PROJECT PROFILE / ESTIMATION TOOL IMPLEMENTATION

LEVERAGING EXPERIENCE AND MODERN TOOLS TO IMPROVE ESTIMATES

With a major capital investment program in its early stages, Hydro One recognized that its estimating tools and processes needed to be modernized. Serving much of Canada’s most populous province, the utility procured a new estimating system built to meet a range of project needs and increasing standards of quality and efficiency.

5

YEAR CAPITAL PROGRAM

$5B

CAPITAL SPEND

130+

ESTIMATES PER YEAR

20K+

ESTIMATING LINE ITEMS DEVELOPED
 

PROJECT STATS

Client
Hydro One Networks Inc.

Location
Toronto, Ontario

Completion Date
2017

CHALLENGE

Grid modernization and power resiliency are more important than ever. These worthy goals come with significant price tags.

When Hydro One, the major power supplier for much of Ontario, embarked on a $5 billion, five-year capital improvements program, it wanted to make sure it was maximizing the return on its substantial investment. Accurate estimating is essential to delivering on that goal as part of responsible program management.
 

BUILDING A BETTER TOOL

The utility knew that its existing estimation tool was outdated and in need to replacement. It selected our team to review its estimating processes, recommend improvements, then identify and implement a new estimating tool.

 

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BUILDING A BETTER TOOL

The utility knew that its existing estimation tool was outdated and in need to replacement. It selected our team to review its estimating processes, recommend improvements, then identify and implement a new estimating tool.

The client was determined to build a robust solution that would tie in to multiple systems for enhanced integration and better-informed estimates. Our program management experience enabled us to better tie the estimating system into its systemwide project management efforts.

We identified a software partner with a leading-edge system, then built out an estimating cost database. We combined a premier software solution with industry standards and our deep knowledge of transmission, substation, distribution, telecommunications and other related capabilities to deliver an estimating tool powerful enough to estimate in great detail and accuracy.

REFINING FOR CONSISTENCY

We worked with an initial selection of 11 projects to pilot and refine the estimating tool. Because of our experience on the execution side of construction management, we were able to apply our knowledge of expenses and overhead expectations, bringing together scattered variables to provide cohesive, data-backed answers. The new tool allows the estimator to develop the estimate systematically. The custom database reflects the way Hydro One executes projects, thus allowing the user to develop a full project estimate without missing any part of the scope.

Hydro One is already benefiting from the ability to produce faster, more consistent estimates. This consistency drives accurate estimates, which in turn drives a culture of efficiency and continuous improvement. These improvements allow Hydro One to keep growing and investing to build a more reliable energy grid for its ratepayers.

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