Saving $2.5M with VR Training Tool

Faced with the challenge of optimizing thousands of paving restoration projects annually, PG&E partnered with Accenture to pilot an innovative metaverse training solution. Our work uncovered key improvement areas and helped demonstrate $2.5M in projected annual savings—strengthening executive buy-in and future investment.

Problem

PG&E loses millions each year due to poorly scoped jobs caused by inconsistent training across regions. The current approach fails to cover the wide range of challenges workers face, leaving them unprepared for real-world field scenarios. Interviews with department heads, managers, and field operations led to the identification of critical process gaps. The unpredictable nature of fieldwork means new employees often encounter situations not covered in training, which leads to costly, dangerous mistakes. While hands-on learning could help, it’s impractical at scale, making these gaps even more critical to address.

What we delivered

With 4 user-tested VR modules that replicated real-world jobsites, we filled the gap of a lack of comprehensive training. This scalable program is set to expand, ensuring consistent skill development across sectors while delivering impactful results:

$2.5M in annual savings

Projected savings of $2.5 million per year by reducing fieldwork errors, safety incidents, and costly on-site training.

Trackable skill progress

The VR training’s interactive nature not only improves readiness for unpredictable field scenarios but also enhances safety and performance, with metrics allowing managers to track progress.

Enhanced knowledge transfer

High completion rates and engagement scores reflect the program’s effectiveness in building employee confidence and practical skill application.

Increased prepardness

Usability testing across PG&E departments demonstrates improved field readiness, reducing errors and safety risks while fostering a more skilled, confident workforce.

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