The Hidden Infrastructure: A New Map for a Safer Tomorrow

Josh Mackanic’s departure from Pacific Gas and Electric in 2020 was not just a midlife crisis or a desire to explore space as a child. It was a wake-up call, recognizing that the utility industry’s opaque infrastructure is both hindering progress and contributing to disasters.

Utility strikes are a persistent problem: over 200,000 occur annually in the United States, causing delays and financial losses totaling millions of dollars. Mackanic’s own experience was a prime example – a three-day ordeal costing $60,000 due to lack of information about underground pipes. This issue is not unique to PG&E or the utility industry; it reflects broader problems with infrastructure management.

To address this, Mackanic created CivilGrid, which aims to gather data on utility assets, property ownership, and environmental regulations, making them accessible to governments, engineering firms, and utilities. A case study by PG&E has already identified $60 million in avoidable paving costs across 1,600 planned gas distribution projects.

CivilGrid’s true innovation lies in its potential to democratize access to infrastructure information. By providing engineers with the data they need, Mackanic hopes to streamline construction processes and reduce costly mistakes. This vision echoes open-source software principles and collaborative knowledge-sharing, which have transformed industries like tech and medicine.

The concept of mapping underground infrastructure is not new; 19th-century engineers like Frederick Law Olmsted mapped urban landscapes to prevent accidents and promote efficient development. Mackanic’s innovation lies in developing a platform that can collect, sort, and secure vast amounts of data.

As we debate the merits of infrastructure spending and its impact on our built environment, it’s worth recalling Mackanic’s words: “The reality is, unfortunately, we do ourselves a disservice in not championing the extent to which they work wonders every day.” By acknowledging the complexity and beauty of hidden infrastructure, we can begin to address its shortcomings. With CivilGrid leading the way, perhaps we’re on the cusp of a new era in urban planning – one that prioritizes efficiency and safety.

Mackanic’s ambitions extend beyond just mapping underground utilities; he wants to tackle red tape problems plaguing the construction industry, including permits, regulations, and bureaucratic hurdles that can delay projects by years. This is a daunting task with far-reaching consequences for our economy, environment, and society as a whole.

As we look to the future, it’s heartening to see innovators like Mackanic tackling pressing challenges. By shining a light on hidden infrastructure, he’s providing a valuable service while highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in the utility industry. As CivilGrid grows and evolves, let us hope that it serves as a beacon for others – a reminder that even complex problems can be solved with creativity, determination, and collaboration.

The underground infrastructure may not be glamorous, but its impact is undeniable. By mapping its secrets, Mackanic has given us a glimpse into a safer, more efficient future – one where our cities can thrive without sacrificing the well-being of their citizens.