Embedded networks, microgrids and smart meters… beyond the buzzwords is a big opportunity to drive down emissions, cut costs and, best of all, create stronger relationships with building customers, says Yurika.
A smart meter is more than a box of advanced technology. “A smart meter is the secret to transparency and trust between building owners and tenant customers as we navigate an increasingly complex energy ecosystem,” says Yurika’s general manager for metering, Brad Pye.
Embedded networks are privately-owned electricity distribution networks that may service an apartment block, retirement village, industrial park or shopping centre.
But it is only when an embedded network is paired with substantial energy generation capacity – think solar panels, wind turbines, distributed generators and battery storage, for example – that it can be considered a microgrid.
Microgrids add value that embedded networks cannot, starting with energy security, sustainability and substantial cost savings. “But microgrids are only as good as their smart meters,” Pye says.
“We often begin a new project only to discover the metering is a mess – and that can put the integrity of the system and the relationships with customers at risk,” Pye says.
Take one recent metering project for a large office in Adelaide. By upgrading the old, inefficient meters, the building owner was able to allocate energy consumption fairly among tenants. “A 17 per cent saving on energy costs has been achieved, and the landlord can pass that saving on to the right tenants,” Pye notes.
Savings are just part of the story. While embedded networks are often a “purely financial play,” metering is the “technical pillar that supports microgrids and supports the shift to net zero,” Pye adds.
A recent project at a large shopping centre shows how easy energy and emissions savings can be with the help of metering. “We uncovered 200 motors that were running 24/7 with absolutely no purpose. No one had any idea what they did but were afraid to switch them off. The energy and carbon savings from this alone were significant,” Pye says.
Another Yurika project for an affordable housing developer in Tasmania demonstrates how the savings from smart metering can be life changing.
“Solar was substituted for grid power, but it was the smart metering that turned this project from just another embedded network into a microgrid. Metering brought everything together, converting data into information that could virtually eliminate energy costs for residents,” Pye notes.
“Yurika is technology agnostic and its smart metering is part of a value chain of renewable energy solutions,” Pye adds.
“Our goal is to help our customers help their customers. We have a suite of services, from solar to storage, connections to metering, and can deliver integration solutions.
“Whether your project is a shopping centre or a social housing estate, we look for ways to reduce emissions and consumption, secure more reliable supply, meet sustainability goals and, importantly, pass savings on to our customers’ customers.”
Find out more about how Yurika can help you to drive down emissions and energy consumption, make the transition to net zero and create stronger relationships with your customers.