The role of a panel of experts in monitoring electro-mechanical contracts

The concept of a panel of experts in hydroelectric work is a relatively recent phenomenon. Experts in various fields have always been available to utilities during the various phases in the development of a hydro scheme, but only in recent years have they been integrated into a formal Panel of Experts (POE), which meets at regular intervals and gives formal consolidated reports to guide the developers and, in particular, to assure the client and various financing agencies that the project is well designed and implemented. This article discusses the role of the POE in this context, at various stages of a project, and demonstrates how its formal involvement in overseeing hydro machinery contracts can avoid operational problems later.