Energy GreenWire: Exalead develops smart meter tool

The software will connect real-time data from 47 million smart energy meters into suppliers’ IT systems, from Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to supply management and online customer accounts. The Exalead technology will give consumers and companies access to high-end analytic, data mining, predictive and business intelligence tools.

“Electricity and gas companies are beginning to study how to use real-time data from smart meters,” commented Raymond Bentinck, Exalead’s UK managing director. “Exalead is already developing sophisticated data mining and analytics tools, so suppliers can provide tailored advice on energy saving, offers and information to consumers. Companies can feed information and intelligence derived from smart meter data into every area of their business, enabling, for example, the better prediction of demand or identification of customers who could benefit from help with energy efficiency. Both suppliers and consumers stand to make even bigger savings than has been predicted, with the availability of accurate and detailed real-time analysis of demand and use.”

The first mass roll out of smart energy meters is expected to take place in 2013, although some devices have already been installed in new build estates and industrial settings. The Department for Energy and Climate Change intends to have 47 million meters installed by suppliers in 26 million properties by 2020, each giving readings every thirty minutes. This will enable electricity companies to track electricity use and spot losses in supply, faults in electricity meters and possible fraud. Smart meters will also connect consumers’ meters directly with suppliers, putting an end to estimated bills and enabling consumers to access detailed information about their electricity and gas consumption online and at the meter.

“At present, data from smart meters is mostly being aggregated and warehoused, despite its potential value,” concluded Bentinck. “We’re already talking to electricity suppliers and developing a Proof of Concept (POC) to feed relevant data and analysis into operational CRM and master data management systems. Only Exalead technology can scale to deal with the trillions of items of data that will be recorded and provide useful information to consumers and utility suppliers alike.”