Electricity
In-depth research and field trialing has resulted in the adoption of mesh smart meters as the principal platform for Metrix smart metering. The meters provide a number of smart initiatives including: time of use consumption; programmable in-home load control; innovative pricing options; easy expansion to collect water and gas readings; and the provision of distribution network tools to aid load control and outage management.
Mesh smart meters installed in the Auckland area have proven performance communicating half-hour metering data via collectors to back office systems.
Evaluation of load control potential in the New Zealand environment has shown smart meters can play a valuable role in changing the shape of the residential load profile, to better suit available generation output at any time.
Further R&D is being pursued with Home Area Networks (HAN) and the evaluation of dynamic electricity market price displays in the home.
