Powerco signs Network Operations Data Service agreement with Bluecurrent
Smart metering company Bluecurrent has signed an agreement with Powerco to provide access to customer smart meter data (network operations data service – NODS) – for around 250,000 meters on the lines company’s network. The deal is for the next five years.
It is a “foundational first step” in Powerco improving the visibility and performance of its low voltage (LV) network to the benefit of its customers.
Powerco’s next step will be to gain insights from the data using an LV analytics platform, so it can see how its LV network is performing for its customers. This includes the potential to proactively find and repair defective equipment before it causes a power outage or becomes unsafe.
Powerco DSO Programme Director Ryno Verster says Powerco is preparing for the future of electricity, with LV data monitoring and analysis being integral to the company moving towards becoming a distribution system operator (DSO).
“A lot of the innovation and capability of customers to generate, store and participate in the energy market all happens behind the meter. As the number of customers using alternative energy choices such as solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles increases, this will impact the load and reliability of our electricity network. It’s our job to prepare for this shift and ensure we can support customers’ evolving energy needs,” he says.
Powerco’s electricity network (363,000 connections) covers Coromandel to South Waikato, western Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Manawatū and Wairarapa.
Bluecurrent Chief Product Officer Richard Fink says the partnership with Powerco is important to help continue building a smarter grid.
“It’s also a great way to assess the health of a network and use granular data to inform investment decisions as people look to electrify more of the appliances they use, and add more solar power panels and batteries,” he says.
Bluecurrent is in development and running trials for high frequency data delivery, advanced load detection and outage management services.
