.......smart metering Australia!
The development of smart metering technologies has tended toward integrating smart meters with back-end systems to create proprietary solutions that are largely incompatible with one another.
Metering Providers have consequently installed smart meters expecting the assets to be replaced upon a change of Retailer or Metering Data Agent with a different proprietary solution. With an average installed life of only 2-4 years, smart meters cost electricity Retailers 2 to 3 times more than necessary, placing smart metering out of reach of mass-market consumers.
In late 2003 Metropolis recognised the need for an open architecture that enables security control and access over any smart meter to be redirected to any accredited Metering Data Agent using its own two-way communication and data management applications.
Between 2003 and 2006 Metropolis co-ordinated meter suppliers, wireless telecommunications providers and Metering Data Agents to develop just such an open architecture based on the proprietary communication and command protocols designed for different makes and models of smart meter.
Metropolis is now the first Metering Provider to install smart meters specifically designed for a market that encourages customers to switch between electricity Retailers and enables Retailers to change Metering Data Agents − free in the knowledge that there is no technical reason for those meters to be replaced.
Metropolis will provide security access and control over its meters to any Retailer and its appointed Metering Data Agent − and that is why we are the first Metering Provider to install low cost smart meters on residential and small business properties throughout Australia.
