Overview

Upgrading energy management systems (EMS) is a major undertaking for utility owners. EMS systems are a bedrock operational technology for utilities, but utilities are often too busy maintaining their current systems to plan and implement an upgrade, let alone communicate with vendors and train their staff on the new system.

Western Power, a utility serving the southwestern region of Western Australia, found themselves in this predicament. As part of its energy network management system programme, it sought to replace legacy software infrastructure and deploy GE’s  Advanced Energy Management System (AEMS), integrated within an eco-system that includes GE’s PowerOn Advantage (POA).

Challenge

Unique among utilities in the Asia-Pacific, Western Power owns both transmission and distribution assets. But these assets were run on two separate operational technology systems. To reap the benefits of scale, efficiency, and to reduce operational complexity, the company sought to deploy a new set of hardware, software, and models to consolidate these systems into a single platform.

Following a detailed analysis of options, Western Power decided to pursue a solution that includes GE’s AEMS (formerly referred to as “e-terra”) for power system applications, with SCADA functions running on GE’s POA. Western Power engaged PSC throughout the AEMS implementation process, supporting technical delivery, testing and training Western Power’s support staff.

Solution

Over a period of three years, PSC’s workstreams with Western Power included:

• Gap Analysis: reviewing the project’s AEMS requirements to pinpoint any gaps between the current situation, future expectations, and the ultimate end state.
• User interface enhancement: Scripting the conversion to GE’s proprietary AEMS display format and updating the GE-provided displays to meet the Western Power’s user requirements.
• Training: Working collaboratively with Western Power to identify the training needs of system support staff and end-users, delivering specialist training for the support staff, and transferring AEMS knowledge and skills.
• Business process alignment: supporting change management activities for the transition to the AEMS.
• Simplifying the language: Acting as the interpreter between the client and the vendor, advocating for Western Power in interactions with the vendor.
• Testing: Developing and documenting test methods and supporting the test phase planning.
• Technical delivery: Performing integration activities and providing impartial technical advice during the project implementation.

At the end of the project scope, PSC, Western Power, and key collaborators succeeded in deploying the GE AEMS to an eco-system that includes GE’s PowerOn Advantage (POA). POA provides SCADA realtime monitoring and control for transmission and distribution assets along with distribution functions. Western Power’s new AEMS implementation delivers transmission network applications with field telemetry provided via ICCP from POA.

PSC Advantage

Throughout the AEMS integration process, PSC showcased three unique advantages:

1. PSC as the interpreter between the client and vendor: AEMS vendors and clients often communicate past each other. PSC helped both Western Power and GE stay on the same page and avoid miscommunication.
2. Understanding the needs of every system user: PSC supported and trained all Western Power staff who use the AEMS, considering their varied needs and purposes. PSC’s “on the ground” presence, where team members are based in Australia and New Zealand, allowed it to provide support more easily and cost-effectively.
3. Unparalleled depth and breadth of expertise in operational technologies: Many of PSC’s team members have been with the company for 25 years or more, and offer valuable perspectives, from having worked with multiple utilities and grid operators. This allows PSC to provide deep technical expertise in operational technologies and to offer Western Power’s various departments deep and broad AEMS knowledge.

Find out how PSC’s operational technologies team can meet your energy network management system needs. Contact us today.