Flex Innovation - Smart Meter based Internet of Things (IoT) Phase 2

Phase 2 of Project Smart Metering Internet of Things System (SMIOTS) demonstrates smart sensing of temperature and humidity within a property, using secure smart meter data accessible through the Data Communication Company's existing smart metering communications network.

The project aims to innovate the functionality of the smart meter system, helping Great Britain's transition to net zero, while ensuring data protection. In Phase 1 of SMIOTS data collected from temperature and humidity sensing were shown to work within the DCC test environments while maintaining world class security and high service levels. SMIOTS innovates within the existing network by utilising new types of sensor data, accessible through smart meters and the DCC network, without requiring additional operational obligations of Suppliers. Like the DCC, the system will hold an inventory of devices and pass messages rather than store sensor readings, and all data will be managed securely. The project is led by Hildebrand working with the University of Salford, the DCC and with Utilita conducting in-home Trials.

Octopus's project will build on their proprietary product, 'Octopus Home', which will connect Internet of Things (IoT) sensor devices to Octopus' cloud based platform to allow real time, advanced insights on new data metrics such as temperature and humidity.

During Phase 2 Octopus Energy along with Rufilla, NCC Group, Silicon Labs and SmartDCC, will look at:

securing Certified Product Assurance (CPA) security certification of the Octopus Home product;

adding new environment sensors to the device; connecting a Home Area Network Connected Auxiliary Load Control Switch (HCALCS) or Standalone Auxiliary Proportional Controller (SAPC) to the smart metering system, via the Octopus Home Product.

With explicit consumer consent, sensor data would be transmitted via the smart meter network instead of relying on home networking and device specific private cloud services, in order to mitigate security and privacy risks. This solution will provide real time data captured through the connected IoT devices, increasing options for the monitoring of smart building devices in the home. Octopus Home customers would for the first time see home environment alerts within the Octopus mobile app and be able to control an attached system via the smart meter network.