Case Study: Braintree Electric
Braintree Electric partnered with Netwatch to strengthen security across its substations through Proactive Video Monitoring.
Case Details
Clients: Braintree Electric
Market: Municipal
Solution: Proactive Video Monitoring
Results: Improved overall site security
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Introduction
Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD) is one of 41 municipal light departments organized under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 164, and one of more than 2,200 municipally owned light departments in the United States.
Recognized locally and nationally as an innovator in technology and new services, BELD has been serving the energy sector since 1892. Headquartered in Braintree, Massachusetts, the organization serves approximately 16,500 customers through five substations and employs 78 personnel.
In addition to power distribution, BELD entered the telecommunications industry in the late 1990s, offering high-speed internet, cable TV, and telephone services. After two decades as a local ISP provider, BELD sold its ISP business to Comcast to better support the evolving needs of the community.
Challenge:
Key Security Challenges
- Copper theft
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
With increasing security incidents occurring at substations across the country, Braintree Electric sought a proactive solution to secure its facilities and ensure the safety of the communities it serves.
Although surveillance cameras were already installed at its main campus, BELD identified a need for a more effective security system at its substations, particularly at locations that were not permanently staffed.
The PVM Solution: Maximizing Coverage and Efficiency
Braintree Electric partnered with Netwatch to implement Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM) across its substations.
PVM is a cloud-based security solution that combines:
- 24/7 AI-powered video surveillance
- Real-time monitoring by trained security operators
- Immediate live voice interventions
- Incident reporting and documentation
The system is designed to identify suspicious activity before incidents occur and intervene in real time through live voice warnings.
Netwatch’s solution was deployed to:
- Enhance security at BELD substations
- Provide around-the-clock monitoring
- Deter unauthorized access
- Verify personnel access using keypad authentication
- Protect high-traffic locations vulnerable to trespassing
Advanced camera technologies and sophisticated analytics continuously monitor activity and alert operators to potential threats. When suspicious behavior is detected, operators immediately issue live voice warnings to deter intruders and prevent incidents from escalating.
Results
Netwatch’s proactive monitoring service successfully:
- Deterred unauthorized access to substations
- Reduced risks associated with copper theft
- Helped prevent infrastructure damage
- Minimized the risk of utility downtime
- Improved overall site security
A notable outcome of the solution is that 98% of would-be trespassers leave the premises after hearing a live voice warning, significantly reducing potential confrontations and security incidents.
When incidents occur, detailed reports are automatically generated, providing timestamps and a comprehensive record of actions taken by the monitoring team.
Benefits
Proactive Security
Netwatch prevents damage and protects facilities from loss or downtime.
Reliable Operations
Netwatch enables BELD to deliver reliable and cost-effective power to its customers.
Immediate Intervention
Netwatch stops criminal activity before loss or damage can occur.
Key Statistics
- Established: 1892
- Customers Served: 16,500+
- Substations: 5
- Employees: 78
- Intruders Deterred After Voice Warning: 98%
- Security Coverage: 24/7 AI-Powered Monitoring