Powering towards a smart future

Smart metering company Landis+Gyr (L+G) has announced the launch of a fully operational and independent subsidiary, intelliHUB, which it claims is the only Australian-based metering technology company to attain full Meter and Meter Data Provider accreditation from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

The accreditation means that intelliHUB is now able to operate metering services in the national electricity market by engaging with energy retailers to provide all aspects of its energy control and management solutions to end customers. 

L+G CEO Adrian Clark said the accreditation gives retailers confidence that there is a truly independent and commercially focused company with the ability to manage the risks inherent in large-scale metering rollouts.

“Over the past five years, Landis+Gyr has delivered over 2 million smart meters in Australia and New Zealand, which means we have deep expertise and a real understanding of the data that drives smart energy solutions.

“The AEMO Meter and Meter Data Provider accreditation means our subsidiary, intelliHUB, is now ready to partner with energy retailers. This will help retailers ensure consumers have access to the latest technology so they can manage the amount and cost of electricity consumed from the grid.

“It also means residents with solar panels can use smart meters to better utilise the power they generate, and they can be assured in our commitment to provide them with greater choice in the way they use and monitor energy,” said Clark.

With the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme ending this December, intelliHUB is focusing on providing a leading solution to address the subsequent metering changes. The means retailers who partner with L+G or intelliHUB can offer a solution that will have the best financial outcome for their customers who have installed solar panels. 

Specifically, customers will be able to automatically change from gross to net metering on 1 January 2017. They will also be able to work with their energy retailer for smart metering solutions that can help optimise their stored power, reducing reliance on the grid during peak pricing periods.

The purpose of implementing a metering accreditation process is to protect consumers so they can feel assured the service providers have been through rigorous auditing processes.

Retailers will need to choose an independent metering provider on the consumer’s behalf or consumers can appoint their own. As the Metering Coordinator, the retailer has a duty of care and responsibility to appoint the metering provider and oversee services to ensure compliance.

To coincide with the accreditation announcement, L+G has also launched its ‘Bill of the Future’ scheme. 

This service will provide retailers with technology solutions to transform the current energy bill. The new bill will be delivered via smart devices and presents forecasts on current usage, with data analytics and machine learning used to predict future consumption to greater than 90% accuracy. It will also help consumers see if an appliance isn’t working efficiently or whether it is being fully optimised.  

“Similar to the transformation within the telecommunications sector, Landis+Gyr is evolving from its traditional energy meter business. Today, we’re providing energy distributors and retailers with a broad range of smart technology services, all developed to enable our retail and distribution customers to give consumers the ability to use smart technology to manage their energy usage and ultimately reduce energy costs,” said Clark.