NNNCo acquires PowerPilot to boost global smart grid services
Australian IoT provider NNNCo has acquired PowerPilot, an automated network monitoring system from ElectroGroup, to bolster its portfolio of smart energy and utility services. The purchase aims to enhance real-time monitoring across both high-voltage and low-voltage electricity networks globally.
Technology acquisiton
PowerPilot uses LoRaWAN connectivity and AI capabilities to detect conductor-down events and deliver network visibility. Created for New Zealand's Westpower, PowerPilot is already deployed in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Its technology provides utilities with device-level data from transformers and customer connections, aiming to help network operators manage evolving power grids as electricity demand patterns shift.
Grid modernisation
The acquisition comes as utility operators and governments in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK pursue strategies to modernise grids. These efforts focus on supporting the integration of electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and improving overall grid resilience to combat outages linked to climate-related events.
"PowerPilot's ability to monitor LV and HV networks cost-effectively at scale is a valuable contribution to the grid modernisation strategies we're supporting globally," said Simon Reid, Group CEO, nxzen.
Portfolio integration
Through the deal, PowerPilot will be added to NNNCo's existing N-Tick Network Approved Programme. The programme validates technology for use on NNNCo's enterprise LoRaWAN network. NNNCo, part of the infrastructure group nxzen, provides IoT solutions to the energy, water, and smart city sectors, operating in nineteen countries across three continents. Existing PowerPilot users will continue to receive support from the same team as the solution is integrated with NNNCo's data-agnostic IoT platform.
"PowerPilot's proven technology complements our carrier-grade LoRaWAN network and IoT platform and strengthens our position as a trusted IoT partner to utilities and infrastructure providers globally," said Rob Zagarella, CEO and Founder of NNNCo. "Acquiring PowerPilot supports NNNCo's broader strategy, as part of nxzen, to expand its smart portfolio across energy, water, and smart city applications, and to scale its device-to-platform ecosystem internationally."
Utility sector applications
PowerPilot enables utilities to improve visibility over their network infrastructure. As distributed energy resources, such as solar power, electric vehicles, and batteries, become more prevalent, utilities face increasing difficulty in maintaining oversight and providing timely operational responses. The system's sensors transmit data using LoRaWAN to provide real-time insights for managing hazardous situations and optimising network performance.
Ryno Verster, DSO Programme Director at New Zealand electricity distributor Powerco, said, "We've been strong supporters of PowerPilot since its inception and have seen first-hand how it improves visibility, reliability and safety across our network. Gaining access to expanded funding and a larger market through NNNCo will allow PowerPilot to grow further and help other utilities achieve the same benefits."
