Itron will collaborate with Jemena to deploy Itron’s LV DERMS (Low Voltage Distributed Energy Resource Management System) to Australian customers to manage rooftop solar generation and enhance energy resilience.
The innovative data-driven and flexible solution transforms the planning and operating risks caused by consumer energy resources (CERs) – specifically solar – into opportunities. Itron said LV DERMS will help address challenges stemming from the integration of CER into the low voltage network with real-time insights to enable operational decisions.
Following the emergency solar backstop mechanism mandated by the Victorian Government, from October 1, 2024, all new or upgraded rooftop solar systems must have a utility compatible inverter and reliable internet connection that will allow utilities to manage minimum demand.
The Itron LV DERMS solution enables Jemena, at the direction of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), to remotely curtail solar power generation when supply and demand imbalances occur within the electricity grid. This capability ensures compliance with the Victoria mandate and offers an easy-to-install, cost-effective and secure solution for addressing stability challenges faced by AEMO, which stem from the low voltage distribution network.
Itron’s LV DERMS allows Jemena to continuously collect and process secure solar system generation data from all new rooftop solar connected to the system from October 1, 2024.
Near real-time information provides Jemena with visibility into the energy levels in their distribution network to respond and prevent grid instability caused by excess generation within the energy system. When Jemena moderates solar input to the grid to ensure grid reliability, customer electricity supply will continue uninterrupted. Itron’s LV DERMS offers a seamless deployment with Jemena’s existing back-office systems, delivering a complete view of the electricity network performance.
Jemena General Manager Customer and Energy Solutions, Georgia Cronin, said, “Across Jemena’s electricity distribution network, we are seeing more customers adopt solar panels, electric vehicles and other technologies than ever before.”
Ms Cronin said while solar generation is beneficial to customers and a sustainable way to power homes, excess solar power can cause supply-demand imbalance within the energy system and potentially overload it.
“Itron’s LV DERMS helps us manage minimum demand and contributes to keeping the lights on for our customers.”
Itron Director of Sales for APAC, Alex Beveridge, said maximising the contribution of CER is key to meeting Australia’s climate goals, and with rooftop solar at 30 per cent penetration, it’s growing faster than any other renewable sources across the continent.
“Australia recognises the risks to the energy system from rooftop solar and is leading the industry as they implement mandates to prepare for the future of CER,” Mr Beveridge said.
“Designed specifically for the Australian market, our LV DERMS not only addresses the stability challenges facing the energy system but will also help Jemena better understand capacity constraints within the electricity distribution network.
“With Itron’s solutions already integrated at the edge of many Australian utility providers’ Advanced Metering Infrastructures (AMI) networks, deploying Itron’s LV DERMS provides a cost-effective and streamlined approach, as seen with Jemena.”
To learn how Australia is optimising CERs to meet the country’s net zero future, join the Smart Energy International webcast featuring spokespeople from Itron and Jemena on Tuesday, 3 December 2024 at 3pm AEDT.
