Overtime leakage in utilities & public works: $18M, $2.2M and more

Utilities and infrastructure agencies consistently show some of the largest exposures:

• US Department of Energy: An audit identified over $18 million in inaccurate, unsupported, or improperly approved timesheet and overtime payments.
• Seattle Waste Utilities: A review found $130,000 in unsupported overtime payments within the waste management division.
• Philadelphia Water Department: A department-wide audit uncovered $300,000 in unauthorised overtime, while a broader city review identified $2.2 million in total overtime leakage.

When essential services never stop, overtime becomes routine — and without proper visibility, the cost quickly escalates.