Media Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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TUESDAY – SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
Midsize Ontario Utilities to Share a Standardized Customer Information System
Nine hydro distributors commit to implementing streamlined billing processes that are expected to reduce operational costs and benefit customers
Cambridge, ON. – A group of nine midsize Ontario utilities have teamed up to share a solution to effectively manage their meter-to-cash processes as the province moves to smart metering.
The group, collectively known as “CODAC,” announced today that its members have signed a memorandum of understanding to configure, deploy and support a standard billing and customer information template for Ontario utilities using SAP® for Utilities software. The solution addresses all activities from receipt of customer’s meter data, to processing and billing, and customer payment. The shared template will be configured to meet applicable Ontario market requirements for the CODAC members and will be maintained to keep up with regulatory changes as required.
A common customer information system is expected to result in reduced risk for utilities, provide cost savings and allow for consistent, timely processes that will benefit both business and residential customers. By pooling their efforts, each utility will have a stateof- the-art system that fully supports the changing Ontario electricity market at a lower cost than each would face on its own.
“Ontario local distribution companies are taking the lead in developing innovative, flexible and cost-effective customer information systems. The advantages for the hydro market in the province and ultimately our customers are too large to ignore,” said Rob Skevington, Billing & Settlement Supervisor, Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc., the CODAC group lead. “We all have similar interests and the same business and regulatory requirements, and have found through working together that we can share the same system to better manage our businesses. This will enable each of us to afford the best available system to manage the changing market and provide exceptional service for our customers.”
CODAC members include Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc., COLLUS Power Corp., Greater Sudbury Utilities Inc., Haldimand County Hydro Inc., London Hydro Inc., North Bay Hydro Distribution Limited, Orangeville Hydro Limited, Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. and Wasaga Distribution Inc. They have committed to create the new system and are extending the opportunity to help develop and shape the new systems and processes to other utilities. It is hoped that other utilities will recognize the advantages of such an alliance and will be interested in joining this partnership. Each member organization will commit staff and funds to the project, and can expect to benefit from the synergies and economies of scale that the joint project offers.
The catalyst for this agreement was London Hydro’s new customer information system, which is being built on SAP® software and implemented by Wipro Limited. London Hydro has offered the system’s blueprint and the SAP® software system configuration that forms the basis of the new standard template to CODAC members. The benefit of leveraging the work already done by London Hydro to the CODAC members is a shorter implementation timeframe and reduced cost.
This proactive initiative was prompted by the ongoing regulatory changes to the operating environment in the Ontario electricity market, which in turn require significant changes to the business processes and supporting systems of Ontario Local Distribution Companies.
“This common business model and cost-sharing approach saves each member utility money and reduces our risks,” said Ruth Tyrrell, Manager of Customer Service & Administration, Orangeville Hydro Limited. “What’s more, this template model has the flexibility to adapt to changes within a CODAC member company or new participants joining the group.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc.
Michael Knox,
Director, Customer Information Services
Direct: 1-519-621-8405 Ext. 2404
email: mknox@camhydro.com
