Zonar among additions to Fleet Services as storm season arrives
Mississippi Power’s Fleet Services team is fully powered for storm season — and every day for that matter — thanks to several technological equipment upgrades and test projects, including remote vehicle maintenance or Zonar.
“Our storm season plan is ready to go as soon as a storm threatens our service territory,” said Fleet Services Manager Jason Smith. “When that happens, all big jobs are put on hold that could keep a unit out of service, and all fuel tanks are topped off. We also have an additional 250 rental vehicles on standby. It’s our job to see that every unit is available if needed to help restore electricity.”
The Zonar system, which is currently installed in 14 vehicles, includes the following:
• A control unit that communicates with the vehicle’s computer system.
• A handheld device for daily vehicle inspection.
• Between 12-15 sensors on each vehicle that report data to the handheld device
• A locator device mounted on each vehicle.
“The state-of-the-art system basically provides instant diagnostic information for each fleet vehicle,” Smith said. “This reduces mechanic travel and response time, especially in more remote areas. Mississippi Power Fleet Service, Southern Company Fleet Service Maintenance team, Zonar Systems, Ford, Freightliner, Cummins Engines and Utilimarc are all working together to develop these tools to enhance fleet maintenance and inspections through the use of technology.”
The company’s 18 Fleet Services employees are always busy, but tools like Zonar ensure they have plenty of tools to keep company vehicles running safely and efficiently, especially during storm season.
“When a truck turns on a check engine or service engine light, the Zonar system notifies Fleet,” Smith added. “Fleet will review the data to determine the issue and decide the next course of action. This information will also be used for mileage, engine hours and fuel burn to improve maintenance intervals.”
Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power earned the 2015 ReliabilityOneTM Award for outstanding midsize utility for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts as well as being a leader in reliability, customer service and safety. Visit our websites at www.mississippipower.com and www.mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.