Some say everything’s bigger in Texas and that rings true for growing challenges to future affordability and availability of water supplies. There are a few things that nearly everyone in the state can agree upon—that Texas weather is unpredictable, we’ll continue to experience population growth, and most importantly, Texans are tough and our communities always demonstrate great resilience. As a company based in Texas, VertexOne keeps a close eye on these challenges and takes great pride in supporting water, gas, and electric utilities as they devise strategies and implement solutions to help safeguard their future.
Severe weather presents a significant challenge for the state of Texas. Covering a vast area of 801 miles long and 773 miles wide, Texas experiences a wide range of weather phenomena, from snow in the north to tornadoes in the east, droughts in the west, flash floods in the Hill Country, and hurricanes along the coast. As extreme weather events become more unpredictable, it is crucial for utilities to communicate clearly and promptly with their customers to ensure their peace of mind and trust in the utility.
No one can predict the future, not even utilities. Therefore, the ability to reach customers quickly and effectively is essential. Proactive communication is a best practice as it enables utilities to prepare and connect with their customer base, ensuring everyone is better equipped to handle any challenges that may arise.
VertexOne's outbound communication solutions are tailored to deliver critical information through various channels, reaching the right customers at the right time. With VXengage, utilities can easily engage with customers on an individual level, no matter the size of the area.
Texas boasts five of the nation's ten fastest-growing cities, with a current population of 25 million set to double by 2050. This rapid growth rate is truly remarkable. For utilities like San Antonio Water System (SAWS) and Austin Water, as well as many others in the state, implementing solutions that enhance resource efficiency is of utmost importance.
With the support of the VXsmart customer engagement and data analytics platform, SAWS and Austin Water can achieve tangible water savings. VXsmart has been proven to increase water-use efficiency by an average of 5%, benefiting utilities financially while also preserving Texas' limited water resources.
In addition to the escalating population, Texas' susceptibility to drought underscores the necessity of investing in customer engagement solutions that empower individuals with personalized recommendations and actions to conserve water and save money. Equipped with a vast library of over 200 tailored water-saving tips, the VXsmart platform is designed to assist utilities in engaging and educating customers to become active participants in water management.
In times of challenges, resilient communities embrace innovation as a solution. Texas stands out as a hub of creativity and technological advancement, with cities like Mansfield and Laguna Madre Water District leading the way in adopting software solutions to transform utility operations and enhance customer experiences.
Energy and water service providers are leveraging automation to streamline billing and payment processes, deliver detailed usage reports, and promptly address customer issues. By optimizing these tasks, utilities can allocate more resources to ensuring reliable utility access and exceptional customer service, ultimately reducing costs and enhancing overall efficiency.
Home is certainly where the heart is, and while VertexOne proudly serves utilities all across the country, our dedication to the state of Texas is unmatched.
Staying true to “southern hospitality,” we’re committed to caring for and serving our 400+ current utility partners and their customers across the states and look forward to supporting many more. It’s especially important for utilities to have strong, resilient partners in times like these. These are characteristics we’re proud to embody deep in the heart of Texas and beyond, today and into the future.
Ready to see our solutions in action? Explore our case study on Mansfield, Texas, and discover how VertexOne is helping utilities navigate challenges and innovate for resilience.