IBM to manage WA smart meter project

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 15 December 2009 04:07

IT Industry - Strategy

IBM will provide systems integration and project management services to Western Power's SmartGrid-Advanced Meter Infrastructure project.

Part of the Perth Solar City project aimed at increasing the use of solar hot water and photovoltaic systems in Perth's easter region, the SmartGrid-Advanced Meter Infrastructure project involves the design and deployment of an "open standards-based network of sensors, metering, communications, computer processors, and analytics which connects an entire utility company, from power plant to plug," company officials said.

"Having a smart meter installed will enable customers to view consumption rates and costs of appliances, THe smart meter also automatically alerts Western Power to power interruptions and enables rapid outage management," said Lisa Cunningham, smart grid manager at Western Power.

"By partnering with IBM on this important project, Western Power hopes to bring workable energy saving tools to our customers to help them use power more efficiently," she added.

IBM is already working on seven of the ten largest advanced meter management projects in the world, and is involved in nearly 50 smart grid projects including those at Energy Australia and Country Energy.