Orion and Network Waitaki sign agreement to deliver better outcomes for customers
South Island electricity distributors Orion New Zealand Limited and Network Waitaki Limited have signed an agreement that will help both organisations efficiently deliver safe, reliable and resilient electricity networks for their communities. The agreement is a practical demonstration of collaboration in the sector that will deliver better outcomes for consumers.
Under the agreement, Orion will host Network Waitaki’s network on its GE Vernova Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS), with the ability to provide additional control room and fault-call taking support services in the future. The arrangement is designed to improve service for customers, support future growth and ensure both networks can continue delivering reliable electricity services cost-effectively.
Orion General Manager Electricity Network Steve Macdonald says the agreement is a practical, customer-focused example of electricity distribution businesses working together.
“Electricity networks are becoming more complex as our communities grow and become more reliant on electricity,” says Steve.
“By working with Network Waitaki, we can make better use of the systems, people and capability we already have, while supporting their team with modern network control tools and after-hours operational support.”
“This is about delivering better outcomes for all customers. For Network Waitaki customers, it supports a safe and reliable service backed by proven technology and 24/7 operational capability. For Orion customers, it helps build scale in our systems, share the cost of operating advanced systems and supports the efficient running of our own network.”
Network Waitaki Chief Executive Dylan Andrews says this is an important milestone for the network.
"This is an important investment in the future capability of our network. As one of the smaller, Trust-owned electricity companies, we have a responsibility to invest wisely on behalf of our customers and community while continuing to provide the high level of service people expect. This agreement provides us with access to the latest systems that would otherwise be difficult and costly to develop on our own.
"It’s all about cooperation. By working together, we are able to access the benefits of large-scale capability without the significant cost of developing everything independently. And, as a result of this agreement, Orion can spread the cost of their ADMS system across a wider customer base. That means we can both continue providing the high levels of service our customers expect while keeping costs as efficient as possible.”
The agreement follows careful consideration, a technical proof of concept and detailed planning between the two organisations. It is expected that Network Waitaki will be fully operational on the ADMS within the next eighteen months.
Shane Watson, Network Waitaki General Manager of Network states, "This has been the result of many years of planning and collaboration between our organisations, and we're excited about the opportunities it will create for both networks, our customers and our communities."
Both Orion and Network Waitaki say the partnership demonstrates the value of electricity distribution businesses working together and sharing systems, expertise and investment to deliver better outcomes for customers.
The Orion Group Chief Executive Nigel Barbour says this is about ensuring we are ready for the future.
“The agreement is more than a platform and support services, it is about demonstration of the leadership required to efficiently deliver a scalable system and be well positioned to add new capabilities”.