NZ utility selects Zetron solution

New Zealand utility Powerco has selected Zetron to design and deliver a new, integrated system that will strengthen the company’s communications and improve worker safety in the field.

Powerco is New Zealand’s second-largest electricity utility by network length and the country’s largest gas distribution utility in terms of customer numbers.

The IP-based AcomNOVUS dispatch system will be deployed at Powerco’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) in New Plymouth to provide integrated communications for the company’s new Hytera DMR Tier III radio network and its existing SIP telephony system.

Powerco is adding 30 repeater stations to enhance coverage throughout rugged and remote areas where its field staff often lose all communication.

The new system will improve NOC operators’ awareness of what is happening in the field, especially during severe storms.

“Zetron’s considerable experience with mission-critical systems for utilities ensures that this solution will support and further Powerco’s key business objectives,” said Zetron Australasia Vice President and General Manager Ranjan Bhagat.

“AcomNOVUS, with its advanced, integrated functionality and ability to prioritise both incoming radio and telephone calls, will be central to that effort.”

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said that the company hopes to deploy the new technology this financial year in Western Bay of Plenty, Thames, Coromandel, and Eastern and Southern Waikato.

Work on the remainder of the network is expected to follow soon thereafter.

“We are excited to partner with Zetron to implement this new, state-of-the-art system,” said Marsh.

“It will allow our field staff to maintain vital contact with the NOC while working in most parts of our network. This will greatly improve the safety of our crews and the efficiency of our dispatching, and will also reduce our response and restore times.”

Image courtesy Powerco.