Capgemini (News - Alert), a Paris-based provider of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, has signed a contract worth about $40 million to support a comprehensive smart meter program being implemented by Consumers Energy Company in Michigan. The effort is expected to enable the utility to improve its customer service by providing more accurate billing, improving outage response, and delivering energy efficiency and cost-saving programs.

As part of the utility’s $750 million Smart Energy program, Capgemini will join two strategic providers – Liberty Lake, Washington-based meter manufacturer Itron Inc. and Waldorf, Germany-based enterprise software producer SAP (News - Alert) AG— in the deployment of smart metering technology, as well as related network and computing infrastructure, all of which are essential to the connection of 1.8 million electric and 600,000 gas advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) endpoints throughout Consumer Energy’s service territory. One of the nation’s largest combination utilities, Consumers Energy provides electric and natural gas service to a cumulative 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents, in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

The program will be led by the systems integration team from Capgemini’s North America Application Services unit in collaboration with Itron and SAP. Itron will support the implementation with its cellular-based network communications solution, equipped with data collection applications and Itron’s meter data management system. SAP will provide architectural development and quality assurance professional services for the program. 

“Through this program, Consumers Energy will enhance our operational capabilities and create new ways to provide customer value,” said Patti Poppe, vice president of Customer Experience and Operations. “Capgemini has a strong understanding of these programs and their expertise will be invaluable as we collaborate in a process to enhance our customer service.”

 “We are very excited to deliver this AMI program for Consumers Energy because it clearly puts the end customers first, giving them more choices and control over their energy consumption. We were able to create a winning solution based on our ‘One Team’ approach and services that provide added value. Consumers Energy is a significant customer for us and, together, we want to drive a successful relationship,” said Perry Stoneman, corporate vice president, Capgemini Utilities.


Edited by Blaise McNamee