A great start of smart metering year 2008
The start of 2008 has been sensational for both smart metering and FOUNTER.Smart metering, or advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) technology, is gaining ground worldwide.Interesting enough, the European utilities market for smart metering has outpaced its counterparts in North America and Asia, and is likely to maintain its lead (Source: ABI Research)In the UK, the Renewable Energy Association recommended the roll out of smart metering to all homes as a reaction to the Budget 2008.
Down Under, David Parker, the Minister of Energy of New Zealand said the following on 27 February 2008 in his speech “Building a secure and sustainable energy system” that he addressed to the Annual National Power Conference in Auckland:
“There are numerous commercial opportunities already opening up both in development of renewable electricity generation and in demand-side management – from smart metering technology to end-use efficiency measures.”
But things are also moving ahead in Europe – more specifically in The Netherlands.
The Dutch Minister Maria van der Hoeven of Economic Affaires has sent a new proposal for legislation to the Dutch parliament. The goal is to improve the small user’s electricity and gas market.
This proposal is a direct result of the commitment made during 2005 and 2006 to take structural measurements to improve service to energy consumers. Important elements in this proposal are the rollout of smart electricity and gas meters in every premises within 6 years.As market leader in smart metering, FOUNTER scored its first success this year.
FOUNTER signed a strategic partnership agreement with Powel, a global utility software solutions company. In this contract, Powel will partner with FOUNTER in offering a unique suite to grid companies and energy supply and water companies in continental European markets. With electricity and gas reaching virtually every household and business in the whole of Europe, this agreement marks an important strategic step for Powel entering international markets with its proven smart metering solutions.For more information, visit the FOUNTER news room or click here
FOUNTER lands a pilot project for 300 households
Cogas Energie, and electricity and gas compnay in the Dutch region of Almelo , had chosen FOUNTER, an intiative of VolkerWessels and Accenture ,for a smart metering pilot project.
The pilot entails 300 private households in the city of Almelo and starts in December 2007.
With this pilot, Cogas anticipates the upcoming regulation that will lead to the implimentation of smart meters in all Dutch households.
The objective is to give households insight into their energy use. This way, energy savings can be stimulated.
Cogas wants to get as much hands-on experience with smart meters as possible.
As FOUNTER we are extremely pleased being chosen by Cogas. for this pilot project.
For communications, we will realize a solution that makes use of both GPRS as well as Powerline Communications (PLC). FOUNTER will also supply Cogas with various Smart Metering process models, which will enable a fast introduction and large-scale rollout of smart meters.
FOUNTER exhibits at Metering, Billing & CRM in Vienna 2 - 5 October 2007
FOUNTER (an initiative of VolkerWessels and Accenture) exibits at the Metering, Billing & CRM exhibtion in Vienna, Austria. You can find us at booth # 1.32.
Who are we?
FOUNTER offers integrated end-to-end Smart Metering solutions - from intelligent meters and measuring data management to invoicing, intelligent network management, prepaid services and provides installation. FOUNTER Operational Support System (OSS) organizes work flows, accommodates meter management and data collection, monitors progress of operations and service delivery and manages the rollout.
To learn more, come and meet us in our booth #1:32 and learn how starting the Founter way will give you a crucial head start on the competition!
