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 , 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 At present situation,
PLC is not expected or LESCO is not inclined for
preferred ? We suggest the option of PLC as RMS
PLC as the main System due to
communication technology reservations of PLC
for its easy installation, low System. However any
costs and high stability. prospective Bidder can
On hybrid network. GPRS offer PLC System with its
might be used as a enhanced technological
supplementary benefits with proven track
technology? record and up to date
technological standards.
 Query No.2 Reply

It seems that there is Nothing is missing b/w

some text missing Page 4&5. Item 4&5 on
between pages 4 and 5. page 5 is in continuation to
Is this correct? points 1,2,3 on page 4.
 Query No.3
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?
Reply
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 The preferred sequence of
network components as commissioning of the
data concentrators project will be the energy
(DCU), GPRS modems meters, installed in first
etc.? Proper installation of phase which will be
this equipment requires followed by its integration
training. Our technicians with other components with
can install the first pieces communication devices.
in the first stages of the However it will be the
project and provide the choice of the Bidder to
necessary training, proceed with any
documentation and sequence of
supervision for further commissioning.
deployment.
 Query No.5 Reply
The DCU description on The DCU is a provision for
chapter 1.1.1 of the Annex the offered Hybrid solution
“A” expects RF and GPRS based on GSM,RF etc.
communication technology However in case of exclusive
for LAN and WAN. Is this offered technology, GSM or
strictly required or an RF (Fixed Network),it will be
example? We are the discretion of the Bidder to
expecting PLC for LAN on install DCU or any network
most networks. There are communicating device. At
also more options for the the moment PLC is not
preferable option. We do not
WAN as mentioned in
have any Transformer station
1.1.3. Do you have any
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 This is an optional
is mentioned, is this provision can be offered
required and for what as an additional feature
cases? Off line as the part of the
communication using hand proposal of the Bidder.
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.
 Query No.7 Reply
The description of the SW The Bidder can offer a
components and its better software with more
functionalities in Annex A 2.6
goes in detail. Our approval for
functionalities, parameters
the same functionalities is in and flexibility for reporting.
some cases slightly different. Our Data Management and
UTILIS Metering Suite Data Analysis covering all
(AMR/AMM SW) is offering wide the requirements under
range of functionalities including
scope of work.
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?
 Query No.8 Reply
In paragraph 2.6.5 of Annex LESCO at present is not
A the Billing interface inclined to disturb its
application is required. What existing Billing and reporting
functions will be integrated, system. The acquired Data
What data will be shared? through the RMS network
We suggest step-by-step will be sufficient to run
integration beginning with LESCO existing Billing
meter readouts to existing System. However the
billing application and offered system should have
continuing with Customer the flexibility to expand with
Information and Billing probable efficient Billing
System innovations. Smart and reporting system (As
metering is per Clause 2.1 of Wapda
Specifications DDS 75-
2004).
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 The basic parameters of the
include Demand and offered meters as per
Distribution Management. Wapda Specifications DDS-
Does this mean demand side 75,DDS-60, DDS-65 ,DDS-
management i.e remote 50, are the only
demand control ? What kind of requirements for the current
demand control is expected ? logs and temper alerts. At
What kind of interface on this moments, the LESCO is
meter is preferred ? We can not inclined for any inherent
offer M-Bus interface that
load management build in
enables that enables
devices in the meter.
communication with external
control relays or internal
secondary relay?
 Query No.10 Reply

The DCU described in The DCU is preferably to

paragraph 2.3 of A will be be installed at
installed on distribution concentrated node of
transformer site or another network. In case of
architecture is expected? If outdoor transformer it
the transformer placed is should be installed
outdoor, What standards outside compliant to
for DCU’s housing are relevant protection clause
expected ? like IP-54.
 Query No.11 Reply

The minimum amount of The No of meters

meters operated by one DCU communicating with one
is 64. How many meters are DCU, the limit is 64.
typically installed under one However the bidder can
transformer station ? We enhance its capacity over
expect it to be more. Do you this limit according to
plan to install more DCU design and topology of
under one transformer network.
station in this cases ? We
suggest using of DCU that
can handle about 1000
meters. This should be
enough of any situation.
 Query No.12
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 ?
Reply
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 The DCU preferably be
able to run also if two phases operated on singly phase
are lost. This is technically 240V. However it will be
not possible? Since the DCU the discretion of the bidder
it self is powered on the T- to offer DCU with poly
Phase. If the T-Phase is phase or any redundancy
without power, the DCU is option in case of failure of
not operating. We can supply supply for data storage.
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?
 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 The functions of the DCU is

power outages. Is it to store the data &
possible to record this Parameters received from
together with other power the meters for onward
quality parameters in the communication to its Host
CT meter if DCU is which will include all the
installed on TS and every three nodes of energy
TS is equipped with CT meters, Normal, Alternative
meter ? 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 41kW to 500 kW).
 Query No.18
Could you please explain
the requests for MIU to
form the local telecom loop
mentioned in paragraph
2.2 of Annex A ?
Reply
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 Reply
What exact norms for The specified meter as per
meter housing protection Wapda specifications
level are expected. DDS-75, DDS-50, DDs-65,
are well defined like fully
enclosed in poly carbonate
cover.
Para wise reply of Quarries
raised by
SoftVerx
 Query No.1 Reply
Please give details of the This is basically
"future meter reading scalability and expansion
needs”? of the system
 Query No.2 Reply
Please give details of the These are the objectives
"more advance meter to meet with the future
reading." requirements of LESCO.
 Query No.3 Reply
Please elaborate Prompt, correct and
improving revenue accurate reading will
collection methods. Please generate confidence of
also share your vision as customer resulting quick
to how this becomes an revenue collection and
objective of the RMS? 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 The item wise time period
of 195 days. This excludes mentioned are the
the approval time required maximum time limits
by LESCO for meter however these tasks can
approval and the time easily be achieved in 180
required to install the days. Any prospective
system for subsequent delay can be justified by
feeders. How can the the project Manager.
entire project be
completed in 180 days?
 Query No.5
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?
Reply
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 It is agreed that built in
worldwide due to a number MIU in energy meter will
of technical reasons such be the preferable option.
as no interference with the However its external
meter function (interference installation according to
results in accuracy loss). network topology will be
Normally CT/PT operated optional.
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?
 Query No.7 Reply
It is mentioned that meter The scope of Hand held
data will be sent to the unit has already been
Host System using hand withdrawn.
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.
 Query No.8 Reply
It is mentioned that It is an optional
MIU/LAN should use technological advantage
telecom technologies such that a bidder can utilize
as RF, Bluetooth, Wi-LAN while preparing its
etc. and WAN should use solution.
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.
 Query No.9 Reply
Will LESCO provide the No
XML format for
communication between
telecom software and
polling system now or
later?
 Query No.10 Reply
Please provide technical LESCO at present is
requirements and details running its own billing
of the RMS interface with system which requires to
interface with Customer be interfaced with the
Information and Billing RMS host server, the
System. This information detail of which can be
is required for cost obtained from LESCO
calculation. computer section (o/o of
Director MIS)
 Query No.11 Reply
Meter reading frequency is The acquisition of data
not provided. It is definitely frequency is well defined
required to calculate the in Wapda DDS-75 2004.
amount of data for
Database capacity and
telecom network capacity.
Both are directly related to
the solution to be offered
and its cost.
 Query No.12 Reply
When will be the query- The acquisition of data
response data structure frequency is well defined
be provided? in Wapda DDS-75 2004.
 Query No.13
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?
Reply
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 The detail information of
customers for each the mentioned area of
transformer is not sub-division can be
provided. This information verified at site.
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.
 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 As it is very much clarified

under the clause IT-(1) in the scope of tender that
which states the system at this moment LESCO is
provided with the meters inclined for acquiring a
may use RF with system based on RF/GSM
GSM/GPRS based hybrid technology or hybrid.
fixed system." The details Annex-A is in continuation
given in Annex-A page 20 to the scope of work.
under section 01
contradicts with the scope
 Query No.1 Reply
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.
 Query No.2
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.
Reply
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 The detail of the
connections under Canal connections mentioned is
Road Sub-Division well elaborated. However,
mentioned on Page 26 & any particular clarification
27 contradicts with each will be answered.
other. Please issue
amendment//correction
accordingly.
 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 The Radio Frequency
based hybrid system is preferably being offered
being emphasized in the from a free band. However,
tender documents, please over its particular frequency
intimate us what frequency selection range will depend
band (frequency spectrum) on the choice of the bidder .
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?
 Query No.6
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.
Reply
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- The terms of payment as
21 (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 Reply
B- 100 % delivery of The terms of payment as
meters shall be completed mentioned are firm and
within 180 days after final.
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.
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
ELECTRO-MECHANICAL
Low Accuracy
Low Accuracy
Control – NIL
Control – NIL
PAST Communications - Expensive
PAST Communications - Expensive
Theft Detection – Poor
Theft Detection – Poor

DIGITAL SOLID STATE

High Accuracy
Control – LIMITED
CURRENT Communications – External through Retrofit
CURRENT
Theft Detection – Node only

NEXT GEN SMART METER & IT SYSTEM

Very High Accuracy
Control – FULL
LEAPFROG Communications – Built in (on chip / PCB)
LEAPFROG
Theft Detection – High (Network level)
Why RMS ?
 Critical Benefits from RMS

 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.