Metrix partners with Landis+Gyr

What value would a fully integrated, smart pre-payment metering system offer to customers and the metering service provider? To answer this question, Metrix, the metering service provider of Mighty River Power partnered with Landis+Gyr to build a highly customized solution based on the skills, expertise and technologies available within the Group.

In 2007 Landis+Gyr delivered a fully integrated, smart pre-payment metering system to Metrix in order to test the feasibility of such a system for New Zealand.

The different elements came from various Group companies all over the world, delivering the best solution to the customer. Combining our expertise in order to tailor-make a one-stop solution was key, enabling Metrix to gather the detailed and comprehensive information about the drivers for behavioral change of consumers.

Metrix, the leading meter owner and operator in the greater Auckland area in New Zealand, wanted to trial a total smart metering system, and specifi cally, a system integrated with an inhouse display. The display is used to convey usage, charges and prepayment status.

In consultation with Landis+Gyr New Zealand, a solution was designed and put in place that would deliver the value the customer desired. The trial used products and systems from all parts of Landis+Gyr and demonstrated what is possible when different areas of the Group work synergistically, providing latest technology and in-depth customer and process know how.

The 7,500 pre-payment meters with GPRS communications and the in-house displays – theecoMeter – came from Landis+Gyr in Australia.

US software adapted to New Zealand needs
The software engineers from Landis+Gyr Energy Management Solutions adapted their software solution, Command Center, to the specifi c needs of the customer. Metrix has been managing the project, including deployment, with the support of Landis+Gyr New Zealand and Australia’s Systems Group.

Landis+Gyr New Zealand worked closely with the customer to understand their requirements, putting in place the necessary elements to customize the solution to their specifi cations. This meant that, in turn, Ampy+Email Australia together with Hunt Technologies adapted existing products and services to fulfi ll the customer’s exact needs. The trial produced excellent results in terms of technology, implementation of the system and meeting the wishes of the customer.

The entire order demonstrated that excellent solutions can be devised and implemented when specialists from an industry leader combine their capabilities to create value for the customer. This program was a result of an earlier successfully provisioned trial of 500 meters.

Promising results
Today, the trial is ongoing and results are extremely promising. The local entity of Landis+Gyr in New Zealand aims to build on this relationship in 2008 as the topic of smart metering grows. Keeping close contact with our utility customer is very much part of this process, to constantly monitor and adapt the offering to changing needs.

About Mighty River Power

• Trial of smart metering with in-house display in New Zealand
• Solution used elements from many parts of Group
• Synergistic value created through this combination

Mighty River Power is one of New Zealand’s leading generators and retailers of electricity. Metrix is their metering business and provides meters and meterreading services to residential and commercial customers across Auckland, as well as to other electricity retailers.