Smart Metering and the Smart Grid How does it work and what can it do? Will Chaney 1Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May 2010

What is Advanced Metering? What are the differences between advanced meters and old style meters? – They are an electronic device. 21 st century technology. – They have in-built communications that works in two directions – The have a memory, they can build up a continuous record of energy usage over time – They can be remotely controlled, read and configured – Integrated data management systems 2Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May 2010

What do they look like? Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May Old Style MeterAdvanced Meter

What are advanced meters doing for me already? Accuracy – No more estimates – No more incorrect reads – No more inaccuracy Security – No keys left with the power company Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May 20104

What else can advanced meters do for me? Moving House – No need to book a technician – Remote reads taken for the final read at the old place and the initial read at the new place – If the power is off at the new place, remote reconnection on the day and time that suits you Information – Consumption measured every 30 minutes – High level of detail available on when energy is used Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May 20105

How can Advanced Meters Save Money? Cheaper power from pricing plans that are only possible with advanced metering – Use less non-essential power during peak times – Enjoy a reduction in the cost of electricity as a result – Non essential usage is things like a dishwasher, washing machine, some lighting, pool pumps and ‘stand-by’ power Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May 20106

Common Misconceptions About Advanced Metering Advanced meters increase customer bills Privacy is not maintained Advanced meters are dumb because there is no capability for Home Area Network and In Home Devices Advanced meters only benefit the retailer New Zealand Consumers would need to pay for the new meters Cant get an advanced meter installed if you want one now Different advanced meters aren’t compatible with each other so customers cannot switch retailers Advanced meters do not enable cost reducing tariffs Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May 20107

What is a Smart Grid? A smart grid has advanced measurement devices like meters on the whole electrical grid (substations, transformers, powerlines) in order to make the most efficient use of electrical load Action before reaction Granular network management Efficient use of generation capacity Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May 20108

What does the future look like? The future for advanced metering is exciting and can provide more choice for consumers – Through the provision of real time information, price signalling and the ‘smart grid’ consumers will have more options on how they can minimise the cost of their energy bills without lifestyle sacrifices – Supporting technology such as home area networks and controllable appliances will help to add to those choices – The options available will be increasingly complex and success of those options will be driven by what consumers want and how they can further enhance the lifestyle choices that go with a product or service decision 9Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May 2010

Smart Metering and the Smart Grid Questions? Energy Awareness Week, 3-8 May