Utility Connections Benchmarking Specialist

Project Title: Utility Connections Benchmarking Analyst (Australia & New Zealand) – 2‑Week Delivery Project Overview: An Australian consulting firm is conducting a rapid benchmarking and analysis project focused on electricity and gas new connection journeys across selected utilities in Australia and New Zealand. The objective is to compare end‑to‑end connection processes, identify hidden friction points, assess digital maturity, and define what “best‑in‑class” looks like. We are hiring a research and analysis specialist based in India to complete a compressed 2‑week delivery (“dead‑drop”) of structured benchmarking outputs. Project Duration Strict 2‑week timeline Workload: 20–25 hours per week Deliverables must be submitted progressively (every 3–4 days). Scope of Work You will analyse the complete 11‑stage utility connection journey, including: Need / Enquiry Application Information & Documentation Assessment Quoting / Costing Approval Design / Planning Construction Inspection Energisation Customer Communication & B2B Notifications Your role is to benchmark these stages across selected Australian and New Zealand utilities, focusing on: Customer experience Speed & reliability Process efficiency Digital maturity Communication quality Cost transparency Key Responsibilities 1. Desktop Research Review publicly available regulatory disclosures (AER, Commerce Commission NZ, Electricity Authority NZ). Extract connection timeframes for standard vs. complex connections. Document digital features (self‑service portals, automated approvals, quoting engines). Identify hidden friction points (manual hand-offs, engineering queues, compliance delays). 2. Digital Mystery Shopping (Non‑Transactional) Navigate online connection portals (no real applications submitted). Capture screenshots, logic flows, and user experience observations. Compare digital maturity across utilities. 3. Benchmarking & Scoring Populate comparison tables for 5–8 utilities. Score each utility against a defined “Connections Capability Index”. Highlight gaps, delays, and digital maturity differences. 4. Insight Development Identify root causes behind long connection timeframes. Map friction points to CRM and digital system requirements. Summarize findings in structured formats. 5. Documentation Prepare clear tables, summaries, and insights. Support creation of the final benchmarking pack. Deliverables (All Due Within 2 Weeks) Utility Comparison Table Timeframes (standard vs. complex) Digital maturity features Hidden friction points Digital Portal Mystery Shopping Summary Screenshots Logic flow diagrams UX observations Connections Capability Index Scoring Sheet Weighted scoring across 6 dimensions Gap Analysis & Insight Pack Root causes CRM/digital implications Consolidated Benchmarking Document Final structured report (Word/PowerPoint format) Skills Required Strong analytical and research capability Ability to understand technical workflows Experience with benchmarking or consulting research (preferred) Excellent English writing skills Ability to work independently under tight timelines Comfortable analysing digital portals Important Notes This project is for an Australian consulting firm; all client details remain confidential. All research is based on publicly available information only. No field visits or physical interactions required. Must adhere to the 2‑week delivery deadline. Ideal Candidate Someone who is structured, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working under compressed timelines. Prior experience in utilities, energy sector, or CRM/digital transformation research is a plus.

How to Apply

Please include: Your experience with research/benchmarking Examples of similar work Your availability for the next 2 weeks Your proposed fixed price for the 2‑week project