#United States #Oklahoma #Smart Meter #EDMI Limited #Osaki Electric

Osaki Electric Group Launches Smart Meter Testing in the US

The Osaki Electric Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary EDMI Limited, has commenced a practical test of smart meters in collaboration with a US power provider to assess entry into the American market. This initiative marks an important step in expanding Osaki's presence in the rapidly evolving energy sector within the US.

Background of the Test

In the United States, there has been a significant acceleration in the construction of data centers driven by advancements in AI technology, making reliable power supply a critical issue. In response to increasing energy demand, investments in the next-generation Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI 2.0) have surged. This infrastructure is vital for improving the control and monitoring capabilities of the power grid, enabling enhanced data collection through smart meters.

The Osaki Electric Group is strategically working on verifying its business models in the US market starting from fiscal 2025, with plans to engage in multiple practical tests with various power companies by fiscal 2026.

Overview of the Practical Test

The test involves deploying EDMI's smart meters at residences and businesses served by Central Rural Electric Cooperative (CREC) in central Oklahoma. These smart meters will be compared against existing devices from other manufacturers to evaluate performance.

Data collected from these smart meters will be analyzed using EDMI’s cloud-based management system, “Storm.” This platform will facilitate the collection and management of power usage data. By enhancing edge intelligence, the test aims to assess the situation of the power distribution network and the quality of electricity service, leading to improved operational efficiency.

During this practical test, CREC intends to evaluate how the integration of these smart meters can optimize network operations and enhance service delivery to customers. Meanwhile, EDMI will gather insights on the effectiveness of smart meter implementation in the US and plan its market strategies accordingly.

Timeline for Market Entry Verification

To support its market entry efforts, Osaki plans to open an office in the US by 2025 to conduct market analysis and identify potential clients. From 2026 to 2027, it will carry out further tests with several power companies and begin developing a next-generation smart meter, “NEOS,” compliant with US standards (ANSI).

The aim is to determine the business viability by fiscal 2027. Should the results prove favorable, Osaki plans to complete the development of smart solutions tailored for the US market by 2028, ultimately commencing full-scale sales activities to drive revenue growth in subsequent years.

Leadership Comments

Shane Burgess, CEO of CREC, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with EDMI: "I am pleased to work with EDMI to explore next-generation metering technologies. Through this trial, we aim to evaluate how improved access to data and visibility can enhance the reliability of our power system and the services we provide to customers."

Roy Kirsopp, Group CEO of EDMI, emphasized the significance of this project: "This initiative represents a pivotal moment for EDMI as we establish a foothold in the US market. By working with CREC, we aim to leverage our 45 years of expertise in smart meter solutions to support the evaluation of next-generation AMI features and deepen our understanding of the needs of power companies and local communities."

Conclusion

The collaboration between the Osaki Electric Group and Central Rural Electric Cooperative is a strategic move aimed at tapping into the growing US energy market. With the rollout of advanced smart meter technologies, both companies are poised to enhance their operational capabilities and improve customer service in a rapidly changing energy landscape. As more energy providers shift towards smarter solutions, Osaki’s entry into this market could set a significant precedent for future innovations in power distribution and management.