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October/November 2012 www.esb.ie/em

Networks Ltd

Traineeship Programme for people with disabilities 2012 News, page 10

New contract in place between EirGrid and Telecom Services

TELECOM SERVICES, which is part of ESB Networks, is the telecommunications service provider to ESB Group. Telecom Services provides a wide variety of services internally, which include circuits and bandwidth provided over a wide variety of telecommunications assets and also SCADA, Commercial Metering, PLC, Optel and Voice & Video Services.

Following on from the divesting from ESB of EirGrid as transmission system operator (TSO), Telecom Services has continued to provide services to EirGrid that allows it to control and monitor crucial equipment for the safe management of Irelands electricity transmission network, the interconnections to NIE and also the UK Interconnector across the Irish Sea.

EirGrid’s needs vary according to the particular service and equipment type in use. It requires ‘end-to-end’ delivery of services incorporating all aspects, from initial design through to installing and commissioning and, finally, support and maintenance. There is a mixture of project work and on-going maintenance work. The services are in a number of distinct areas as listed below:

• SCADA
• Energy Metering
• Teleprotection
• Power Supply Systems
• Telephony Services
• Telecommunication Cabling and Wiring
• Design and Integration
• Bandwidth
• Telecoms Operation Centre (TOC)

The initial contract, signed in 2007 was part of the Infrastructure Agreement (IA) and was for five years up to July 2012. It was understood by all parties that EirGrid could go to the market after this five year contract expired. In early 2011, EirGrid indicated that it was going to market and issued an eTender in March 2011.The Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) answers were submitted by Telecom Services in April and it was subsequently invited to tender with a submission deadline of September 2011. EirGrid entered into negotiations with Telecom Services to put a new contract in place. A contract document was agreed by both parties on the 8th June 2012 and the contract went live on the 13th July 2012.

The value of this agreement, which is again for a period of five years (2012-2017) is approximately €30m. This is split into €3.4M annually for telecommunication services support and €2.5M annually on capital build projects that are funded by EirGrid. The agreement will probably roll beyond 2017, but it is subject to either party being able to withdraw from the arrangement with 12 months notice.

A lot of work went into getting this contract in place and the following played key roles: Michael Byrne (Telecommunications Operations Centre), Morgan Sheehy (Legal), Bill Ebrill and his management team (TS) and Paul Gibson (Finance). The account is managed by Claire McElligott (TS).

Pat Daly represents Ireland

Pat Daly, ex ESB apprentice, being presented with second prize at Taiwan International Intelligent Electrical Installations Competiton. Pat recently competed successfully in two electrical installations competitions for young electricians. He was invited to represent Ireland in the 1st annual ‘Taiwan International Intelligent Electrical Installations Competition’ at the beginning of the month.

Chief Executive on site visit to Cork

Pat O’Doherty, Chief Executive with (l-r): Finbarr O'Sullivan, John Jefferies and Dan Brady on site.

CHIEF Executive Pat O’Doherty visited Wilton on Wednesday July 18th, his first visit to the Networks’ offices in Cork since taking up his new role.

The visit was a very informal one with Pat meeting with as many staff as possible during the course of the day. Having visited teams in ESB Networks Customer Care Centre, Meter Reading, Finance and the Scheduling Support Centre, Pat headed out to conduct a safety audit at Boston Scientific on Cork’s Model Farm Road, where he met with staff from Construction Cork City who were carrying out cable diversions and jointing work. While Pat has, throughout his career, been involved in many aspects of the work being carried out in the units he visited, he was nonetheless impressed by the significant improvements and new developments that were evident throughout the visit.

Pat O’Doherty pictured with (l-r): Dan Brady, Brendan Dinan, Pat Whyte (Acting Construction Supervisor), Finbarr O'Sullivan and John Jefferies.

NATIONAL SKILLS COMPETITION

Sean Martin receiving his overall winner’s trophy.

(l-r): Broomhill Road staff, Adem Saleh, Lead Mechanic; Sean Martin, Technician; Brian Cawley, Technician; John Norton, Technical Services Manager and Paul Maloney, Transport supervisor.

SEAN MARTIN and Brian Cawley from Broomhill Road were both competitors in this year’s National Skills Competition held by the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT). During the four-day competition articipants from around the country were tested on various HGV driving skills. Each skill was timed and observed by an instructor an graded accordingly.

Congratulations to Sean Martin who took the overall winners prize and Brian Cawley who finished second overall in the competition,

This is a fantastic individual achievement for both Sean and Brian and it’s fantastic for Fleet & Equipment to have two members of staff as representatives in the competition. For the two to be placed first and second is an incredible achievement.

Sean also won a perpetual trophy for the Electrical Section. Brian won a perpetual trophy for the Diagnostic/trouble shooting section.

Brian Cauley receiving his perpetual trophy.

Ploughing Championships

Networks staff hosting the Networks tent at the Ploughing Championships.

Billy Nutley, Alice Quinn and Paul Muvaney, Head of Distribution & Customer Service, ESB Networks, outside the Networks tent.