Siemens and geo have worked together to develop a unique “shared infrastructure” solution that utilizes a broadband over powerline (BPL) backbone integrated with Zigbee wireless radio technology that enables smart meters to be installed, commissioned and connected to a Wide Area Network gateway.
In the UK, around 2.3 million households are at risk of not receiving the energy and cost savings offered by the smart meter programme, simply because they live in buildings, such as high-rise apartment blocks, where the installation of a smart meter is particularly complex. Without this solution, energy suppliers could be forced to install special infrastructure requiring additional engineering visits, representing poor value for money and unnecessary disruption for landlords and customers.
Kevin Tutton, Head of Operational Services at Siemens Smart Grid Division, said: “Developing an effective, secure solution to address smart metering in high-rise properties is an issue for the UK energy market. We’re delighted to receive this award which confirms the commitment we’ve put into creating the debate and developing the solution for energy consumers living in high-rise, low-rise and converted flats.”
geo CEO Patrick Caiger-Smith adds: “This development marks a significant step forward on the path to making smart energy management available to everyone. Siemens can now make multi-dwelling properties ‘smart ready’. Simple installation of individual smart energy devices can then happen at any time. This new technology therefore solves a major problem in the UK, where a substantial portion of the population live in apartments and would otherwise be unable to benefit from the smart meter programme.”
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For further information contact:
Suzan Ziobro 07894 311501 SuzanZiobro@GreenEnergyOptions.co.uk
Cara Somerville 07921 247877 cara.somerville@siemens.com
About Green Energy Options (geo)
geo is a consumer engagement company which designs and produces in-home energy and water displays, online services and mobile applications that engage with consumers. We enable utility suppliers, meter manufacturers and installers to strengthen the relationship with their customers by putting them in control of their energy and water consumption and budgets in a visual, informative and engaging way. Our products and services work together with pre-smart and smart meters and even with microgeneration, making an efficient home possible.
About Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector
The Siemens Infrastructure & Cities Sector (Munich, Germany) with approximately 90,000 employees, focuses on sustainable technologies for metropolitan areas and their infrastructures. Its offering includes products, systems and solutions for intelligent traffic management, rail-bound transportation, smart grids, energy efficient buildings, and safety and security. The Sector comprises the divisions Building Technologies, Low and Medium Voltage, Mobility and Logistics, Rail Systems and Smart Grid. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com/infrastructure-cities.
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