Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the details of ABT meters (make / model / specification) owned by Open Access
customers in Punjab?
Ans. The existing ABT meters owned by OA customers are probably Secure make (Apex Model),
Wallaby make (MK6E) & L&T make (ER 300P).
Q2. How many Open Access customers exist under PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corp. Ltd.) as on
date?
Ans. The current list of Open Access approximately (200) customers of PSPCL is available at
http://www.punjabsldc.org/oa/list.xls website which gets updated from time to time. But soon these
may increase as per the Govt. Policy. So, the solution offered should not be limiting in this respect.
Q3. How many ABT Meters owned by Open Access customers does not have the AMR /
Communication capabilities and will PSTCL help in providing API's of different ABT Meter
Manufacturers?
Ans. As specified in clause No. 9, verification of AMR capability of the meters and to have liaison with
the meter manufacturers is in the scope of SI. Normally meter manufacturers are willing to provide
the relevant APIs.
Q4. Does the proposed CEC at Ablowal have UPS and D.G. ? If Yes, What are their capacity/
Rating?
Ans. At Ablowal, PSTCL already have SCADA/ EMS for SLDC along with Online UPS and DG Set.
However, the bidders are required to quote for the UPS along with the power requirements of the
proposed system. If PSTCL feel that it is possible to provided spare capacity out of existing system
then only PSTCL may decide not to order the same.
Q5. Do you require 3 sets of Documentation of Hardware and Software scheme i.e. 1 Original + 2
copies or 1 original + 3 copies.
Ans. Documentation has three parts (i) SI has to submit documentation in three sets for the whole scheme
to Purchaser for review and approval. (ii) After approval four set of all the documents shall be
submitted as final documentation. (iii) Any changes observed during field implementation shall be
incorporated in the as-build drawing and four sets of same shall be submitted to Purchaser.
Q6. Please elaborate "Extended Period of Time"
Ans. Kindly refer to clause 11.2 for details
Q7. Does the PC used for dumping meter data from CMRI is provided by PSTCL? If Yes, This
should be dedicated to this exercise only as the same may be used to transfer data to the main
database.
Ans. This is the comprehensive RFP and the equipments required for the successful implementation shall
be provided by the bidder/SI unless explicitly mentioned. Further CMRI are to be used very
sparingly only when Meter to CEC end Communication is out for extended period of time. Also
refer to Service Levels & Penalty Terms for more details.
Q8. What will be the function of the extra 3rd Party Billing Application which also needs to be
interfaced with the proposed system?
Ans. This type of requirement arises because PSTCL may have to interface/integrate the data with the
other utilities billing applications as per the different regulations/ policies.
Q9. Is there any specified format / Length- for creating the “Unique Network Identification Code”
(UNIC). Can this be Alpha Numeric.
Ans. Yes, it may be alphanumeric. The details can be worked out during User Requirement specification
(URS) & Detailed Function Requirement Specification (FRS) phase.
Q10. What types of reports and software features are required and kindly specify the formats of
different reports.
Ans. As per the clause 5.4.4 of this RFP the formats of reports, displays, software features shall be
understood by SI after the award of contract in consultation with the end users during Detailed
Functional Specifications & User Requirements Specification (URS) phase. Also, the report
generation shall be customizable as may be specified by the user during commissioning and O&M
phase.
Q11. Who will procure the seals and what type of seals? Do you require sealing on Modem?
Ans. Seals will be provided and done by PSTCL. Data should come unhindered and shall be used for
billing too. So all points where data can be snooped or tinkered should be sealed/ sealable
Q12. What is the encryption standard expected?
Ans. Very strong. UI bills will be generated based upon data so acquired.
Q13. GPRS/ GSM/ 3G/ CDMA/ are non SLA based services. The RFP has asked for SLA based
communication. Do you require non SLA based communication?
Ans. PSTCL needs SLA based communication. This is in the scope of the bidder to explore that which
communication technology might be used.
Q14. The power supply specification mentions 50Hz +/- 30% i.e. 35Hz to 65Hz. Is this correct as
most of the IT hardware will not support such wide variance in frequency?
Ans. +/- 30% is meant for voltage.
Q15. Please explain the dual redundant hot standby functionality.
Ans. If main goes down other standby system should take over almost immediately without loss of data.