Smart Dutch, Smart Telemetry Technology for the Utilities Sector

The Smart Dutch metering system is an innovative intelligent metering system based on meshed radio frequency (RF) technology. The system reads individual (smart) utility meters at customers’ homes and premises at regular intervals and transmits the data to the suppliers’ gateway. Meshed radio frequency (RF) communication is very reliable and relatively cheap – certainly in comparison to alternatives such as PLC, Ethernet and GPRS/CDMA communication.

The background

In the nineties the Dutch government liberalised the national energy market. Every household was free to choose whatever supplier(s) it would like to have. The government also amended that suppliers should measure actual usage rather than continuing the existing system of estimated usage and settlement at the end of the year. For the suppliers, this would mean a substantial increase of meter reading frequency at customers’ homes, i.e. higher costs. Requirements were laid down in the NTA 8130 guideline.

The solution

The Smart Dutch meshed RF metering system solves key issues. By using smart telemetry to replace ‘human meter reading’ it enables utility companies to meet statutory requirements for metering and, at the same time, operate more cost-efficiently. The Smart Dutch metering system is front-runner in the implementation of the NTA 8130 functionality guidelines. It is a reliable and cost-effective solution for both suppliers and consumers. The Smart Dutch system The Smart Dutch system provides all components for the communication between the meshed module (connected to the meters), the collection point (the Client Concentrator) and the gateway to the supplier. The integrated architecture gives the user/operator of the Smart Dutch system control of both the smart meter and the gateway). This will enable him to respond quickly to new market and consumer demands.

The benefits

- Telemetric solutions reduce administration costs. Remotely monitored utility meters can be read automatically, both periodically and in real time. - Better knowledge of actual consumption figures among users increases cost awareness and may contribute to a reduction of energy consumption. - Remote metering systems can also be used to activate and/or de-activate gas and/or electricity connections. - Telemetric systems allow monitoring of collective consumption threshold levels - Telemetric systems allow differentiation of energy and/or water tariffs. - Telemetric systems allow the introduction of prepaid energy supply. - Telemetric systems allow monitoring of distribution networks as a whole

The proof

The Smart Dutch system was developed and introduced to the market in 2007/2008. It was field-tested by several major public utility companies in the Netherlands. We are more than happy to provide (working) field presentations to interested parties, and answer any technological questions you may have regarding this innovative system.