Smart meters, also known as advanced or interval meters, are the next generation digital electricity meters designed to enable greater visibility and management of energy usage. As Australia transitions its aging analog meters to smart versions under the national rollout mandate, numerous companies are supplying the new technology. This article looks at some of the top smart meter products available from major vendors operating in the Australian market.
Landis+Gyr E470
Landis+Gyr is a global leader in smart metering solutions having started supplying Australia’s first smart meters back in 2007. They have since won significant contracts with energy retailers and network providers across the country.
The E470 is their latest generation residential smart meter boasting high accuracy and built-in communication flexibility. Key features include:
- AMI-certified meter suitable for Australia’s national rollout
- High precision metrology accuracy – better than 0.5%
- Supports multiple communication technologies – RF mesh, cellular, Wi-Fi
- Interoperable with leading head-end software systems
- Integrated load control switch to support demand response
- Tamper and magnetic anomaly event detection
- Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C)
- 15 year warranty period
Over 2.5 million Landis+Gyr smart meters are already installed in Australian homes making it the most widely deployed brand so far. The company continues to be a major supplier within the current rollout programs across various states.
Toshiba GBF-CMwireless
Toshiba is a global diversified technology provider that offers an Australian-certified smart meter and AMI solution.
The GBF-CMwireless is their core smart meter model that features:
- Design and manufacturing as per Australian standards
- Class 1 static accuracy (less than 1% error)
- Integrated radio modules supporting RF mesh networks
- Tamper and outage detection alerts
- ISO 9001 certified quality assurance
- Over-the-air firmware upgrade capability
- Expected service life of 20+ years
Toshiba meters are interoperable with leading head-end systems and meet Australian regulatory requirements for safety, security and performance. Toshiba has partnered with several energy retailers for smart meter rollouts.
Aclara TWACS Meters
Aclara is an established U.S. smart infrastructure solution provider that entered the Australian market in 2020. While new in Australia, Aclara has over 20 million metering devices deployed worldwide.
They offer a range of TWACS two-way power line carrier (PLC) enabled smart meters. Key aspects include:
- Proprietary PLC communication over existing power lines
- Avoid the need for additional communication infrastructure
- Support for demand response and load control functions
- Daily reads and outage/restoration notification
- Over 20 years of field operating experience for the technology
- Meets Australian standards and regulatory requirements
- Suitable for challenging installation locations
Aclara focuses on electricity distributors and currently has trial meter deployments with some smaller network providers in Australia.
Itron Centron Meters
Itron is a leading global smart meter vendor that supplies many of the largest utilities worldwide. They offer a range of ANSI and IEC compliant meters.
The Centron range of smart meters available in Australia offer:
- Electricity metrology compliant with MCE requirements
- Integrated RF mesh radio for network communication
- Proven Zigbee Smart Energy profile implementation
- DLMS/COSEM for interoperability with head-end software
- Load limit and supply disconnect functionality
- Tamper detection and event alarms
- Over-the-air firmware updates
- Option for in-home display pairing
- 20+ years expected operating life
Itron has supplied its smart meters to over 100 energy retailers and distributors globally including deals with Origin Energy and SA Power Networks in Australia.
EDMI Mk10E Smart Meter
EDMI is a subsidiary of Landis+Gyr focused on designing and manufacturing smart metering devices for the Asia Pacific region including Australia.
The EDMI Mk10E is their flagship polyphase whole current electricity meter designed for local requirements:
- Meets Australian metering standards and regulations
- High accuracy and quality sensors for robust metrology
- Magnetic tamper detection system with event alarms
- Communication via RF mesh radio network
- DLMS/COSEM for interoperability with head-end software
- Demand response capabilities like load limiting
- Cost-effective and reliable performance
EDMI cites deep expertise in designing for Australia’s unique regulations and conditions from harsh outdoor environments to BERT requirements as strengths.
Secure Meters SM350
Secure Meters is an Australian-owned metering solutions company that offers locally designed and manufactured electricity meters.
Their SM350 smart meter offers:
- Built in Australia to meet national standards
- Accurate whole current metrology engine
- Integrated RF mesh radio for communication
- DLMS/COSEM for interoperability with various head-end systems
- Load limit and supply disconnect capabilities
- Local R&D and manufacturing provides responsiveness
- Tamper monitoring and event alarms
- Demand response program support
- Cost-competitive product pricing
As a local player, Secure Meters promises quality along with agility in meeting Australian smart metering needs. They continue securing deployment deals with smaller retailers.
IntelliHUB
IntelliHUB offers an Australian designed and manufactured single-phase modular smart metering solution.
Key aspects of their offering include:
- Metrology module meets national measurement standards
- Interchangeable communication inserts to enable technology flexibility
- Currently support RF mesh and 4G cellular communication
- Designed for easy field upgrades and future-proofing
- Revenue-grade accuracy paired with industrial-grade reliability
- SmartGrid ready with demand response capabilities
- Local setup enables product customization
IntelliHUB caters to smaller retailers and distributors focused on using smart meters for more than just billing. Their modular approach aims to support smart communities and grid integration use cases.
Cyan Engineering Lynx S10
Cyan Engineering is an Australian metering solutions company that offers a local smart meter option.
The Lynx S10 smart meter is designed and manufactured locally featuring:
- Next generation design meeting Australian standards
- High accuracy whole current metering technology
- Built-in RF mesh radio for secure communication
- Load control and supply disconnect functionality
- Over-the-air upgradeable firmware
- IP65 outdoor rated enclosure with 15 year lifespan
- DLMS/COSEM for head-end software interoperability
- Customization and local support available
Cyan Engineering focuses on tailored solutions for Australian utilities and conditions. They continue to innovate to support the national transition to smart meters based on industry trends and changing needs.
