IBM Poland and WINUEL SA (subsidiary of Sygnity Group), today announced the first Polish Smart Metering software package to enable intelligent electricity use in more than 15 million households in Poland. The solution was developed jointly with the IBM Software Laboratory in Krakow.

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Based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) using WINUEL's programming components and IBM WebSphere, the new solution allows both utility companies and clients to better manage their energy consumption by ensuring detailed, accurate and real-time monitoring at both sides. As a result, utility companies will be able to measure and bill their clients depending on actual energy use. Billing is currently based on rough estimations, which makes the process time consuming and impacts accuracy and income. The solution can be integrated into the platform of any utility company, which also makes it relevant outside of Poland.

"As energy prices remain uncertain and carbon reduction is associated with financial implications, it has never been more important to have a detailed understanding of actual energy consumption in real time", says Annia Sienko, Country General Manager, IBM Poland. "This innovative solution is tailored to the unique needs of our customers and provides a platform companies can use to grow their business."

According to the International Energy Outlook 2008, each year approximately 170 billion KWHrs are wasted globally as the result of insufficient information on power usage, while smart grid technology has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in the energy sector by 14% by 2020. (according to the "Smart 2020 Report" of The Climate Group and McKinsey & Co.,). IDC Energy Insights forecasts the market for Meter Data Management will grow by almost 30% and reach $869.1 million by 2013.

"The first Polish Smart Metering software package addresses a new 35 million dollar market in Poland and abroad in the next few years, and has the potential to contribute towards significant energy savings", says Norbert Biedrzycki, CEO, Sygnity SA. "The energy sector is one of the priorities for The Sygnity Capital Group."

The Smart Metering solution is based on WINUEL and IBM programming components.

  Contact information:

  Katarzyna Janik
  IBM Media Relations (Poland)
  +48 22 878 6640
  Katarzyna.Janik@pl.ibm.com

  Emily Horn
  IBM Media Relations (US)
  415.545.2634
  horne@us.ibm.com

  Micha Michalski
  Sygnity SA
  +48 22 571 11 25
  mmichalski@sygnity.pl

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SOURCE: IBM Corporation