Nama launches smart metering operations
The AMR system is a central standard smart metering system that will enable electricity companies to obtain accurate, hourly meter readings.
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Nama Group has announced the commencement of the live operation of their centrally implemented Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) project designed for high value customers in the electricity sector in Oman.
The groundbreaking project was carried out by a professional team of Omani experts from the electricity distribution companies in Nama Group in partnership with CESI Middle East FZE, a subsidiary of CESI, a world-leading technical consulting and engineering company, and Wipro Limited as the system integrator. The AMR system is a central standard smart metering system that will enable electricity companies to obtain accurate, hourly meter readings from high value customers and collect their consumption in an automated manner. Nama Group CEO Eng Omar Al Wahaibi said, “The AMR is another milestone in our continuous efforts to drive the electricity sector to enhance efficiencies, reduce electricity losses and provide better services to our customers. Moreover, this project sets a strong basis for providing more advanced services to our customers and helps us become more effective in serving their needs in an efficient manner, in our quest to realise Nama’s vision of becoming a leading reference for utility service excellence by 2022.”
Dr Mansoor Al Hinai, Nama’s VP Distribution, said, “This project, which is implemented by Omani experts from the electricity sector with the support of CESI and Wipro will help the sector implement its future vision of building Omanis’ capabilities and putting them at the forefront of leading technologies in the electricity industry.”
“The project will also support the implementation of privatisation and electricity supply competition, in line with the Oman government’s vision. CESI’s knowledge and experience was a key factor in embedding enhancements in systems, processes and employee capabilities, which not only secured the project’s success, but also helped create a longlasting effect of improvement and efficiency in the sector,” he added.
CESI has been supporting the project since its inception in 2015, and the company’s role has been to manage the project activities to ensure the efficient coordination and delivery of several contractors, service providers and manufacturers involved in the project’s extensive implementation.
“We are honoured to work with Nama Group on this significant project for the Sultanate of Oman. By tapping into our team’s extensive experience developed over tens of AMR projects implemented in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East (for approximately 50 million customers), the Oman AMR project will successfully foster the creation of an advanced power sector in the country, and also help Nama realise their vision for utility service excellence and industry leadership amongst the GCC,” said Dr Matteo Codazzi, CESI’s CEO.
Dr Floris Schulze, Managing Director, CESI Middle East FZE, added, “This AMR project is very significant for the development of the electricity sector in Oman, as accurate and precise meter readings prepare the sector for future advancements such as distributed rooftop solar generation, whereby solar energy is generated and consumed locally.” With a solid track record of experience in the GCC, CESI has helped develop and realise some of the biggest projects in the region, in partnership with local organisations.
The company has been present in Oman since 2012, working on a number of consultancy undertakings including the development of hybrid diesel/solar PV generation projects; assessing the technical and economic feasibility of hybrid generation projects for power stations for RAECO; the development of standards for installation and implementation of solar PV panels for the Authority for Electricity Regulation in Oman; and inspections of small scale solar installations on school rooftops for Shell Development Oman.