Power control device aims to cut bills

Senztek chief executive Brian Knolles hopes his new power manager tool will be on the market this year. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Slashing power bills could be possible for consumers hooked up to technology created by Auckland company Senztek.

The as yet unnamed product uses energy management technology that allows consumers to see how much power each appliance is using, control when appliances are on or off and predict monthly power bills.

Senztek chief executive Brian Knolles said the devices allow people to create a profile which would automatically manage appliances around the house.

For example, a spa pool heater could be switched off automatically except when the pool is likely to be used, or a television switched off rather than sit on stand-by while you are at work or asleep.

Knolles said it may be some time before the controller product could "talk" directly to appliances so in the interim consumers would use the device plugged in to the power switch to manage the appliance.

"It enables you to think about how you want to manage energy usage in your home and the various devices that run your home, enter that profile into a smart control device and then it will just take care of it," said Knolles.

He said the energy management device would appeal to utilities as well as consumers.

"Utilities are very, very interested in managing peak power demand and this gives them a more intelligent way of looking into homes and figuring out what is taking all the power," said Knolles.

It's a 21st century update of the ripple control meters used on hot water cylinders during peak demand.

Knolles said it may be that power companies begin to offer price reductions in exchange for being able to control usage during peak power demand.

The device is an extension of energy-efficiency technology for hot water systems Senztek already has in the market.

A prototype will be revealed at the Power and Electricity World conference in Auckland next month. Knolles said Senztek was talking to the industry about trials of the device which he expects to be on the market this year.

Senztek was one of three companies which received a funding boost last year through the University of Auckland Business School Entrepreneurs' Challenge.

Knolles said the money has allowed it to fast-track commercialisation and marketing.

As well as focusing on the local market of New Zealand and Australia, Senztek will be marketing the product in Europe.