DSO Programme Manager Ryno Verster says having a clear picture of the network improves how Powerco runs its operations today, and plans for the future.
“LV visibility has unlocked a lot of potential. We’ll be able to make sure our network is working efficiently for our customers. We’ll be able to connect customers faster because we’ll be able to see whether capacity is available. We’ll also have a clearer picture of where customers have rooftop solar or batteries, and that’s important to help us understand where, when and how much energy is being exported back into the network,” he says.
“We’ll also be able to pinpoint areas where voltage is not behaving as expected, and that can help identify potential equipment faults before they happen.”
Powerco joins a growing list of electricity distributors to have network visibility down to LV level, marking a significant milestone in evolving its electricity network to full Distribution System Operator (DSO) capabilities – ensuring the network is smart, efficient and flexible to meet customers’ needs as Aotearoa electrifies.
“Visibility of the network down to individual customer level is a key enabler for us. It provides a wealth of up-to-date data that will vastly improve our forecasting, help us run our network more dynamically, and ensure our customers are getting the most of out the network,“ Ryno says.
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