This is a web page version of our monthly email with links for more information. (Typically updated the beginning of each month). Check the overall schedule for a complete list of meetings and benchmarking program milestones for the year.
This Month’s Shared Practice Meeting
Shared Practice Meeting (One-hour Teams call)
October 22, 2025, 3:00 pm EDT / 12:00 pm PDT
The topic for October’s meeting is a Potential AI Applications for Benchmarking & Planning.
This month’s meeting will be a live demo of Facility Issues’ AI Pilot and discussion of how you think this technology can benefit us for benchmarking and planning. Bring questions you want to ask and a wish list of ideas for automation and join the discussion. Those who were at the UC Fall meeting will get the demo that failed to show on the screen.
October Shared Practice Surveys
We want your input! Please take a few minutes to take the shared practice survey – this month we have two surveys requested by your utility peers:
- National Grid is doing research on post pandemic Return to Office as part of their Refreshed Real Estate strategy. They are interested in hearing how others in the industry are addressing this and wold appreciate your feedback: https://forms.officecome/r/t2WYzjEv11. The survey is 8 questions and should take no more than 15 minutes of your time. Please note, this is their survey. The link will not take you to the UC Shared Practice meeting registration page so it opens in a new tab. If you would like a copy of the results from your Grid survey, please indicate your request in the “additional comments” section.
- AEP’s procurement team is interested in how other utilities ensure a robust pool of service provider partners across a distributed territory: Procurement for Utility FM – The survey includes a few general questions on your approach – not specific T&C’s. Upon completion of the survey you will go to the page to register for this month’s shared practice meeting.
Just register for the Shared Practice Meeting
Other Meetings of Interest
Benchmarking Results Review
November 12, 2025: 3:00 pm EDT/12:00 pm PDT
Teams meeting review of the 2025 benchmarking results, (for benchmarking participants only). Meeting invites will be sent to benchmarking leads and alternates.
What AI to Include in the 2026 Benchmarking Program
November 19, 2025: 3:00 pm EDT/12:00 pm PDT
Teams meeting to discuss how best to incorporate the desired AI functionality in the current or revised benchmarking program. This is a Steering Committee meeting open to all who participate in the benchmarking to discuss the logistics of this issue.
Discussion of Emerging Issues in Utility CRE/FM
December 3, 2025: 3:00 pm EDT/12:00 pm PDT
Our regular monthly shared practice meeting but one week later than normal due to US Thanksgiving holiday week.
Utilities Council Fall Meeting
We had a great fall Utilities Council Meeting on September 15-16. Thanks to Xcel Energy for hosting! If you missed the meeting, here is a copy of my benchmarking presentation.
Benchmarking Program Updates
The near-final reporting for the 2025 Utility Facilities Benchmarking Program is now available. Final data was due by the end of September! If you have already entered your data, you can check it now. Final reports will be run on October 19 to allow for a late entry so you still have time for any last minute adjustments.
AI Benchmarking Assistants
We are working on AI Assistants to make it easier to use the results. Let us know if you are interested in this.
Steering Committee Meetings are discontinued for 2025
While we have had these general discussions about the benchmarking program, we now offer 1:1 support calls and will use this time slot for those and general training. Suggestions for benchmarking data/metrics, reporting requests, and ideas for the annual workshop are still welcome! (submit them here)
Additional Support
We provide additional support services on data systems, data integration/assembly, using metrics, special studies and strategic facility planning. Contact us if you would like a no-sales chat about your situation
Other News & Announcements
- Did You Miss a Shared Practice Meeting in 2024? Some were recorded and are available in the articles section of our website: https://facilityissues.com/articles/ along with other resources we provide.
- I am exploring alternative options and additional support related to the facility benchmarking program. If there are any potential changes or services that you would like to see, please contact me.
- 1:1 calls available with any benchmarking participant and anyone interested in the program. Schedule now if you wish to discuss your results, challenges with any issues, or just to chat about your situation.
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