Cost saving in Electrical - Engineering, Procurement & Construction Works

[SK07]

Can we have different ideas for cost optimization in Electrical - Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) Works.

Electrical works includes Indoor Substation, Power distribution in process and non-process facilities, electrification of roads, buildings, facilities etc.

The purpose is to identify initiatives that you believe can improve efficiency, optimize cost & resource utilization or enhance overall performance.

Please provide your comments.

 

[jghrist]

I'd say implement proper Engineering Economics in evaluating alternatives. Maximize net present value. Another equivalent approach used in US electric utilities is minimizing revenue requirements. I'm not sure if this is still used in utilities.

 

[FacEngrPE]

Economics can be use case specific. Example a manufacturing plant may be able to justify additional capital and preventive maintenance (in their power distribution system), to ensure improved process up time. Taken to an extreme, microchip factories and data centers often can justify redundant power sources.

 

[ohmamp]

Reliable performance and minimal downtime of any plant costs money. Don't cheap out at procurement time because bean counters say so.

 

[davidbeach]

Better, Faster, Cheaper. Pick two.

When one this sentence into the German to translate wanted, would one the fact exploit, that the word order and the punctuation already with the German conventions agree.

-- Douglas Hofstadter, Jan 1982

 

[SK07]

@all

Let me try to give some examples.

1. Develop Model Package for projects like for Standard Size / rating of Substations instead of developing design package for individual projects. The Model
Package can include Data Sheets, Technical Specifications, Sizing Calculations, Layout Drawings. These submittals can be used for all new substation projects.
This saves repetitive work and thus manhours.

2. Same as mentioned in above point no. 1 can be done for pipeline projects and other projects if possible.

3. Minimizing requirements in Company Standard Specifications and relying more on reputed manufacturer’s standard Type Tested products based on International
Standards. Sometimes, Company Standards are more specific in requirements and thus result in being stringent. Standard manufactured equipment’s are in
compliance with International Standards and geographic requirements with type tests by third party International laboratories. Specifications can be made more
broad based in line with International manufacturer practices to be cost effective. This will reduce cost of manufacturing customized products by
manufacturers.

4. Develop corporate partnership with manufacturer’s on a long term basis (3 - 5 years) where prices of equipment / material are pre-decided one time based on
technical and commercial evaluation of frequently used products. The required material / equipment on a project can be directly ordered and provided as free
issue item to Installation Contractor thus avoiding Contractor profit/overhead on these items, reducing significant on Technical & Commercial analysis.

5. Installing Motion detectors in all facilities and access roads. This will help avoid continuous electricity consumption by lighting fixtures and instead
provide lighting on need basis only to reduce electricity consumption.

6. Adaptation of modular design which will help reduce floor space, reduce construction time, less on-site activities, low construction cost.


Please add your ideas....................