Marina operators can access more detailed shore power data using a new smart metering system developed by Wild Energy and EZ Meter for electrical pedestals. The technology aims to help marinas detect electrical problems, monitor electricity consumption at individual boat slips and improve utility billing.
The new solution combines EZ Meter’s utility-grade electricity metering technology and Wild Energy’s cloud-based platform for monitoring marina electricity and water consumption. A direct digital connection embeds Wild Energy’s connectivity technology into the meter, reducing the need for separate hardware and wiring required for installation.
Ryan Fetgatter, CEO of EZ Meter, commented: “EZ Meter has built its leadership on accurate, UL-certified metering and thousands of configuration options to accommodate a wide range of electrical systems. Working with Wild Energy gave us a unique opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind solution for the marina industry. Bringing our metering capabilities together with Wild Energy’s advanced digital connectivity gives operators deeper insight into the electricity they deliver and the information they need to manage it more effectively.”
The system provides electricity consumption, voltage and power factor data for a clearer picture of electrical performance at each slip. On pedestals serving two vessel slips, separate meters track each electrical service independently and provide individual readings for investigating power issues or billing enquiries. In cases of mechanical counter failure, the system continues measuring and reporting usage that might otherwise go unrecorded.
Mike Sorensen, founder and CEO of Wild Energy, said: “For a marina operator, this means finding issues on your docks faster, resolving problems more quickly for your customers and capturing revenue you didn’t even know you were missing. We can look beyond the meter reading to help identify crossed wiring, missed current-transformer connections or a mechanical counter that has stopped working. That visibility helps us provide higher recapture rates, identify the source of problems and eliminate charge-offs.”
Power management company Eaton offers the meters factory-installed in its electrical pedestals for new marinas, dock expansions and replacements. Existing metered or unmetered pedestals can also be upgraded, and in some installations, EZ Meters can remain in place with additional or replacement communications hardware.
Sorensen added: “Marinas shouldn’t have to replace equipment that still works just to get better information. Whether you’re building a new dock or upgrading the pedestals you already have, we can help find the right approach for your marina.”
