Our client is part of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), enabling the 'digital spine' for energy systems in the UK and is a leading communication infrastructure company. HCLTech is responsible for system integration, smart metering business support systems (BSS) and operational support system (OSS), demand management, comms hub, software testing and management and operation of our client's highly secure smart meter lab and test infrastructure.
The Challenge
Enhancing energy productivity, reducing GHG emissions, fixing leaks and understanding usage
Smart meter unlocks the key challenges, such as putting them more in control of their energy usage and giving them access to schemes that can save them money, enhance energy productivity and reduce GHG (Greenhouse gas) emissions.
It estimated that efficient energy usage in the UK, using smart metering, has saved over 1 million tons of CO2 every year (this is the equivalent of taking approx. a million cars off the road). Water companies faced significant challenges in quickly identifying and repairing leaks and understanding customer water usage patterns throughout the year.
Detecting leaks promptly was crucial to minimizing water loss and preventing extensive damage. At the same time, research suggests that fitting one million smart water meters annually for 15 years could reduce the UK's current GHG emissions by up to 0.5%. These challenges highlighted the need for advanced solutions to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
The Objective
Testing of smart metering solution
The partnership aims to modernize the smart metering solution by delivering a robust and scalable platform that provides real-time data for enhanced decision-making. The solution will be aligned with the enterprise architecture to ensure seamless integration and minimize operational challenges. Additionally, we will establish a secure and efficient test infrastructure to support continuous innovation and ensure the reliability of the smart metering network. To maintain the solution's effectiveness, we will also manage development, test and production environments to ensure they are up-to-date and consistent.
The Solution
Scaling the smart metering solutions
Smart metering solution encompasses key components that ensure efficient energy management and data transmission, allowing utilities to operate at scale. The deployment and integration process included the following:
- Smart Meter & Comms Hub development: Developed and deployed Smart Meters integrated with a Communications Hub responsible for transmitting data to the Meter Data Management System (MDMS). This setup ensures reliable data collection and management across the network.
- Communication Network Integration: Designed and integrated a comprehensive Communication Network, including critical support systems such as the Business Support System (BSS), Communication Hub Manager and Operational Support Systems (a COTS product). This network facilitates seamless communication between the data systems and the Communication Service Provider (CSP) as per the smart energy code.
- System Integration Testing: Conducted thorough System Integration Testing (SIT) to ensure seamless interaction between the data systems and the CSP. This testing was aligned with the requirements set by the smart energy code, ensuring the systems work effectively together.
- Incident management implementation: Deployed and managed the incident management tool, ServiceNow, to oversee the end-to-end incident lifecycle in the smart metering program. This deployment ensures quick identification and resolution of issues, minimizing downtime and optimizing system performance.
- Core application development and enhancement: After transitioning the system, HCLTech developed and enhanced the core applications of the smart metering solution according to business requirements. These enhancements ensured that the solutions could "operate at scale," meeting the growing needs of the utility market.
The Impact
Unlocking efficiency, driving business value
- Currently, about 3.5+ million Comms Hubs are active on the network (for electricity and gas) and approximately 2+ million service points are connected (for water). More devices are being added daily.
- 50% reduction in CH (comms hub) and application regression test time and effort.
- 30% reduction in CH defect triage time.
- 70% reduction in application deployment time and effort.
- Risk-based approach with 30% savings in each release.
- 100% SLA/ KPI adherence for 3rd line support.
- 40% MTTR (mean time to repair) improvement for 3rd line support.
- 90% defects identified early in PIT (pre-integration testing).
- Achieved highest C-SAT index though extensive value adds delivered.
