Vector Group and Siemens today announced (December 19, 2006) that they are looking at opportunities to formally partner to deliver smart metering services for the New Zealand energy market.

New Zealand’s metering market is progressing rapidly and this partnership would enable all opportunities to be thoroughly explored.

The proposed arrangement will draw on Siemens’ global capabilities in energy services and Vector’s leading local metering market positions to pursue opportunities in smart metering.

Vector Chairman Michael Stiassny says Vector’s relationship with Siemens has gained further strength over the past six months.

“Strategically, Vector views partnerships with global companies as an important component of our business in the future. If New Zealand is to offer world class infrastructure and related services we must tap into the international businesses which excel in their field.

“We very much look forward to further developing the Siemens relationship.”

Vector CEO Mark Franklin says the expertise from Siemens would strengthen and complement Vector’s existing metering business.

“Vector believes smart metering is a critical ingredient of New Zealand’s energy mix in the future. Partnering with Siemens means Vector has the access to the best global capabilities available as we pursue new opportunities to supply services to retailers.

“We have been working with the major energy retailers for some time to look at how we can develop metering solutions to benefit their customers. This is another big step forward to achieving that.”

“Smart metering is a key element in the realisation of the government’s energy policy and will enable consumers to have more choices in managing their energy needs.”

The government’s “National Energy Strategy” released last week cites smart meters as a key component to managing electricity demand and facilitating load control. It says “Innovative smart metering installed as part of household scale DG (distributed generation) systems can help DG technology capitalise on its potential.”

Genesis CEO Murray Jackson says that he is encouraged by this initiative. The proposed partnership of Vector and Siemens will bring innovative solutions to the NZ energy market and will enable householders to better manage their energy demand. These solutions will further provide retailers with more timely and accurate information for billing their customers.

Background

Vector Group – metering
Vector provides independent electricity metering services to more than 800,000 homes and businesses as well as data energy management services to more than 14,000 electricity consumers in New Zealand and Australia. Services to retailers include the provision of ‘smart’ prepayment and time of use (TOU) meters which enable customers to manage their energy efficiently. Vector also provides gas metering services to approximately 67,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in New Zealand.

Siemens Energy Services - metering
Siemens Energy Services specializes in metering solutions world wide and currently services more than 15,000,000 residential customers with meter provision, maintenance and data collection services for water, gas and electricity.

For more information contact:
Philippa White
Vector External Communications Manager
+6421 579 522
+649 978 7638

Herna van Reenan
Siemens Corporate Communications
0061 3 9721 2834
0061 417 158002