POWERING UP THROUGH OVERHAULING THE IT PMO
BUSINESS PROBLEM
The largest federal public utility providing clean energy in the Pacific Northwest struggled with rising rates, declining public sentiment, and an aging workforce. Although rates were generally among the lowest in the country due to its reliance on hydropower, compared to other utilities that depend more on fossil fuels or market energy prices, rates had risen significantly over the last two decades. Depending on the specific customer class and type of service, rates had increased approximately 100% or more in cumulative terms. While some years saw single digit increases, other years saw larger jumps due to financial and operational pressures. As a result, public and customer satisfaction was at an all-time low. Compounding both issues was the aging workforce with a significant number of employees nearing retirement, this presented the organization with many challenges and opportunities.
OUR APPROACH
To address the broad organizational challenges, we focused on building out the fundamentals in a critical business function with a four-part action plan.
1. Holistic IT PMO Optimization
We took a comprehensive approach to improving IT PMO operations by addressing people, process, technology, and data. Through a current state assessment, gap analysis, and vision alignment, we built a 5-year strategic roadmap to drive long-term success.
2. Adaptive Maturity Model for Success
To ensure adoption and scalability, we tailored a maturity model to fit the organization’s culture, optimizing processes, strengthening capabilities, and ensuring alignment with business needs.
3. Quick Wins & Strategic Execution
Balancing short-term impact and long-term goals, we implemented low-hanging fruits while committing to high-priority WIGs (wildly important goals) to create immediate and sustained value.
4. Data-Driven Decision-Making Enablement
By cleansing and structuring data, deploying technology, and documenting key processes, we enabled accurate decision-making and effective prioritization, ensuring the IT PMO could operate with greater efficiency and agility.
Current & Future State Assessment
Operational Excellence
SERVICES PERFORMED
Strategic Roadmap Development
Process Optimization
Supply Chain
Strategy
Cost Management
VALUE DELIVERED
​We led a comprehensive operating model transformation, shifting from a siloed, project-based approach to a strategic investment-driven framework that aligns with business needs.
-
$5M+ in cost savings achieved by streamlining processes and automating 10+ tools for project planning, decision-making, asset management, and financial analysis.
-
Revamped governance structures, optimizing board and steering committee roles to prioritize agency-wide strategic investments.
-
Implemented a managed services model, reducing costs by $2M annually while improving predictability, quality, and efficiency in project management and software development.
-
Developed a stakeholder communications toolkit, conducting dozens of roadshows to foster partnerships and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
-
Launched an employee development program, strengthening career growth, succession planning, and reducing workforce retirement risks.
MORE PROJECT SHOWCASES
