Case Study: Enhancing operational efficiency with Movex Innovation's mini crawler crane at BGE

Established: 1816

Employees: 3,200

Industry: Energy Utility

Subsidiary of: Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC)

Service Area: Central Maryland

Customers: Over 1.3 million electric customers and 700,000 natural gas customers

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) has an extensive history dating back over two centuries, marked by the lighting of the first gas lamp in Baltimore by Rembrandt Peale in 1816. As Maryland’s largest natural gas and electric utility, BGE’s enduring legacy is characterized by innovation in energy distribution and commitment to excellence, supporting more than 1.3 million electric and 700,000 natural gas customers with a robust workforce of 3,200 employees dedicated to Peale’s vision for innovation.

“BGE’s Electric Distribution Division is responsible for ensuring our systems operate safely and efficiently,” explained Kevin Mowry. “We are most focused on the reliability and overall performance of our electric distribution and transmission systems. We also resolve customer issues as well as oversee the company’s electric emergency preparation and response efforts.”

BGE faced significant challenges in installing of residential and limited access pad mount transformers, particularly a 167 kVa pad mount. Prior methods, such as using small wheel loaders, were inadequate due to their size and inability to navigate through residential fence gates, significant greenhouse gas emissions output, and the noise disturbance they created in neighbourhoods and around hospitals.

Movex Innovation’s outreach to BGE about the mini crawler crane’s capabilities sparked interest within the company. The pivotal moment came after a visit to Xcel Energy in Denver, Colorado, where BGE representatives witnessed a live demonstration of the mini crawler crane’s operational benefits. The decision to purchase was influenced by three critical features:

1. Compact size and high capacity: The crane’s small footprint, coupled with a 1-ton lift capacity, made it a compelling option for navigating tight spaces.
2. Zero emissions and zero noise: As a battery-electric vehicle, the mini crawler crane significantly reduced environmental impact during operations.
3. All-terrain versatility: The crane’s compact and durable design enabled it to work across various terrains with minimal property damage.

Implementing the mini crawler crane into its operations allowed BGE to address the logistical and environmental challenges of its electric distribution projects. It provided a means to access hard-to-reach areas and perform tasks with less physical strain on employees. The crane’s remote-control feature and ability to double as a track deck for other purposes further enhanced operational efficiency.

The introduction of Movex Innovation’s mini crawler crane into BGE’s operational fleet has yielded significant, measurable benefits. Below is an outline of the key impacts and outcomes the team has observed since the mini crawler crane’s integration:

• Decreased manual labour: The mini crawler crane’s efficiency facilitated the swapping of transformers with minimal back-and-forth movement, unlike previous methods, which required more manual intervention.
• Boosted operational capacity: The mini crawler crane’s use enhanced BGE’s ability to operate in areas with limited access, increasing its service reach.
• Sidewalk navigation capabilities: The mini crawler crane can navigate sidewalks, facilitating movement through urban and residential spaces without disrupting pedestrian paths.
• Line-of-sight optimization: With the remote-control operation, operators can position themselves for the best vantage point, improving safety, all while maintaining handling precision.
• Better customer service: The crane enabled BGE to serve customers more effectively by increasing maintenance and repair work efficiency.
• Improved occupational health and safety: BGE noted a significant decrease in the physical strain on field employees due to the mini crawler crane’s ergonomic controls.

Kevin Mowry is very happy with the acquisition of Movex Innovation’s mini crawler crane as a decision that aligns with BGE’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

“The crane has not only met but exceeded BGE’s operational needs, marking significant advancements in our productivity, worker safety, and customer satisfaction.”