Overview
Smart Metering partnered with All Faze Electrical & Security Ltd, a trusted electrical and data cabling provider known for its expertise in large commercial projects, to implement an advanced smart metering solution for a commercial property in KeriKeri. The property owner had a multi-tenant, multi-storey building. There was currently one revenue meter for the whole building, one outdated analogue sub-meter monitoring the power usage for the first level, and no metering for the two commercial tenants on the ground level.
With the first level being separated into three different tenancies, an upgrade was critical for accurate metering and billing for each commercial tenant.
Challenges
- The existing sub-metering system consisted of one outdated 3-phase check meter with mechanical wheels, leading to inefficiencies in tracking power consumption.
- The property owner had to manage the invoicing from the existing energy retailer and send this invoice to the individual tenants to attempt to estimate and pay back the property owner for their actual power usage.
- The owner needed a way to bill sub-tenants fairly while maintaining control over power distribution without relying on existing infrastructure.
- Remote meter reading and automated billing were required to simplify operations.
Solution Implemented
Working closely with All Faze, Smart Metering delivered a comprehensive energy management solution:
- Installation of Smart Power Meters:
- Replaced outdated analogue meters with modern, single-phase and three-phase smart sub-meters, ensuring precise energy tracking.
- Each sub-board received a dedicated smart meter for accurate sub-metering.
- LoRaWAN Gateway Integration & Alternative Communication Options:
- A single LoRaWAN Gateway was installed to collect data wirelessly from all smart meters.
- For locations requiring only one or two sub-meters, Smart Metering offers an alternative communication unit that operates over the ONE NZ cellular network, eliminating the need for a gateway and significantly reducing setup costs per building.
- Smart Metering also provides electrical interface boxes, a custom-built solution for metering and invoicing third-party radio equipment at cell sites – eliminating the need for a gateway entirely.
- Automated Billing & Data Access:
- The existing energy provider account for the whole building was transferred to Smart Metering.
- Smart Metering’s cloud-based platform, developed with input from leading property managers, ensures a simple and user-friendly experience.
- Individual monthly invoicing is provided for each separate tenant based on their actual power consumption, ensuring fairness and transparency.
- Tenants received access to an online portal to monitor their power usage and billing status.
- For clients who only need consumption tracking without invoicing, a data-only platform is also available.
- Users can export reports in Excel/PDF or integrate directly with billing systems via API for seamless management.
Project Execution & Collaboration
- Coordination with Property Owners: Smart Metering worked directly with the property owner and building manager to ensure the system met their needs, including a requirement to obtain a final reading from the previous meter before the new system went live.
- Cost Efficiency & Scalability: The solution was designed with scalability in mind, allowing for future tenant changes or additional sub-metering needs with minimal disruption.
Results & Benefits
- Eliminates the burden on property owners/managers:
- Smart Metering completely removes the hassle of managing energy billing by handling everything – from paying the retail energy provider to invoicing tenants directly – ensuring a seamless and automated experience.
- Increased Accuracy & Efficiency:
- Eliminated manual meter readings and billing discrepancies.
- Property owners now have full control over energy distribution and cost allocation.
- Improved Tenant Experience:
- Tenants benefit from transparent, usage-based billing.
- Access to real-time consumption data empowers them to manage their energy usage better.
- Seamless Integration & Future Potential:
- The LoRaWAN-based system ensures long-term reliability without dependency on third-party internet connections.
- The model implemented here is now a scalable solution that can be deployed across other commercial properties.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of smart metering in this project demonstrates Smart Metering’s ability to deliver innovative, scalable, and efficient energy management solutions. With no comparable solution currently available in the market, Smart Metering is at the forefront of revolutionizing power management for commercial and multi-tenant properties.
This project sets the stage for expanding similar smart metering solutions, helping property owners, tenants, and businesses manage energy usage more effectively while contributing to sustainability and cost efficiency.