Singapore seeks smart metering proposals for electricity

Consumers to get app to check power usage.

Soon, consumers will be able to track their utilities consumption through their mobile phones.

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) just recently issued a call for proposals to develop technical solutions for a smart metering trial, which would enable electricity, gas, and water meters to be read remotely.

"Currently, most of the electricity meters in Singapore are cumulative meters. They are read once every two months manually, together with gas and water meters. The CFP invites interested parties to develop and trial smart solutions for remotely reading all three meters reliably and cost-effectively," EMA said in a statement.

The trial would also include a development of a mobile application to provide consumers with timely and useful information on their utilities consumption via handphones and tablets.

EMA Chief Executive Ng Wai Choong said this initiative sparks hope to empower consumers to better manage their consumption and reduce their bills.

"This builds on our recent effort to improve the design of utilities bill to enable consumers to compare their utility usage with those in their neighbourhood,” he stated.

Those who wish to submit their proposals are given until February to pitch their ideas.