Utilities
Making Utilities Smarter: Connected Metering Applications
Utility companies leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) to collect data remotely and utilize personnel more efficiently to streamline operations. By implementing connected solutions comprised of low-cost sensors and Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs), utility companies can wirelessly measure usage data and trends in dense urban environments, indoors and even underground without the need to check each device manually.
Easily Deploy and Expand Smart Metering Applications Today

IoT is ideally suited for the utilities industry, providing long range, easy-to-deploy and flexible metering capabilities. Utility providers that have implemented LoRaWAN®-based smart metering solutions have experienced a marked reduction of waste and up to 25% in savings.
- Efficient public utilities – Real-time monitoring and predictive analytics identify infrastructure issues that need to be fixed before there is a failure.
- Reduce carbon footprint – New tools for energy-efficient residences and buildings reduce ecological impact.
- Remote management – Remotely tracking sensor data improves operational efficiencies and increases revenue.
- Improve service – Increase reliability, higher SLA and more accurate billing with smart metering.
Utilities Solution Brief
Utility Use Cases
Utility service providers implementing IoT solutions and remote monitoring applications can improve efficiencies and reduce management costs. Senet’s experience establishing public LoRaWAN connectivity allows water, gas and electric companies to deploy scalable, secure and reliable networks for long range, smart metering solutions.
Securely tracking the location and condition of valuable assets and inventory is critical to municipal operations. Managing assets and reducing lifecycle costs becomes much easier with IoT-enabled solutions, and integrating data from intelligent technologies improve decision making for planning and operations.
Asset management tools help cities streamline their processes and maximize efficiencies in managing and maintaining all asset types – from fleets to street signs and everything in between. Asset tracking plays a critical role in achieving smart city goals of sustainability and economic development.
Local water districts and municipal health departments ensure that cities provide potable water supplies. Backflow preventer devices are installed on water pipes to allow water to flow in one direction but never in the opposite direction – preventing drinking water from becoming contaminated. The monitoring and proper maintenance of backflow valves is critical for the health and safety of citizens.
All commercial and industrial water customers are required to have backflow protection devices at water service entrances. Undetected relief valve discharges cause contamination and flooding. Connected backflow preventers include a wireless monitor that senses when a backflow condition exists and sends an immediate text or email alert. Monitoring solutions ensure safety, reduce liability and offer peace of mind.
With an increased emphasis on sustainability, IoT solutions can help solve real-world challenges. In the past, meters have been placed outside of buildings or residences to make it easy for personnel to manually take monthly or quarterly readings – smart meters can be placed inside and measure usage remotely.
Smart electric metering provides consumers with the necessary data to understand and plan energy usage. Electric utility companies use smart meters to boost efficiencies and enhance the customer experience while reducing operational costs considerably and improving billing accuracy.
Unnoticed leaks and other waste events eventually become expensive and dangerous problems. Water leaks in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are primary causes. Within 24 hours of a moisture leak, mold can start to form subjecting residents to respiratory problems, asthma and allergies.
With IoT connected sensors communicating data to cloud platforms over a LoRaWAN network, malfunctions and anomalies can be detected and the system can send alerts with actionable information to facility managers to guide quick response and resolution.
Water-intensive businesses including supermarkets, hotels, car washes, food & beverage processors and commercial buildings experience water waste from damaged equipment, spills and leaks. Rapid notification and response are key to eliminating waste, cutting cost and reducing compliance risk.
A water management solution comprised of sensors to measure flow and pressure through piping networks, facilities and equipment provides municipalities with detailed insight into their total water footprint. Water management applications monitor pH and chlorine ranges and provide the ability to detect mechanical malfunctions and failure points instantly.
Water utility companies can stay responsive, lean and resourceful by deploying IoT metering systems to replace outdated, labor-intensive processes. Advanced metering infrastructure solutions help utility customers and municipalities boost efficiencies and accelerate sustainability efforts at the best possible total cost of ownership.
Smart water metering solutions provide the ability to acquire usage data and bill accounts remotely, increasing operational efficiencies and generating additional service revenues.