KURVE: App-based heat network metering launched

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Insite Energy and SAV Systems have joined forces to launch the first-to-market digital smart metering app for heat networks. The solution is designed to reduce capital (CapEx) and operational (OpEx) expenditure, and make energy data accessible to both the heat supplier and consumer.

Smartphone held in one hand displaying the KURVE energy account screen, showing a current balance of £34.70 marked as in credit, recent usage indicators, and a “Top up” button on a solid orange background. — KURVE is the UK’s first-to-market PAYG web-app for heat networks. It allows residents to make payments, view their heating & hot water consumption and manage their account on any internet-connected device.

The two industry specialists developed the UK’s first app-based metering solution for heat networks, KURVE. The digital metering web-app offers a more affordable and flexible alternative to established pay-as-you-go alternatives. It is also easier to install and cheaper to operate.

How does KURVE compare to other metering solutions?

Kurve Technologies combines a Kamstrup energy meter, prepayment valve and Kamstrup Master Multiport. It also integrates with a SAV heat interface unit (HIU) or an equivalent alternative. The KURVE install is pre-wired and does not require an in-home display device. KURVE’s design not only cuts time spent on installation and commissioning, it also significantly reduces service, maintenance and administration costs compared to other PAYG alternatives.

Compared to competitor metering solutions, KURVE is estimated to reduce CapEx by up to 59%. It also leads to OpEx savings as a result of the system’s smart M-Bus infrastructure, a standard network set-up enhanced for two-way communication. These savings can be passed on through resident heat tariffs. As a result, billing costs are also estimated to fall by 19%.

Three circular graphics displaying percentage reductions in costs. The first circle reads “CapEx costs” with a downward arrow and “59%”. The second reads “OpEx costs” with downward arrows for “SaaS 50%” and “Annual M&B* 19%”. The third reads “RepEx costs” with a downward arrow and “97%”. — The KURVE web-app helps heat suppliers and developers save 59% on CapEx, 19% on annual metering & billing fees, 50% on SaaS fees and 97% on Replacement Expenditure (RepEx) compared to traditional PAYG metering systems.

For just a few pounds a year, heat network operators can access diagnostics from every connected meter. This includes energy consumption data and VWART (Volume Weighted Average Return Temperature). This data provides valuable insight into usage patterns. Operators can use it to improve network performance, increase efficiency and reduce costs. Previously, only premium prepayment metering solutions offered this functionality. However, many lower-cost developments outside London could not afford them.

“SAV has been working with designers, manufacturers and heat network operators for many years, finding increasingly innovative ways to optimise heat network efficiency and data visibility,” observed SAV System’s Director, Jan Hansen. “Providing digital metering and billing solutions will deliver significant benefits for heat network operators as well as their customers.

“This functionality is something that both SAV and Insite’s clients have been requesting for some time. By combining our experience of heat networks and application of new technologies with Insite’s billing and metering expertise, we have developed KURVE as our response to that feedback.”

Added functionality for clients and the end-users

Kurve Technologies’ integrated web-based app gives residents a simple way to view, monitor and manage their energy account. They can access it from any internet-connected device, wherever and whenever they choose. Residents can view consumption data by day, week, month or year. This helps them understand energy use, identify areas for improvement and reduce waste.

With access to their account balance, credit and payment status, end-users can keep track of their account remotely and, if necessary, take action to manage or avoid debt. Residents can make secure payments through the KURVE web-app, at any PayPoint outlet or over the phone.

Housing associations, local authorities, developers and managing agents can tailor customer accounts to individual resident needs. They can also apply rules that match their own operational requirements. For example, it can enable remote switching between PAYG and credit modes.

“Moving heat metering into the digital space with KURVE is an exciting transition and one which will deliver significant benefits for heat network operators and residents alike – particularly in terms of cost savings,” added Anthony Coates-Smith, Managing Director of Insite Energy.

“Consumers are more than ready for the convenience of managing their energy accounts from a smart device, while heat providers are increasingly demanding greater access to data without the associated costs.

“KURVE also addresses the very topical concerns around managing debt risk and reducing customer heat tariffs. With the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) calling for heat networks to be regulated, there has never been a better time for network providers to introduce greater levels of transparency and encourage positive consumer engagement.”

Supporting the future of heat network metering

KURVE complies with the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). The directive requires all new meters to be remotely readable from 25^th October 2020. In addition, heat suppliers must upgrade all existing meters by 1^st January 2027 so they can share consumption data regularly with end customers.

The first KURVE site went live in February 2020. A dedicated Insite Energy customer service team will support Kurve Technologies both online and offline. Housing associations, local authorities, managing agents, developers, specifiers, and mechanical & electrical (M&E) contractors interested in learning more about KURVE for new builds or retrofits, can direct their enquiries to enquiries@kurve-tech.com.

Insite Energy

Press release