LONDON, UK - January 15, 2013
Sensus, a leading provider of intelligent smart communication solutions for water, gas and electric utilities, has delivered 100 percent connectivity to smart water meters located underground as part of a long range radio technology trial in Ballincollig, Co.Cork, Ireland.
The introduction of smart water meters in Ireland will help Irish Water (a subsidiary of Bord Gdeliver efficiencies through the use of metering and network data and also help consumers manage their own water consumption, reducing demand and impact on the environment. Smart Water meters can also help detect early customer side leakages helping to reduce any consequential damages.
Neil Adams, Business Development Manager, Sensus, said: “We’re keen to demonstrate that proven solutions exist that address the water management challenges Ireland is currently facing. We’ve worked with over 200 utilities throughout the world, supporting them in similar initiatives ensuring that their investment and the capabilities of the network are maximised.”
The trial was implemented in partnership with KTL Ltd, who have a proven track record of delivering critical national infrastructure projects in Ireland, and Morrison Utility Services Ireland Ltd, who offer a wide range of utility services including meter installation. Adams continued; “The insight and intelligence that comes from the data generated by smart meters is critical. It gives water utilities greater visibility of their networks and provides information that can then help them manage their networks more efficiently.”
As part of the GB SmartReach consortium, Sensus has supported Thames Water demonstrating the suitability of a long‐range radio communications networks for connecting smart water meters for entire district meter areas.
Frank Gogarty, Director, IPL Group, who specialise in the supply of water pipeline fittings in Ireland said; “Currently an average 41 percent of water is unaccounted for in Ireland due to leakages and unbilled usage. This trial has demonstrated that technologies exist that can make this a thing of the past. We hope that in the long-term, smart water meters will deliver financial benefits for Ireland by helping to achieve greater efficiencies in our networks and reduce leakages.”
Water charges will start to be introduced to consumers in Ireland in 2014. The introduction of Smart water meters will enable homes and businesses to better manage their own consumption. Ireland is driving forward with water, gas and electricity smart metering programmes. If a communications infrastructure was chosen that could support all three utilities there would be significant synergies and cost savings.
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