To monitor technology that supports its deployment of smart grid components, specifically an advanced meter infrastructure and distribution automation system, Pepco Holdings, an energy delivery company in the U.S.'s mid-Atlantic region, has selected Accenture to establish an integrated Network Operations Center (NOC (News - Alert)) to expand the utility's ability.

 According to a press release, PHI's Network Operations Center, at its core an integrated network management system, will monitor and proactively manage multiple communications devices and technologies, and the data they produce, implemented throughout the company's electricity grid. This Network Operations Center will allow PHI to more quickly identify problems on the electric system and reduce the time to resolve them.

Karen Lefkowitz, Vice President, Business Transformation, at PHI, “The integrated network management system is one aspect of our continuous efforts to improve our service level and our customers' experience, We chose Accenture (News - Alert) for their expertise in smart grid technology and in building scalable operations that have proven customer benefits.”

Accenture will offer NOC process development and training to PHI's Network Operations Center personnel. Accenture will leverage its capabilities including the Accenture Delivery Methodology and its NOC assets to help PHI in planning and implementing the Network Operations Center. The company offers technology consulting services to strategize, plan, analyze, design, test and implement the project. It will implement NOC processes and IT solutions for fault management, performance management, configuration management, security management and inventory management compliant with the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC (News - Alert)) and National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards.

David M. Rouls, managing director, Accenture Smart Grid Services, said, "The project is critical to the success of a smart grid deployment. Accenture will draw on our experience in the utility sector and with network technologies to help PHI realize the full benefits of a smart grid network."

 In other company news, TMCnet reported that Pepco Holdings has scheduled an earnings conference call for Friday, May 6, at 10 a.m. ET. First-quarter 2011 earnings will be released before the market opens on Friday, May 6.