Joint Use Management Services

The revenue derived from foreign attachments can vary dramatically between utilities, with some utilities losing substantial annual revenues as a result of under-billing.  The two most significant factors contributing to under-billing are incomplete attachment records and outdated billing rates.  In addition, unknown foreign attachments can also give rise to NESC compliance issues.  WLS can assist in all aspects of joint use management.  WLS’ Joint Use Management Services include:

Situation Assessment
WLS will help assess current record keeping and joint use agreements to determine the magnitude of annual attachment revenue increases that may be realized through enhanced business practices.  The components of this service include: 

• Attachment Records Accuracy Audit

• Joint Use Agreement Review 

• Forecast Potential Joint Use Revenue Increases

Joint Use Process Analysis
Sustainable process improvements may be the most important result of WLS’ services, ensuring that no attacher gets a free ride.  WLS will analyze the utility’s current management processes and technologies, and help design and implement improvements.  This service consists of:

• Current State Process and Technology Analysis

• Future State Process Design

Attachment Contract Negotiations
If the review of existing attachment agreements indicates that renegotiation is possible and merited, WLS will participate as an external advocate by advising and assisting the utility throughout the process.  Our services include:

• Attachment Agreement Consultation & Development

• Agreement Negotiation Support

Attachment Management Technologies
WLS can provide or support technologies used by the utility to manage attachments and effectively utilize attachment data.  Management Technologies include:

• Spatially-enabled Permitting and Notification System (SPANS)

• Shared Facility Database

• Attachment and Spatial Data Integration

• Integrated Data Entry and Maintenance Functions

• Attachment Report and Map Generation Functions

Attachment Inventories
If the audit of the attachment data suggests a selective or comprehensive inventory is merited, WLS will support the planning, design, management and execution of a successful inventory.  An inventory can be completed with the use of utility personnel, if available, and/or contracted inventory resources.  This service consists of:

• Inventory Design & Management

• Inventory Services

It is important to note that the cost associated with this type of service is, in most cases, 100% recoverable. 

More information on WLS’ Joint Use Management Services can be obtained by contacting us.