Maintenance in Europe: a changing field

The process of deregulation in the European power industry has resulted in greater outsourcing, particularly in maintenance, repair and overhaul services. Many utilities have adapted to the new competitive market environment by not following OEMs' inspection and maintenance recommendations. Lead times for major repair and overhaul jobs and major spare parts orders have become longer. The spare parts sourcing process has become more varied. A survey of OEMs' aftermarket performance in terms of delivery time, quality of work, customer services and technical knowledge indicated that power plant managers were dissatisfied with their OEMs and that some were ready to consider alternative suppliers.