Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) Case Study

“We engaged Sky to assist the IESO in developing and delivering training to LDCs, managing and facilitating LDC readiness and integration into the MDM/R, and quality assurance testing of changes to the MDM/R. We have been very pleased with the quality and speed of delivery, high level of productivity, professionalism and flexibility of the Sky team.”

Przemek Tomczak, Director, Smart Metering, IESO

Project Scope:
Sky Energy consultants fulfilled 3 key roles at the IESO for the implementation of the Meter Data Management Repository (MDM/R)

1. MDM/R Enrolment and Implementation Project Managers – Managed multiple Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) concurrently through the MDM/R Registration and Enrolment (R&E) Process to integrate with the MDM/R. The R&E process consists of the Planning/Preparation Stages, Unit Testing, System Integration and Qualification Testing and Cutover to Production Operations. Project manager responsibilities included mentoring, training, test result verification and problem investigation.
   
   
2. MDM/R Quality Assurance Engineer - Planned, developed and documented test scenarios, test procedures, test data, and expected test results. Executed testing of the MDM/R functionality and supported the defect management process, including identifying, documenting and communicating defects to vendors and LDCs.
   
   
3. MDM/R Training and Communications Lead - Developed communications and training strategies, plans and programs to meet the needs of the users and stakeholders of the MDM/R, delivered training and awareness sessions to users and stakeholders of the MDM/R and liaised with subject matter experts to assure the quality and accuracy of all training and communications materials.
   

Project Results:
The Sky team successfully managed many LDCs through the R&E process, conducted workshops and delivered training sessions to LDCs across Ontario, developed MDM/R related communications for internal and external stakeholders and ensured through testing and quality assurance that the MDM/R systems are operating as specified in the vendor’s technical documentation and requirements.

Guelph Hydro Case Study

"Sky Energy Consulting did an excellent job at managing the MDM/R integration and TOU billing implementation elements of our Smart Meter Initiative. They provided professional consulting services and their deliverables were very high quality."

Ian Miles, Chief Financial Officer, Guelph Hydro

Project Scope:
to project manage all aspects of Guelph Hydro’s Meter Data Management/ Repository (MDM/R) integration and Time-of-Use (TOU) implementation, providing expert guidance, project management and senior-level support through this process.

Project Results:
the Sky team was responsible for leading the MDM/R implementation across all departments, transferring knowledge to all staff through training sessions, materials and job aids, identifying and developing resolution and risk mitigation strategies, redesigning business processes for customer service, billing, metering, collections and customer service. Sky led all testing activities internally and externally of Guelph’s, CIS, ODS and MDM/R interface; with a view to ensuring compliance to Measurement Canada’s guidelines; managing the cutover to the MDM/R and also supporting the implementation of TOU billing in the production environment.

PowerStream Case Study

"The Provincial Government initiative to implement time-of-use rates swiftly evolved into a $60M multi-year project for PowerStream representing significant financial and technical risk. Sky Energy Consulting’s superior project management skills and demonstrated subject matter expertise have proven to be critical success factors in enabling PowerStream’s market-leading implementation."

Ed Chatten, Senior Vice President, PowerStream

Project Scope:
to provide expert advice, guidance and project management for all cross-functional activities to successfully integrate PowerStream into the Meter Data Management / Repository (MDM/R) and Time-of-Use (TOU) billing.

Project Results:
the Sky team was responsible for leading all aspects of the MDM/R implementation for all departments including: external consultants, maintaining the ongoing integrated project plan, developing resolution and risk mitigation strategies, monitoring vendor, system and operational readiness. PowerStream successfully completed the IESO’s Registration and Enrollment process within the required timeframes. Impressed with Sky’s work, the client requested that Sky continue to provide advisory services to senior level management.

Veridian Case Study

"The advice, guidance and hands-on delivery that the Sky Energy Consulting team provided for our Smart Meter Initiative enabled Veridian’s MDM/R & TOU readiness activities to be completed successfully, on time and within budget."

Kevin Myers, Manager of Wholesale Settlements, Veridian Connections

Project Scope:
to manage all aspects of Veridian’s Meter Data Management / Repository (MDM/R) integration and Time-of-Use (TOU) implementation, providing expert guidance, project management and senior-level support through this process.

Project Results:
the Sky team was responsible for leading MDM/R implementation across all departments, transferring knowledge to all staff through training sessions, materials and job aids, developing resolution and risk mitigation strategies, managing business process re-engineering for customer service, billing, wholesale settlements, metering, collections and call centres. Sky also managed the execution of unit testing in the MDM/R Sandbox. The Sky team’s leadership resulted in Veridian successfully completing the IESO’s Registration and Enrollment process within the required timeframes with high quality deliverables.