Case Study: Powerco achieves improved field crew safety and 50–70% faster NOC call handling with Zetron ACOM Command & Control

The Future of Utilities Field Crew Safety - Powerco’s New Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) Platform

PowerCo, New Zealand’s second-largest utility, faced dangerous communication black spots for field crews working across remote networks of electricity and gas lines. Needing at least 90% coverage, tighter operational control, and more reliable emergency contact between crews and the Network Operations Center, PowerCo selected Zetron and its ACOM Command & Control solution (paired with Hytera DMR radios) to address the problem.

Zetron implemented a 32-position ACOM Command & Control console system, integrated with a new DMR radio fleet, Eventide voice recording and reporting tools, and staff training—deployed with zero unplanned outages. The new platform kept crews connected during severe storm events, eliminated the need to open a storm room, and boosted NOC call-handling efficiency by 50–70%, while extending reliable coverage into remote parts of PowerCo’s service area.

PowerCo

Phil Marsh

Network Operations Manager