# Cleco's AI Pilot Addresses Data Fragmentation in Power Generation > Discover how 1898 & Co. is revolutionizing power generation through AI by tackling the challenge of fragmented asset data at Cleco's repowered plant in Louisiana. **Source**: power-eng.com | **Published**: 2026-10-14 | **Type**: case_study ## Key Facts - Cleco's pilot with 1898 & Co. highlights the challenge of data fragmentation in plant operations. - Cooperative Energy saved $3M by centralizing data from 16,000 assets, showcasing AI's ROI. - Handwritten notes revealed critical asset data gaps, indicating vulnerabilities in knowledge management. - AI tools are projected to save workers 1-3 hours weekly, enabling focus on higher-value tasks. - Rapid advancements in AI are reshaping operational efficiencies, signaling a strategic industry shift. ## Summary \## Summary 1898 & Co. partnered with Cleco to address the challenge of managing scattered asset data at a repowered plant in Louisiana. By implementing a centralized system for accessing equipment information, the project aimed to improve operational efficiency. Initial results indicate significant potential for time savings and enhanced data management. \## Background 1898 & Co. operates in the energy consulting industry, focusing on AI solutions for power generation. The company engaged with Cleco, a utility company, to tackle the issue of fragmented asset data at one of its repowered plants. Prior to the deployment, valuable information was dispersed across various older and upgraded enterprise asset management (EAM) systems, personal drives, and the knowledge of long-tenured employees. \## Challenge The primary challenge was the difficulty in accessing comprehensive asset data, which was often retained in individual employees' knowledge or scattered across multiple systems. Cleco needed a solution that would allow its staff to efficiently locate critical documentation, such as piping and instrumentation diagrams. \## Solution 1898 & Co. initiated the project with functional workshops to identify gaps in data availability. They then developed a system to vectorize Cleco's records, enabling staff to search across all data sources simultaneously, regardless of the format or age. The project also involved creating narratives for systems and subsystems where documentation was lacking, detailing the plant's previous state, changes made, and current conditions. \## Results While long-term results from the Cleco pilot are still being gathered, a similar project with Cooperative Energy demonstrated significant benefits. That initiative involved ingesting data for 16,000 assets from three plant drives, resulting in savings of approximately $3 million in unadjusted labor costs. The project also highlighted the importance of capturing undocumented knowledge, as it successfully integrated handwritten notes into the system, ensuring critical information was not lost. \## Key Insights The deployment of AI solutions can transform operational efficiency by centralizing and managing asset data effectively. Engaging staff through workshops can help identify data gaps and streamline the process of documentation. Additionally, capturing informal knowledge can prevent potential losses when experienced employees retire. \## Customer Testimonial “This is a common challenge that we’re seeing in industry,” said Chris Wiles, principal AI solutions architect at 1898 & Co. ## Entities - **Companies**: 1898 & Co., Cleco, Cooperative Energy - **Technologies**: artificial intelligence, EAM systems - **People**: Chris Wiles ## Key Concepts asset data management, plant operations efficiency, data centralization, functional workshops, knowledge capture, cost savings, AI in power generation, operational changes ## Definitions - **EAM systems**: Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems are software solutions that help organizations manage their physical assets throughout their lifecycle. - **vectorizing data**: Vectorizing data refers to the process of converting various types of data into a format that can be easily searched and analyzed. - **repower**: Repowering is the process of upgrading or replacing existing power generation equipment to improve efficiency and performance. - **functional workshop**: A functional workshop is a collaborative session aimed at identifying and addressing specific operational challenges within an organization. - **knowledge capture**: Knowledge capture is the process of documenting and preserving information and insights that may not be formally recorded in systems. ## Use Cases - Centralizing plant records for easier access - Extracting data from handwritten notes for asset management - Improving efficiency in plant operations through AI - Reducing labor costs by reconciling asset data - Identifying missing documentation through workshops - Enhancing decision-making with centralized data ## Frequently Asked Questions **What is the main challenge faced by plant operators?** Plant operators often struggle with leveraging scattered asset data from decades of equipment and software. This challenge is prevalent whether they are repowering old plants or working with new installations. **How does 1898 & Co. assist utilities?** 1898 & Co. assists utilities by centralizing their records and improving data accessibility. They conduct functional workshops to identify data gaps and help staff locate critical documentation. **What are the benefits of the Cleco pilot project?** The Cleco pilot project aims to improve asset data management and operational efficiency. It allows staff to search all data sources simultaneously, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions. **What cost savings did Cooperative Energy achieve?** Cooperative Energy saved approximately $3 million in unadjusted labor costs by effectively extracting and reconciling data from three plant drives for 16,000 assets. **How is AI changing plant operations?** AI is enabling significant operational changes that enhance efficiency and effectiveness in plant operations. It allows for better data management and supports staff in focusing on higher-value tasks. ## Links - [Read on Welcome.AI](https://welcome.ai/content/clecos-ai-pilot-addresses-data-fragmentation-in-power-generation) - [Original source](https://www.power-eng.com/operations-maintenance/ai-moves-inside-the-plant-1898-co-previews-its-powergen-case-study/) - [1898 & Co.](https://welcome.ai/company/1898-co): Featured company --- Source: Welcome.AI | https://welcome.ai/content/clecos-ai-pilot-addresses-data-fragmentation-in-power-generation