SP AusNet names smart meter suppliers

By Suzanne Tindal, ZDNet.com.au

23 October 2009 02:17 PM

Tags: motorola, smart meter, sp ausnet, wimax, roll-out

Victorian energy company SP AusNet has announced the partners, including Accenture, Logica, Motorola and Unwired, for its smart meter roll-out to 680,000 customers.

Motorola will be responsible for a WiMax communications network to connect the meters and the central system, allowing it to record electricity consumption measurements and remotely manage the customer meters.

Motorola said it had been awarded a four-year project in which it would supply 60 to 80 base stations operating at 2.3GHz as well as an access service network gateway and new microwave systems to extend the wide area network to new coverage areas. The company would start shipping products by the end of this year.

SP AusNet said it had done a deal with Unwired to use its 2.3GHz spectrum for the network.

GE together with Grid Net and Landis+Gyr will supply the thousands of WiMax enabled smart meters. Grid Net will work together with General Electric on the meter management system and eMeter is providing a meter data management system.

Logica has been signed on for systems integration of the metering systems, while Accenture will design and implement SP AusNet's new SAP Customer Information System.

SP AusNet is implementing the SAP system to help bring together metering processes with back-end systems according to SAP. The software provides consumers with insight into their energy consumption.

Enterprise Business Services has been chosen as another partner to manage the above mentioned IT projects.

UXC and Electrix will deploy meters and carry out preliminary site inspections.

Geomatic Technologies will provide products and services to implement the mobile system used for workforce management and meter install services.

A commercial arm of SP AusNet called Select Solutions will provide the overall management of the end-to-end meter exchange component for the program, including the management of all the field service providers and provisioning of the required systems, the energy provider said.

The full contingent of meters will be installed by 2013. The first phase will see 40,000 installed by June next year.

Also in Victoria, rival power companies CitiPower and Powercor will be rolling out smart meters. They signed contracts earlier this year with UXC and Bilfinger Berger for multiple services including the installation of communications technology systems.

Victoria's other electricity distributors Jemena and United Energy Distribution have also been actively preparing for their own smart meter roll-out. ZDNet.com.au believes Jemena awarded a contract to Accenture as system integrator in preparation for the roll out.

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Accenture? Hope they have $B spare! Anonymous -- 26/10/09

Accenture will drag the project on and on and on until SP Ausnet is *nearly* broke.
This is what they do. Check out the Telstra billing system experience...or Enron for that matter. these guys are still Arthur Anderson...and still crooks!

Accenture? Ferouza Saran -- 09/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

Having worked in the utilities industry on many projects with Accenture I know they have great people with expertise in utilities. The Accenture team as part of the Jemena AMI Program is well on target for an on time program delivery.

OH MAH GAWD Jimbo -- 13/11/09 (in reply to #320391149)

Wow, havnt the Accenture stooges come out of the wood work with the load of rubbish post here..

Must have been an everyone@accenture.com mail go around.

It really is sicking.

I just hope your Jemena (or whatever it is) is better than that Siebel rubbish that have left nothing but foul tastes in many many customers mouths

Exactly Wrong Anonymous -- 15/11/09 (in reply to #320391515)

I think the original poster and Jimbo have it exactly wrong. Accenture is very good at delivering on time and on budget. With fixed cost projects Accenture loses money if things go over time, so there's a lot of pressure to deliver on time.

That's why I left Accenture, because the pressure to deliver on time was so high, and when things went wrong we'd have to fix them up ourselves even when it isn't our fault.

Accenture just comes in and does what is asked of it. So if you're pissed of with a Siebel implementation, don't blame Accenture, blame the people who chose to use Siebel. That will be the CEOs, CIOs and their amigos who were enticed by the slick sales presentation from Oracle. The CEO is not qualified to determine if Siebel is the right product for his company, but the CEO declares "We're using Siebel" and we Accenture staff have to put up with the fallout.

Better yet, blame the Oracle sales staff who use expensive dinners and harbour cruises to convince the executives to buy Siebel. If they were banned from bribing executives like that, or forced to publicly declare how much they spend on their bribes, we'd have lots more companies using the right product for the right reasons... and far fewer expensive failed implementations.

Accenture? Trevor Denton -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

Working with Accenture on one of the projects you mention. The entire team are on target to deliver the projects outcomes against the current timeframe.

AMI Program Jemena Marina Bakh -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

I have worked on Jemena AMI Smartnet Program for 2 years. The project is full of challenges and full of great professionals! Never get bored on this Project - that's for sure!

Accenture Stephen Milverton -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

I have had the opportunity to work with Accenture on multiple projects both within and outside the utilities industry and on a global basis. The opportunity to work with highly talented and motivated people has been fantastic. My ability to continuously learn and improve has been accentuated by working with the likes of Accenture. In relation to the Jemena AMI Program, Accenture are determined to ensure the program is delivered on time and successful.

???? Anonymous -- 16/11/09 (in reply to #320391190)

The place can truly Accentuate a person's lying ability.

Mike

Accenture Scott Nicholson -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

From my experience working alongside Accenture on Utilities projects over the past 10 years covering Separation, Gas & Elec FRC and now AMI, I can't recall any project dragging on and on. Usually it's quite the opposite - fast paced projects that need high performance teams in order to deliver...

Accenture davo -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

Unlike all these accenture (Andersen!) people, I've had bad experiences with these gouging US consultants. Wost bunch of self promoting, empty vessel yanks around! From what I hear, Telstra's not too happy, nor is CBA. Certainly the folks at SAP are not so excited as the accenture employees.

Accenture? Colin Brown -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

I have worked on a number of projects in utilities where Accenture has been the largest consulting team and have in all instances found them to be extremely professional and delivery conscious. I am currently engaged on the Jemena AMI program and although not a technical person, am impressed with their delivery in a highly complex , high performance project.

It is your money and my money and my life and your life Anonymous -- 20/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

Dear Anonymous,

SP AusNet or Jemena will not go broke as the AMI Program are to be cost-recovered from consumers. Your bill and my bill will be increased substantially to line the pockets of some of the management crooks in Jemena AMI program and EBS, their favourite contrators, friends and their associated consultancies. They may run pheonix RFP processes to avoid scrutiny as they are experienced crooks.

Furthermore, your life maybe at risk if you are life-support energy users, can you trust these crooks' ability to build a sophisticated and reliable system on time and on budget? Can you trust a few junior Accenture getting the data quality & real-time interfaces correct? The management crooks will always claim on time and on budget delivery - it is the quality of delivery that counts: both business outcome and the delivery processes!!

hh Anonymous -- 20/11/09 (in reply to #320389639)

hhh

steer away Anonymous -- 08/11/09

Many people at SP Ausnet EBS are queueing to leave.... It is not a clean place..... don't sign up if you have other options ....

It is more or less the same environment at Jemena's AMI program too

steer away..? Matt Nidd -- 09/11/09 (in reply to #320391060)

As someone who has been on the Jemena project for close to three years I can say that if you don't want to be on a project that delivers great outcomes, on time, with many of the best resources in the industry then this is not the place for you!

Steer Away Bryan Meekin -- 09/11/09 (in reply to #320391060)

The queue to leave may be shorter than you think. Despite a number of major inititiatives and projects taking place in the Utilities sector, staff retention is high.

steer away Ferouza Saran -- 09/11/09 (in reply to #320391060)

Jemena's AMI Program is only for the passionate professionals who take pride in their work and achievements. I feel that it is possible the above poster has been involved with SP Ausnet and Jemena and has a strong personal dislike for the projects. If this is true, I question why the poster maintains anonymity.

steer away... Not! Rod -- 09/11/09 (in reply to #320391060)

As a former employee of one of the System Integrators mentioned in the above article, I've worked on the Jemena AMI Program. From what I've seen, it was quite the opposite, people where queuing up wanting to join this program.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding work environment, then look no further!

Steer away? On the contrary... Scott Nicholson -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320391060)

On the Jemena AMI Program, most people I know have steered directly toward it to help deliver this initiative for the business and will proudly add this achievement to their resume.

wild lost dogs Anonymous -- 15/11/09 (in reply to #320391189)

Couple of her wild lost dogs returned from the infamous finance sector - barking harder? Insecure or small man syndrome after the GFC? Get your soul back while you still have one!!

Steer Away - if you cannot handle a challlenge Stephen Milverton -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320391060)

Jemena's AMI Progam along with all programs of this complexity and nature will always be a challenging environment. It is this type of environment that enables individuals to be challenged and grow. The opportunity to work on a leading edge program with highly talented people - who would want to leave?? Maybe that is not for some people?

Steer away Lou Webb -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320391060)

Queuing to leave?? Not from where I sit. 13 years in this industry and I have never seen such committment, drive or passion on a project. Careful to not let your emotions cloud the real situation 'anonymous'.

finger down throat Davo -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320391213)

Did your accenture bosses make you post these comments? It sounds like the mormons defending Mr.Smith!

Don't steer away.... Paul Martin -- 16/11/09 (in reply to #320391060)

I've watched this post with interest as I have supplied many contractors to this market sector, (including several of the entities mentioned). I was even previously employed by Accenture (but not since 2006).

For what it's worth the 'anonymous' posts and the views expressed in them don't marry with my understanding or view of these organisations or programs.

The best contractors and staff I've known (and I've known more than most), many who still work on these programs and with several of the specific organisations mentioned, have and would continue to take a grown up approach to addressing any concerns they had by speaking with their line manager or agency.

Typing anonymous disparaging posts really is the reserve of the insecure, which is probably why it's such teenage behaviour.

We continue to support a large and very stable contractor base, many of whom have worked in this area for a long time and all of whom would have the strength of character to vote with their feet if they are not treated properly and rewarded fairly.

Your statement ..."don't sign up if you have other options" demonstrates a level of thinking and personal career commitment that I'm not a fan of. Are you saying that people should sign up if they don't have other options? Is that what you would do (or have done)? If so, then that behaviour needs a re-think for you to be considered at the top of your profession.

Personally I highly recommend this sector.

What's the use of speaking to Agency?? Anonymous -- 16/11/09 (in reply to #320391766)

Most agencies these organsations work with are as crook as the top management on this program, that is how they get their placements or preferred supplier status... like attracts like.

One Agency's response to one of my former staff's concern who worked on the program was pathetic!!

Jemena AMI Program Gary Brooks -- 09/11/09

I have only been on the AMI Program for 8 mths but what is being achieved in such a short time is nothing short of phenomenal.
Timelines are tight and there is a lot to do but the team is focussed and the work is rewarding.

Jemena AMI Program Focus is on Success. Paul S. -- 10/11/09

I'm no cheerleader for Accenture, but my opinion from the last 2+ years is that the team working on the Jemena Program is focussed on success. That means there's constant pressure to make the right decisions, often in an environment involving uncertainty.

People who can only operate cookie cutters get frustrated, angry and possibly end up posting anonymous noise on internet sites.

Paul davo -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320391171)

Yes you are..

cookie cutters Anonymous -- 14/11/09 (in reply to #320391171)

I have been told by so many people the place sucks - it is the way people are treated there by certain management style...Horror stories ....

I will steer away not because of Accenture ....

and I must admit my experience with Accenture people in many projects have been great, they are hard-working and really nice people to work with.

Sounds like the place has not changed Anonymous -- 15/11/09 (in reply to #320391632)

I was at UE (Jemena / EBS now??) many years ago, one project manager committed suicide due to the environment leaving behind young children. The place was full of crooks and bullies at the top. Sounds like many years on, it has not changed. Thanks for the post. I have also been hearing something about it. I will steer away!!!

Accenture? Roshan Rasin -- 10/11/09

I have been working on AMI Program for last three year and worked on many other large TELCO projects/companies (Tait, Sony Erickson, Telecom, AUS police and so on). Accenture have been fantastic! I am confident that they will deliver the good for SP.

Jemena AMI Program Bill Henley -- 10/11/09

The Jemena AMI program is a great work environment, that is intellectually challenging. The inept and lazy are soon found out and leave.

Jemena AMI Project Steven Taig -- 10/11/09

As a Jemena representative on this project I have worked with Accenture &EBS people and have found them all keen to produce a quality product and deliver on time. They all work hard to produce the product that as an end user will deliver products unseen in the industry before. It isn't always easy but all the project people have pulled together to achieve a great result in a very tight timeframe. Not sure how anyone could question the commitment of the any of project team.

AMI Program Richard Dumont -- 10/11/09

Having worked on several large scale integration projects over the last several years, this has been one of the most professionally run and fuffilling experience. What has been accomplished in such a short timeframe is truly outstanding!

Steer Away??? Anonymous -- 10/11/09

I have worked on the program and can only provide the following:
1: It has a et up an go environment
2: The senior people are profesional.
3: You earn your money.

Big cheers for the BIG guys. You know who you are.

Steer Away!!! Anonymous -- 15/11/09 (in reply to #320391195)

I worked on the program. Most people are very good there and work hard. A few bullies at the top management level. Some very good and competent people left due to their dislike of the management ethics and their treatment of people. The place is definitely not for the faint hearted and those believe in honesty, integrity and basic human decency - those people tend not to put up with the place for long.

Jemena vision taking on AMI like no other Michael Macfarlane -- 10/11/09

As a long standing employee of Jemena and working on the program from its inception I can honestly say that our AMI program is second to none. Not only will we be delivering smart meters and its infrastructure at a lower cost than other distribution businesses, we are delivering it well ahead of mandated targets, with more functionality and vision than our counterparts.

Thinking of joining the Jemena team? Our team has the capability, vision and ability to deliver the project on time, on budget, with true smart meter benefits to the consumer.

??? Anonymous -- 14/11/09 (in reply to #320391199)

On target and on budget? At what cost - Honesty and Integrity!!!!

Jemena AMI Program..... Manny Rahimi -- 10/11/09

I am a Jemena employee and have been on the AMI program since it's birth and i strongly believe that we have the best team of experts who are professional, dedicated and passionate about the program and have worked tirlessly to overcome the challenges to deliver one of the largest capital works program in the distribution network history which targets every sites within.

AMI Program David Ripper -- 10/11/09

The Victorian AMI Program is the first project in the entire history of the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry that will touch every connection point physically and electronically over a very short timeframe. A program of this nature and scope cannot support passengers.

The electicity Distribution Businesses have established their respective project teams of dedicated professionals to meet these demanding challenges.

I have been associated with the AMI Program for more than 4 years and have been exposed to many individuals from all of the Distribution Business project teams. Each has a commitment and passion to make this program work for the benefit of electricity users.

AMI Program Peter Harrison -- 10/11/09

As a consultant working for UED I have been extremely impressed with the way that a very difficult and complex program has been managed.

All organisations involved in the AMI Program at Jemena/UED should be very proud of what they have achieved and plan to achieve over the coming months. Good Luck in meeting your deadlines!!

Accenture suck! William D Green -- 10/11/09

Accenture sucks, don't believe the stooges above who are paid to do viral marketing.

Think about it, why would any large US connsultancy arrange for 24 employees to refute a blog on zdnet (no offense zdnet!) ??

Accenture sucks! bs -- 10/11/09 (in reply to #320391220)

May be, but dear William, I think you are misinterpreting the post.
It is not about Accenture. This post is about certain projects underway and the working environment therein.

Wow Anonymous -- 14/11/09 (in reply to #320391220)

All 24 have real names stick on - proudly!!
It is a good way to impress the managers of the project team they are working for!!

Wouldn't it be funny if... Anonymous -- 19/11/09 (in reply to #320391220)

...they were all right? 680,000 homes is a lot of meters, a lot of infrastructure and one whale of a lot of project. My guess (as an outsider) is that there may be an element of truth in everything listed above. I can easily imagine a mixture of enlightened managers with a small proportion of thugs, because you'll get wide variation in people quality in any project this big.

On the other hand, the difference between championing a cause and astroturfing appears to be a very thin, wavy line in this thread.

Posting anonymously because I must.

Warning Renai LeMay -- 19/11/09

hi everyone,

please note that I have removed a number of offensive items of talkback from this thread, and will continue to do so if I find postings that are offensive. I am actively monitoring this thread.

Keep the discussion civil and avoid targeting individuals, please.

Cheers,

Renai LeMay
News Editor
ZDNet.com.au

Proud to be on this project David Burstin -- 23/11/09

I'm definitely not a fan-boy of Accenture - in fact I compete directly against them. But that being said, it would be dishonest of me to say anything but that they are a highly professional group. Sure they cost $, but you get what you pay for, and it has been a real pleasure (and at times pressure) working with these people.
As for Jemena, the AMI Project is one of the best managed projects I have worked on, which given the complexity and short time frames is an amazing outcome. The managers have been very fair, and everyone is treated like a professional. I would recommend this project to anyone willing to join and contribute - it's great to be on a project where I can add my expertise while coming away with increased knowledge and a broader skill set.
If anyone has a problem with this post, feel free to email me directly.