Procure and Install Billing and ERP Systems

Prior to implementation, PETL and Experts finalized the requirements necessary for a successful installation. Experts initiated the procurement of hardware and finalized the system reporting requirements to support the billing and ERP systems for PETL. To implement the billing and ERP systems, PETL conducted weekly meetings with the Billing and ERP Working Group to review progress on the implementation. The Working Group consisted of participants from PETL, PEURA, and Experts. Additionally, PETL conducted weekly meetings with PEURA's Chairman and PETL's General Manager to provide project status updates on PEURA's activities related to the implementation of PETL's Billing and ERP system, National Control Center, SCADA, and training initiatives projects. Experts provided training for PETL's staff on the billing system, its applications, and its features. PETL also assisted in designing a new bill to include detailed information for consumers. Furthermore, PETL assisted in designing and formatting the new PETL electricity bill that would be used to bill DISCOs and connection point owners. On December 4, 2017, PETL issued the first customer bill from the new system, marking a major milestone for PETL's management of the West Bank transmission grid. The implementation of the billing and ERP systems enabled PETL to collect income for the first time since its inception. The system also provided comprehensive reports on customer activities, increasing PETL's ability to manage the system. To ensure proper use of the ERP system, Experts gave hands-on training and provided the test server link to PETL. Accompanying this, the IT Manager was trained on defining users and granting authorities. The procurement and installation of the billing and ERP systems was completed with the official handover of the systems to PETL on March 29, 2018. The handover ceremony was held in Ramallah and was attended by USAID's Mission Director, PEURA's Chairman, PETL's General Manager, and PEP representatives. As part of the event, USAID recognized and distributed "Certificates of Achievement" to PETL staff who completed the billing, ERP, and DMS training. The ceremony highlighted the work implemented by Experts, the sub-contractor who delivered hardware systems capabilities, including mobile billing tablets and computers, as well as provided on-the-job training for 17 PETL staff on how to properly operate the systems.