Counties Energy Unlocks Real-Time Network Visibility Through New Smart Metering Partnership
Counties Energy is extending its partnership with smart metering provider Intellihub to deliver five-minute interval data across its electricity network- marking a major step forward in improving network visibility, reliability and customer outcomes.
This initiative builds on Counties Energy’s long-standing relationship with Intellihub and leverages the widespread coverage of smart meters across its network. The result is a significant uplift in the company’s ability to monitor and manage its low voltage (LV) network in near real-time – providing data traditionally only available on high-voltage infrastructure.
The five-minute data, transmitted every 15 minutes from nearly all of Counties Energy’s installation control points (ICPs), delivers detailed power quality (PQ) information such as voltage and current. This enables significant business and customer value across fault detection, asset optimisation and power quality management.
Real-time data will also significantly improve outage response for customers in addition to improved preventative maintenance and power quality. For example, if an undervoltage event occurs, the five-minute data will allow Counties Energy to proactively detect which homes or businesses are affected – without waiting for customers to report appliance issues. This means faster fault identification, quicker dispatch of field crews, and shorter restoration times. It also enhances community safety by enabling faster detection of network issues, allowing crews to be dispatched more quickly to isolate power and reduce risks to people and animals.
Counties Energy Chief Network and Digital Officer, Moonis Vegdani, says the initiative is a major win for customers and the network alike while utilising existing smart meter fleet to enable a cost-effective solution.
“This is a foundational project that gives us unprecedented visibility of our low-voltage network,” says Vegdani. “It means we can respond more quickly to issues, reduce outages and deliver a more reliable and efficient service to our customers. It also allows us to make smarter investment decisions, which helps keep costs down and supports the transition to cleaner energy technologies.”
The granular data also supports the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and battery storage- ensuring the network is ready for the future of energy.
Intellihub’s NZ Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Hammond, says the company is proud to contnue its partnership with Counties Energy.
“We’re pleased to extend our relationship with Counties Energy and support their vision for a smarter, more responsive electricity network. The combination of our metering expertise and platform will deliver the critical data needed to enable innovation, improve customer outcomes, and support the transition to a low-carbon future.”
As one of the fastest-growing network regions in New Zealand, Counties Energy has recently surpassed 50,000 installation control points (ICPs). The enhanced data capabilities will allow the company to defer capital expenditure where appropriate, optimise network operations, and align with emerging energy industry regulations.
As part of its broader strategic roadmap, Counties Energy is evolving into a more data-driven network. The project supports its transition toward becoming a Distribution System Operator (DSO) – enabling the company to plan, operate and facilitate flexibility services that improve network utilisation and support customers seeking electrification in a smarter, more affordable way.
Implementation of the project will commence immediately, with the advanced five-minute interval data expected to be available for use across the business within the next 12 months.
This strategic initiative represents more than just a technological upgrade – it’s a step forward in how Counties Energy serves its community, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability.