IBM to design smart grid future for Western Power Connect

IBM yesterday announced it had been selected by Australian energy provider Western Power as the systems integration and project management partner for its SmartGrid-Advanced Meter Infrastructure pilot programme.

Under the agreement, IBM will build a roadmap for the design and implementation of an intelligent network, comprising smart meters and a communications backbone that will enable Western Power to deliver more reliable, sustainable and cost effective energy solutions to homes and businesses in the south-west of Western Australia.

Western Power's SmartGrid-Advanced Meter Infrastructure pilot programme is focused on providing a platform for a range of energy efficiency and demand management initiatives in Western Australia. It will be included in the scope of the Perth Solar City Project.

Perth Solar City is an Australian government solar city and will be delivered to communities within Perth's eastern region over the next four years. Western Power will lead the $73.5 million initiative designed to help communities rethink the way they produce, use and save energy.

Residents will be offered free energy advisory services, and generous price reductions on solar hot water and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. One of the key objectives of the program is to engage the community and encourage behaviour change in energy consumption through energy assessments and education.

Key to the success of the Solar City initiative is the design and deployment of an intelligent network - a digital, open standards-based network of sensors, metering, communications, computer processors, and analytics which connects an entire utility company, from power plant to plug.