Media Release
1st February, 2010
United Energy heads Victorian bid for Frankston Smart Grid, Smart City pilot
United Energy is leading the Victorian bid for the Federal Government’s Smart Grid, Smart
City $100 million initiative. The bid puts forward Frankston City as the location for the
national demonstration Smart City, trialling new energy technologies in United Energy’s
electricity network, homes and businesses.
The Smart Grid, Smart City initiative will test and demonstrate how energy networks can
change to address the challenges of climate change and rising energy demand. The
Federal Government’s $100 million grant will be used by the winning consortium to
implement an exclusive program of trials.
“Using energy more efficiently is one of the most effective ways we can deal with climate
change and United Energy is excited to be leading this innovative program. We believe
the success of smart grids lies in the delivery of innovative technology combined with a
pragmatic approach to sustained consumer behaviour around energy consumption and
efficiency,” CEO of United Energy, Hugh Gleeson, said.
“With support from the Victorian Government, leading national power company Jemena,
energy retailer AGL Energy and consultancy firm Accenture, we believe our consortium
has the ability to deliver real benefits for the Frankston community and demonstrate the
value of smart grid technologies for Australia.”
This initiative will see new energy technologies being piloted in the United Energy
electricity network, homes and businesses, to encourage a smarter and more energy
efficient network.
“Our bid sets out an integrated program for 10,000 households and businesses to use
advanced technologies to understand their power usage, control their appliances and
harness solar power, all aimed at reshaping the way power is delivered and used,” said Mr
Gleeson.
Victoria’s bid has the full support of the Victorian Government, which recognises the
critical role the energy sector can play in addressing these important issues.
“If successful, our Smart Grid, Smart City program will be delivered with the support of
some of Australia’s leading energy companies. Our delivery partner, leading power
company Jemena will install first class intelligent grid management technologies on the
network in the Frankston area.
“AGL Energy, Australia’s largest energy retailer and our retail partner, will implement a
series of customer-facing trials to test the effects of technology on household energy use.
Global Technology consultancy Accenture will be our Integration Partner. Frankston City
Council will play the key role as the trial location for this bid,” said Mr Gleeson.
End
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