LAHORE ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY Pre-Bid Conference regarding International

LAHORE ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY Pre-Bid Conference regarding International Bidding Document Mkt-03 for Remote Meter Reading System (RMS)

LESCO is leap froging towards a “Radical Change” with Breakthrough technology of introducing Remote Meter Reading System (RMS)

Tender Document Mkt-03 Salient Features of Tender Document SCOPE: Design, Supply, Installation and Commissioning of Remote Meter Reading System (RMS) inclusive of static energy meter as per Wapda Specifications by utilizing RF with GSM/GPRS based hybrid system or totally GSM/GPRS based fixed network.

Salient Features of Tender Document Proposed area Canal Road Sub-Division Approximate consumers 18, 000 (single phase, three phase, CT & PT operated) Funds for procurement will be made from LESCO own resources. Single stage two envelop procedure will be followed.

Para wise reply of Quarries raised by M/s Sitronics telecom solution

Query No. 1 Reply Does this mean that the PLC is not expected or preferred ? We suggest PLC as the main communication technology for its easy installation, low costs and high stability. On hybrid network. GPRS might be used as a supplementary technology? At present situation, LESCO is not inclined for the option of PLC as RMS System due to reservations of PLC System. However any prospective Bidder can offer PLC System with its enhanced technological benefits with proven track record and up to date technological standards.

Query No. 2 Reply It seems that there is some text missing between pages 4 and 5. Is this correct? Nothing is missing b/w Page 4&5. Item 4&5 on page 5 is in continuation to points 1, 2, 3 on page 4.

Query No. 3 Reply How will the installation of the hardware components be proceeded? Will your employees install the meters on customer sites? The installation of smart meters with PLC unit does not differ from any standard meter installation and does not require any specific training? All the installation of meters as well as removal of old meters with all the allied network components like DCU, MIU and other allied components will be installed by the Bidders.

Query No. 4 Reply Who will install the other network components as data concentrators (DCU), GPRS modems etc. ? Proper installation of this equipment requires training. Our technicians can install the first pieces in the first stages of the project and provide the necessary training, documentation and supervision for further deployment. The preferred sequence of commissioning of the project will be the energy meters, installed in first phase which will be followed by its integration with other components with communication devices. However it will be the choice of the Bidder to proceed with any sequence of commissioning.

Query No. 5 Reply The DCU description on chapter 1. 1. 1 of the Annex “A” expects RF and GPRS communication technology for LAN and WAN. Is this strictly required or an example? We are expecting PLC for LAN on most networks. There also more options for the WAN as mentioned in 1. 1. 3. Do you have any The DCU is a provision for the offered Hybrid solution based on GSM, RF etc. However in case of exclusive offered technology, GSM or RF (Fixed Network), it will be the discretion of the Bidder to install DCU or any network communicating device. At the moment PLC is not preferable option. We do not have any Transformer station with IT infrastructure connectivity network like (Continue. . )

Query No. 5 Reply transformer stations with router switches etc. existing IP connectivity we could use? If yes, how often and what technology? What interface? Will you provide IP connectivity on each DC or do you expect us to offer a solution for WAN IP network between DC and the central server?

Query No. 6 Reply Hand-held data collection is mentioned, is this required and for what cases? Off line communication using hand held is suitable for metering data collection including load profiles but can not offer additional functionalities as remote meter management, network management, black out prevention, temper detection etc. This is an optional provision can be offered as an additional feature as the part of the proposal of the Bidder.

Query No. 7 Reply The description of the SW components and its functionalities in Annex A 2. 6 goes in detail. Our approval for the same functionalities is in some cases slightly different. Our UTILIS Metering Suite (AMR/AMM SW) is offering wide range of functionalities including tariff planning, meter configuration, network management, data analyses, meter reading scheduling etc. It is possible to suggest alternative SW architecture that would cover all the requested system functions? The Bidder can offer a better software with more functionalities, parameters and flexibility for reporting. Data Management and Data Analysis covering all the requirements under scope of work.

Query No. 8 Reply In paragraph 2. 6. 5 of Annex A the Billing interface application is required. What functions will be integrated, What data will be shared? We suggest step-by-step integration beginning with meter readouts to existing billing application and continuing with Customer Information and Billing System innovations. Smart metering is LESCO at present is not inclined to disturb its existing Billing and reporting system. The acquired Data through the RMS network will be sufficient to run LESCO existing Billing System. However the offered system should have the flexibility to expand with probable efficient Billing and reporting system (As per Clause 2. 1 of Wapda Specifications DDS 752004).

offering new possibilities and functions that are now probably not supported in existing LESCO’s applications. Our AMM software can provide these functions to end users in our UTILIS GUI, but customer related functions should be operated on single place- in the Customer Information and Billing system. Is innovation of the LESCO’s Customer Information and Billing expected ?

Query No. 9 Reply The objectives in page 5 include Demand Distribution Management. Does this mean demand side management i. e remote demand control ? What kind of demand control is expected ? What kind of interface on meter is preferred ? We can offer M-Bus interface that enables communication with external control relays or internal secondary relay? The basic parameters of the offered meters as per Wapda Specifications DDS 75, DDS-60, DDS-65 , DDS 50, are the only requirements for the current logs and temper alerts. At this moments, the LESCO is not inclined for any inherent load management build in devices in the meter.

Query No. 10 Reply The DCU described in paragraph 2. 3 of A will be installed on distribution transformer site or another architecture is expected? If the transformer placed is outdoor, What standards for DCU’s housing are expected ? The DCU is preferably to be installed at concentrated node of network. In case of outdoor transformer it should be installed outside compliant to relevant protection clause like IP 54.

Query No. 11 Reply The minimum amount of meters operated by one DCU is 64. How many meters are typically installed under one transformer station ? We expect it to be more. Do you plan to install more DCU under one transformer station in this cases ? We suggest using of DCU that can handle about 1000 meters. This should be enough of any situation. The No of meters communicating with one DCU, the limit is 64. However the bidder can enhance its capacity over this limit according to design and topology of network.

Query No. 12 Reply Both single and poly phase DCU are requested. Why you need single phase DCU ? If we install the DCU on transform site, this will always be site with all phases. DCU with PLC modems are more powerful if opened on all phases. Are for PLC poly pase DCUs preferred ? It is understood that proposed DCU as a part of network has the ability to communicate its standalone components irrespective of singly phase, three phase or CT-operated meters. The operational supply voltage of DCU is 240 volts and 410 volts 50 Hz.

Query No. 13 Reply Poly phase DCU should be able to run also if two phases are lost. This is technically not possible? Since the DCU it self is powered on the TPhase. If the T-Phase is without power, the DCU is not operating. We can supply the DCU on the T-Phase with UPS to ensure its functionalities even in power lost situations. Additionally losing other R and S phases will causes an alarm to host system? The DCU preferably be operated on singly phase 240 V. However it will be the discretion of the bidder to offer DCU with poly phase or any redundancy option in case of failure of supply for data storage.

Query No. 14 Reply Is on every transformer No, it will be installed at station also a CT meter for later stage. overall energy consumption expected ? This is required for energy lost detection. Do you provide the current transformers or shall we deliver it with the CT meters ?

Query No. 15 Reply DCU is required to record power outages. Is it possible to record this together with other power quality parameters in the CT meter if DCU is installed on TS and every TS is equipped with CT meter ? The functions of the DCU is to store the data & Parameters received from the meters for onward communication to its Host which will include all the three nodes of energy meters, Normal, Alternative and security.

Query No. 16 Reply The attached DDS-50 In this regard please refer specification describes page # 32, item D and A-4 also HT meters, but meter along with foot note. table on page 27 does not include hem. Are HT meters also requested ?

Query No. 17 Reply What stands “MDII/MDI” MDI stands for Maximum abbreviation for in meter Demand indicator & B-II table on page 27 ? Industrial connection (load from 41 k. W to 500 k. W).

Query No. 18 Reply Could you please explain the requests for MIU to form the local telecom loop mentioned in paragraph 2. 2 of Annex A ? The formation of telecom loop by MIU is not a required parameter. However it depends on the proposed solution offered by the bidder.

Query No. 19 What exact norms for meter housing protection level are expected. Reply The specified meter as per Wapda specifications DDS -75, DDS-50, DDs-65, are well defined like fully enclosed in poly carbonate cover.

Para wise reply of Quarries raised by Soft. Verx

Query No. 1 Please give details of the "future meter reading needs”? Reply This is basically scalability and expansion of the system

Query No. 2 Reply Please give details of the "more advance meter reading. " These are the objectives to meet with the future requirements of LESCO.

Query No. 3 Reply Please elaborate improving revenue collection methods. Please also share your vision as to how this becomes an objective of the RMS? Prompt, correct and accurate reading will generate confidence of customer resulting quick revenue collection and better services. At later stage the ultimate goal will be customer access to meter reading through web.

Query No. 4 Reply Item (i) to (iv) give a total of 195 days. This excludes the approval time required by LESCO for meter approval and the time required to install the system for subsequent feeders. How can the entire project be completed in 180 days? The item wise time period mentioned are the maximum time limits however these tasks can easily be achieved in 180 days. Any prospective delay can be justified by the project Manager.

Query No. 5 Reply In 21. 1 it is mentioned that FCS will be used for evaluation on the other hand it is mentioned in 21. 3 that for domestic preference evaluation will be made on the basis of ex-factory prices. Please explain how will this be done? It is well defined that for evaluation purpose only FCS unit price/ total price will be the considered criteria. As per clause 21. 3, which are the factors to be considered.

Query No. 6 Reply External MIUs are used worldwide due to a number of technical reasons such as no interference with the meter function (interference results in accuracy loss). Normally CT/PT operated meters will be mounted inside a metal enclosure, making internal MIU less suitable communication. Is internal /built-in MIU a preference or a compulsion in LESCO's case? It is agreed that built in MIU in energy meter will be the preferable option. However its external installation according to network topology will be optional.

Query No. 7 Reply It is mentioned that meter data will be sent to the Host System using hand held devices. Reference of use of hand held devices is also mentioned in P 21, 1. 4 and on P 48. Please explain what is the vision behind mentioning the use of hand held device whereas at other places it is specifically mentioned that the system should use only RF/GPRS/GSM. The scope of Hand held unit has already been withdrawn.

Query No. 8 Reply It is mentioned that MIU/LAN should use telecom technologies such as RF, Bluetooth, Wi-LAN etc. and WAN should use technologies GSM, GPRS, CDMA, fiber Optic etc. Please explain what is the vision behind monitoring multiple telecom technologies whereas at other places it is specifically mentioned that the system should use only RF/GPRS/GSM. It is an optional technological advantage that a bidder can utilize while preparing its solution.

Query No. 9 Reply Will LESCO provide the XML format for communication between telecom software and polling system now or later? No

Query No. 10 Reply Please provide technical requirements and details of the RMS interface with Customer Information and Billing System. This information is required for cost calculation. LESCO at present is running its own billing system which requires to be interfaced with the RMS host server, the detail of which can be obtained from LESCO computer section (o/o of Director MIS)

Query No. 11 Reply Meter reading frequency is not provided. It is definitely required to calculate the amount of data for Database capacity and telecom network capacity. Both are directly related to the solution to be offered and its cost. The acquisition of data frequency is well defined in Wapda DDS-75 2004.

Query No. 12 Reply When will be the queryresponse data structure be provided? The acquisition of data frequency is well defined in Wapda DDS-75 2004.

Query No. 13 Reply There is a contradiction between number of years the data is be kept current. At one place it is mentioned as 03 years and at the other place it is 01 year. Please clarify? The Data storage will initially be done for one year, the main server, while the same data will be replicated to additional storage server for three years & ten years.

Query No. 14 Reply Type wise number of customers for each transformer is not provided. This information is mandatory to design the telecom network (LAN and WAN) and also for the choice of telecom hardware including MIU and DCU. A realistic, practice and cost-efficient solution can not be offered without this information. The detail information of the mentioned area of subdivision can be verified at site.

Query No. 15 Reply Lot 2 items A & C are not Agreed, already deleted. mentioned else where. Please clarify.

Query No. 16, 17 & 18 Reply These are the optional requirement to be offered by the bidder.

Query No. 19 to 29 Reply Please refer page 41, “However the Bidder may come up with better computer hardware specifications meeting the latest international standard compatible to his system to be offered.

Para wise reply of Quarries raised by SIEMENS

Query No. 1 Reply Please refer page 04 under the clause IT-(1) which states the system provided with the meters may use RF with GSM/GPRS based hybrid fixed system. " The details given in Annex-A page 20 under section 01 contradicts with the scope As it is very much clarified in the scope of tender that at this moment LESCO is inclined for acquiring a system based on RF/GSM technology or hybrid. Annex-A is in continuation to the scope of work.

Query No. 1 of the tender described under clause IT- 1 (1). The referred annex- binding impression to the vendors for RF based system. We may suggest that LESCO should amend Annexure-A to keep tender document open for any kind of system may be offered by the vendor. Reply

Query No. 2 Reply Kindly refer page 20 under the section 1. 3. 2. , the customer details such as quantity, type of connection and location in the sub-division has not been provided by LESCO. Due to importance of this point it should be provided prior to the bidding stage. Please refer Page 26/27 the area of the proposed project is well defined. However, as per existing policy of LESCO energy meters are to be installed out side customer's premises.

Query No. 3 Reply Statement regarding connections under Canal Road Sub-Division mentioned on Page 26 & 27 contradicts with each other. Please issue amendment//correction accordingly. The detail of the connections mentioned is well elaborated. However, any particular clarification will be answered.

Query No. 4 Reply Please delete point at Point 04 page 33 may be serial No 04 under Note deleted. titled on page 33.

Query No. 5 Reply Since the Radio Frequency based hybrid system is being emphasized in the tender documents, please intimate us what frequency band (frequency spectrum) LESCO will prefer for communication between the energy meters and between the energy meters & DCU. Further what maximum power is allowed in that frequency band? The Radio Frequency preferably being offered from a free band. However, over its particular frequency selection range will depend on the choice of the bidder.

Query No. 6 Reply Kindly refer clause IT-10. 3 (ii) the sample of a meter compliant to WAPDA, IEC standards or ANSI may be acceptable instead of WAPDA and IEC only. The bidder has the option to supply the sample meters compliance to IEC standards. However, in case of successful qualifying bidder the meter should be supplied exactly according to WAPDA mentioned specification.

Query No. 7 -A Reply A- Please refer clause IT-21 The terms of payment as (B) on page 16 we mentioned are firm and suggest that payment final. should be as per given below a) All payment should be made through confirm irrevocable letter of credit. b) 80% payment to be released upon delivery of the meters to the consignee store. c) 10% upon installation of complete system.

a) 05% upon commissioning of complete system. b) Remaining 05% will be kept as retention money for defect liability and will be released against submission of retention bond for 12 -months.

Query No. 7 -B 100 Bmeters shall be completed within 180 days after opening of L/C and prototype approval which ever is later. Since the installation of meters at consumer premises is dependent upon LESCO convenience therefore the meter installation work will be completed within 150 days (Uninterrupted by LESCO) after the commencement of installation work. Reply The terms of payment as mentioned are firm and final.

Issues with Stand-alone meter reading Highly Person dependant. Human errors cannot be avoided. Accessibility of meters in rural/ Agricultural zones. Energy Audits performed based on bill collection which is highly inaccurate. Billing done mainly on estimated/ monthly average basis Inability to monitor and control discrete loads Billing cycle requires excessive time. Meter data used only for billing, cannot help in analysis like demand analysis, energy audit, pinpointing losses, etc.

Smart Metering and IT: An opportunity to Leapfrog ELECTRO-MECHANICAL §Low Accuracy §Control – NIL §Communications - Expensive §Theft Detection – Poor PAST CURRENT LEAPFROG DIGITAL SOLID STATE §High Accuracy §Control – LIMITED §Communications – External through Retrofit §Theft Detection – Node only NEXT GEN SMART METER & IT SYSTEM §Very High Accuracy §Control – FULL §Communications – Built in (on chip / PCB) §Theft Detection – High (Network level)

Why RMS ?

Critical Benefits from RMS n n n Ability to detect tamper events and outage occurrences. Remotely Connect/ disconnect power supply through meter. Calculate transformer loading and sizing from interval data 15 minute interval data gives accurate load information for supply scheduling, switching operations, planning etc Monitor voltage at each premise to know conditions when to operate capacitor switches or regulators Consistent and granular data for improved accuracy

Connectivity in AMR Architecture 1. GSM Based Communication Single stage communication between Meter and central station through GSM Modem 2. Hybrid Communication Two stages of communication in AMR System

GSM Based Communication

Hybrid Communication Two stages of communication in AMR System Stage-1 Meters and Data Concentrator Unit (DCU): Communication channel used between meters and DCU is power Line. Stage-2 DCU and Host Central Station (HCS): Communication channel used between DCU and HCS is the standard GSM, CDMS, RF Network.