Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Solution

Summary

Manitoba Hydro seeks an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solution for Manitoba: supply and delivery of electric smart meters, communications networks and head-end systems, with possible Meter Data Management System and long-term operations/maintenance support. Procurement covers deployment through lifecycle (15–20 years). This is an information-only notice; RFP expected Aug 2026.

From the notice

This Notice of Intended Procurement (NOIP) is issued solely for information purposes and is not intended to, and will not, result in any award of a Contract. Manitoba Hydro intends to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Solution, including the supply and delivery of electric smart meters, communications networks, and head-end systems (HES), with scalability to accommodate future deployment and integration of gas metering. The proposed AMI Solution is intended to support Manitoba Hydro’s long-term operational, reliability, customer service, and grid modernization objectives, including improved meter data availability and analytics, enhanced system visibility, outage and restoration management, load limiting and demand management capabilities, advanced rate programs, customer-facing capabilities, and future multi-commodity expansion (i.e., gas), including the ability to evolve over time as technology, regulatory requirements, and utility needs change. A Meter Data Management System (MDMS) may be procured as part of the AMI Solution; however, Manitoba Hydro has not finalized the procurement or packaging approach. The MDMS may be procured separately or integrated with the AMI Solution, and Manitoba Hydro intends to retain flexibility in structuring the procurement. Background Manitoba Hydro is a provincial Crown Corporation and a vertically integrated electric and gas utility servicing a diverse customer base across urban, rural, and isolated regions of Manitoba, with approximately 635,000 electric and 285,000 gas meters in service. At present, Manitoba Hydro relies on manual and legacy metering practices and does not deploy advanced (smart) meters. Manitoba Hydro is undertaking foundational planning to modernize its metering, communications, and data capabilities through the implementation of an AMI Solution. The AMI Solution is expected to be capable of supporting a broad set of operational, customer, and grid modernization use cases over time. However, the initial deployment under consideration is limited to electric metering only. Duration of Contract The AMI program, including mass deployment, is anticipated to be completed by March 2032. The resulting Contract is expected to support the full lifecycle of the AMI Solution, from deployment through long-term operations, including the provision of equipment, services, maintenance, support, and/or software over an anticipated period of approximately fifteen (15) to twenty (20) years. Manitoba Hydro has not finalized the Contract structure, and the duration may vary depending on the proposed Solution, commercial model, and procurement approach. Procurement Schedule (subject to change at any time in Manitoba Hydro’s sole discretion) Manitoba Hydro anticipates the following milestones: RFP issued on MERX: Approximately August 28, 2026 RFP closing date: Five (5) weeks from RFP issuance Selection of preferred proponent and negotiations if required: February 2027 Contract award: August 2027 Vendor Requirements (subject to change at any time in Manitoba Hydro’s sole discretion) Manitoba Hydro anticipates that it will be seeking vendors who demonstrate experience and capability in delivering AMI Solutions of similar scale and complexity, including: Design, supply, and delivery of advanced metering systems; Design, supply and delivery of communications network and head-end systems; Integration with utility systems and operational environments; Execution of large-scale, multi-year deployment programs; Support for scalable, secure, and resilient AMI architectures; Demonstrated ability to deliver integrated AMI Solutions under a clearly defined delivery model, including overall system accountability and coordination across Solution components; Experience implementing AMI Solutions across geographically diverse service territories, including urban, rural, and remote environments, and supporting associated communications approaches; and, Experience delivering Solutions compliant with applicable Canadian regulatory, metering, and certification requirements. This Notice of Intended Procurement (NOIP) is for information purposes only. Please watch MERX for further information regarding solicitation 043737. If you are interested in this future opportunity, please contact Lune Liu at: luliu@hydro.mb.ca

Work type

Contact