thermal Fleet Operations

System Consolidation & Optimization

Case Study: Expanding PCI's Platform to Seize Opportunities in MISO

Client Problem: Inefficiencies caused by using multiple separate systems from different vendors
Summary: Discover how we helped a major utility in the Upper Midwest streamline its IT landscape and optimize market opportunities in the MISO region
Key benefits:
- Consolidated multiple systems into a single platform
- Increased operational efficiency by 35%
- Achieved significant cost savings and improved market participation
What our client said: “PCI is the most involved and experienced systems vendor in MISO. They’re excellent at making sure we’re fully prepared and ready for any changes to the market.” — IT delivery lead

Case Study: Full Migration to PCI's Enterprise Platform for Maximizing Profits in MISO

Client Problem: Consolidating multiple solutions and improving bid-to-bill workflows
Summary: Learn how a full migration to PCI’s Enterprise Platform enabled an Upper Midwest utility to streamline bid-to-bill workflows and maximize profits in the MISO market
Key Benefits:
- Improved bid-to-bill workflow efficiency
- Enhanced profit and loss analysis capabilities
- Reduced time and costs associated with system upgrades and maintenance
What our client said: “Buying software’s like buying a car. Anybody can just sell it. But, how it works and is serviced and supported down the road is the key. We found that PCI delivered what they promised, and in many cases, exceeded what was promised.” — IT delivery lead

Case Study: Enhancing Efficiency and Reliability Through Cloud Transition

Client Problem: Transitioning from legacy in-house systems to a hosted cloud solution while integrating multiple data sources
Summary: Learn how PCI’s cloud-based platform helped a major utility transition from in-house systems to a hosted solution, integrating multiple data sources and improving operational efficiency and system reliability
Key Benefits:
- Seamless cloud transition, improving system reliability and user satisfaction
- Enhanced data management, enabling faster business decision-making
- Cost savings by outsourcing infrastructure management, allowing internal staff to focus on strategic tasks
What our client said: “The transition to PCI’s hosted solution has not only enhanced our operational efficiency but also significantly improved our system reliability and user satisfaction.” — Business System Applications Manager

Portfolio Optimization & Cost Savings

Case Study: Complex Portfolio Optimization Has Saved $500 Million (And Counting)

Client Problem: Solving complex energy dispatch challenges and optimizing asset portfolio
Summary: Discover how PCI’s GenTrader platform helped a client optimize their energy dispatch and asset portfolio, resulting in significant cost savings and operational efficiency
Key benefits:
- Achieved substantial cost savings of over $500 million
- Improved accuracy and consistency of portfolio modeling
- Enhanced decision-making with detailed study results
What our client said: “Since 2005, our collaboration and partnership with PCI, including using their very comprehensive GenTrader platform, has been instrumental in optimizing our entire resource portfolio to help us save more than $500 million — and counting.” – Executive director

Case Study: Half a Billion Dollars Saved: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Renewable Integration

Client Problem: Expanding renewable energy capacity while maintaining reliable and cost-effective operations.
Summary: Discover how PCI’s comprehensive platform helped a client save over $500 million through optimized power generation, advanced forecasting, and efficient resource management.
Key benefits:
- Annual savings of $54-70 million, equating to a $2-4 per megawatt-hour discount to ratepayers
- Enhanced reliability through joint Balancing Authority operations and advanced reserve management
- Strategic flexibility to adapt to future challenges, including integrating battery storage
What our client said: “Implementing PCI’s platform has transformed our operations, delivering up to $70 million in savings each year and significantly enhancing our ability to manage renewable integration and operational complexities.” – Executive Director

Integrated suite of tools

"Having one vendor where all of those different tools and solutions work with each other, it just made sense for us instead of having a vendor to do this and a vendor to do that."

- Jason Smith, Senior Engineer, Santee Cooper

More time for analysis

"We're able to do our jobs faster and easier, and it just gives us time to focus on analyzing the data, instead of preparing data."

- Brad Lafler, Market Optimization Lead, Lincoln Electric System

Unified platform and team

"I think the fact that multiple departments can use the same tool, it kind of helps bring all of us together speaking the same language."

- John Mayhew, Senior Real Time Trader, PNM

Trust through transparency

"I see our PCI relationship more like a peer or a teammate than just a provider or supplier."

- Juan Guichard, CEO, Ammper Energia

Rapid ROI realized

"PCI's integrated solutions have delivered significant cost savings and efficiency gains for Santee Cooper. Their tools and support have been invaluable to our business."

- Chris Moore, Business Analyst, Santee Cooper

Tailored software solutions

"If PCI isn't able to find a solution directly in their products, we work with them in several different capacities to come up with customizable solutions in their product. And those have worked very well, even through upgrades in their system."

- Tucker Smith, Sr. Market Coordinator, Basin Electric