Smart boxes give power to electricity users

WEL Networks will soon have "smart boxes" installed to offer better reliability of supply and more control over power use.

By the end of 2013 almost 40,000 Waikato households will have a "smart box" installed to automatically notify WEL Networks if there is an outage, and ultimately give households more control over the energy they use, the company says.

WEL Networks CEO Dr Julian Elder says the company was to start installing the first of 35,000 smart boxes in Hamilton city in late August. Properties in Huntly, Ngaruawahia, Te Kauwhata and Maramarua will receive smart boxes later this year.

WEL Networks began installing 3000 of the boxes in Raglan last year.

The in-home smart boxes are part of a wider network management system known as WelConnect that relays system information in real time back to the WEL Networks operations centre.

"The system automatically alerts us to outages. We no longer have to wait for a customer to phone us when power is out. We are now alerted through our computer system, which allows us to restore lost power more quickly," Dr Elder says.

"The WELconnect system also helps us monitor what's happening throughout our network to help us deliver the most cost effective supply of electricity. Over the past few months, the new system has helped us identify some power quality and voltage adjustments we could make to ensure electricity is being used more efficiently."

The smart boxes will not change consumers' current pricing plans or meter reading arrangements.

The smart boxes will either replace consumers' current electricity meters or be installed next to current meters.

WEL will make contact with property owners prior to installing the smart boxes.

Additional information can be found at www.welconnect.co.nz.