Data capture for cheap energy bills

Cyclone Cook’s visit reminds us all that winter is on its way, along with its attendant energy burden on homes and businesses.

Digital disruption from the energy companies is going to be crucial for businesses to keep on top of costs, but also to deliver their sustainable and environmental commitments.

Smart metering is one way to keep abreast of efficiency and potential wastage. Technologies which allow homes and businesses to have an energy ‘‘conversation’’ with the environment around them are already in place in other countries.

In the US and the UK, data capture from intelligent energy systems for example, can allow householders to identify their property’s ‘‘energy hogs’’ such as the TV being on constant standby, or illuminated first floor lights when everyone is downstairs.

And with property prices being so high, no-one wants to invest in a mortgage to find the financial burden cranked up by an expensive, electricity-guzzling living space.

Business accelerator company The Lightning Lab, operated its first innovation challenge this week to celebrate New Zealand firms working to improve the future of electric energy.

It was won by emhLabs team, which is behind peer-to-peer electricity company P2 Power. The team impressed with its home energy efficiency rating system, that doesn’t require a site visit.

‘‘New Zealand households use about a third of the energy supplied to their homes on heating, which is a huge outlay for many Kiwi families. Aside from some guesswork, most people currently have little ability to compare properties’ energy efficiency,’’ said Stu Innes, director of emhLabs.

Using automation and data collection, the system allows consumers to make a canny purchase, putting pressure on landlords and property sellers to boost insulation and efficient heating.

Similar systems for offices and factory spaces cannot be far off.