Prepaid metering is a win-win for both the power utilities and the consumers. While the utilities cut their AT&C losses caused by the use of postpaid, analog meters, consumers don’t have to any extra amount because of faulty meter readings. In this regard, the Xenius platform, offered by prepaid meter pioneer Radius Synergies, is the best choice for both.
Prepaid metering has been nothing short of a revolution in the power sector. It allows the power utilities to charge and collect revenue from the public smoothly, for the electricity consumed by them. It also enables the consumers to keep track of their power consumption on real-time basis. Earlier, postpaid meters were used by the Electricity Department to track the energy consumption of the consumers. These meters were mostly analog and showed faulty readings most of the time. The consumers had no option but to pay the electricity bill according to the reading shown on the meters. It was causing huge financial loss to the consumers.
Such losses are dubbed as AT&C, which stands for Aggregated Technical and Commercial losses. AT&C loss is the sum total of technical and commercial losses and shortage due to non-realisation of billed amount. They can be calculated using this formula: AT&C loss = (Energy input – Energy billed) * 100 / Energy input. The distribution companies (DISCOMS) are the interface between the utilities and the consumers. The DISCOMS are the worst hit due to the AT&C losses as their performance is judged on the basis of their revenue collection. That is why it is essential for utilities to shift to prepaid metering. With prepaid metering, the DISCOMS can collect the revenue beforehand and they don’t have to run after the defaulters, which are always large in number. Also, prepaid meter readings cannot be altered using whatever means as the calculation is done in backend, which is a fully compliant system. Radius Synergies International is the pioneer in bringing prepaid metering to India. The Xenius platform offered by Radius is a world-class platform which, besides enabling the consumers to track and monitor their energy consumption, also helps utilities to monitor revenue realisation with respect to the total electricity sold. The Xenius mobile app helps the consumers to get the real-time data of their energy consumption on a single platform. The app also enables them to pay their electricity bill online from anywhere in the world. Source: https://www.xenius.in/switching-to-prepaid-metering-is-essential/
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From opening a door to regulating a whole lot of electronic devices at home with remote devices or simply by voice commands, Internet of Things has changed the way lives are lived in the modern world. But there is a flip side also – the smart devices being vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It is good that manufacturers have realised the seriousness of the problem and are now focusing more on strengthening the security of such devices.
A toaster controlled by computer, which was demonstrated by software engineers John Romkey and Simon Hackett at a networking conference in San Francisco in 1990, was the forerunner of what we know today as Internet of Things. The term, Internet of Things, was actually coined nine years later by British technology pioneer Kevin Ashton, who described the different sensors as the eyes and ears of the computer. Since then, the progress in the field of IoT has been gradual, but steady. It was not until 2014 when Amazon, one of the Big Five companies in the US information technology industry, launched ‘Echo Dot’ in the market. This IoT-based smart speaker popularised the IoT-based products among the youth. As a result, the world saw a boom in the sale of products that can control a smart home with voice commands.
The IoT-based products can interact with humans with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These products can not only sense the mood and requirements of a human being but also interact and provide smart suggestions. With the help of smart sensors, IoT has the ability to inter-connect all the physical products virtually. Despite being a boon to humankind, IoT has some serious disadvantages as well. In 2016, Mirai botnet infected over six lakh IoT-based devices with its malware. Similarly, another virus Krack infected almost every connected IoT device in the world. Although most of the devices that are connected to the Internet are vulnerable to hackers, computers and mobile phones are safer as they are regularly provided with patch updates to safeguard them from being hacked. However, IoT-based devices like smart doorbells, CCTV cameras and smart refrigerators etc. do not receive such updates that frequently. As a result, billions of IoT-based devices are subjected to cyber-attacks every year, leading to massive economic losses. As IoT has made human lives easier by performing tasks automatically or just by a voice command, manufacturers are now focusing more on strengthening the security of smart devices that run on this advanced technology. Some have even started providing regular software updates to keep the I-T-run devices safe from the hackers. That, surely, is a good beginning! Source: https://www.xenius.in/iot-reinvents-life-but-safeguards-are-vital/ While a DCP simplifies management of connected devices, an SDP provides service delivery architecture. The platforms support IoT ecosystem, which is an essential part of everyday existence. Since any compromise to IoT devices can lead to disastrous consequences, their security and safety becomes paramount.
A device connection platform (DCP) is a software that treats all the connected devices as a single unit and simplifies the management of connected devices and software. It has many features and functionalities; the primary ones being managing data transmitted by devices, providing backend system that processes the data, provisioning of software updates to devices and general device lifecycle administration. Besides, the DCP provides analytics with details of all the devices and application usage. The platform supports the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. An IoT ecosystem is where developers create applications for software solutions and hardware providers to boost innovation in the field. The IoT platform makes possible the delivery and distribution of not only the software/hardware solutions but also generates revenue for the company.
SDP remains essential for services that have to bridge multiple platforms or technologies. However, it can also be designed for a particular delivery in a single format. SDP includes different types of service creation and delivery, as in Information Technology sector. SDP can also be used for management and sale of services between various companies and organisations which supply different services for a common platform. The common elements of a service delivery platform include service creation tools, service orchestration resources and execution strategy resources. Connected devices are everywhere and our daily life depends heavily on these. From factories, city streets to remote villages, IoT devices are part of our everyday existence. If an IoT device gets compromised, it can prove catastrophic for the entire network. That is why we need a safe and secure platform and network to prevent these IoT devices from hacking. A safe and secure global connectivity management is a must to enable individuals and organisations to achieve unlimited connectivity. Interested in IoT solution in your business Call us: +91-7303093408 Email: [email protected] Source: https://www.xenius.in/functioning-of-dcp-and-sdp-platforms/ The global countdown has begun for rollover of TID value of all STS meters to zero. Any token generated after November 24, 2024 will be rejected by the meters. This has the potential of causing huge losses to the utilities and also leading to electricity thefts. It is essential, therefore, for the managements to provide a new decoder key into the meters to avoid such issues. Standard Transfer Specification (STS), introduced in South Africa in 1993, is the gold standard for transfer of utility prepayment tokens to ensure interoperability of components made by different manufacturers. The application of this technology can be licensed only by STS Association to ensure safety and protection of prepayment transactions of utilities. The Token Identifier (TID) is a 24-bit field, contained in STS-compliant tokens, which identifies the date and time of the token generation. TID is used to determine if a token has already been used for payment or not. The 24-bit field represents the minutes passed since January 1, 1993. The 24-bit field increases with every passing minute, as a result of which the TID value will eventually roll over to a zero value.
The TID value of all STS meters will roll over to zero on November 24, 2024. Any token that is generated after that date will be rejected by the meters. The tokens will then be read by the meters as old tokens as the TID value will be reset to zero. This can cause huge losses to power utilities and also lead to electricity theft as the meters will accept the old tokens. To rectify this issue, all meters will require key change tokens with the rollover bit set. The base date of January 1, 1993 will be required to change with a date later than that. The utilities may face huge losses as the STS meters will accept already used tokens. It is, therefore, essential for managements to provide a new decoder key into the meters to avoid such issues. The STS specifications for the first edition have been successfully used for over 25 years. The second edition of the specifications has been recently launched by the STS Association. It comprises more advanced algorithms for vending key creation and protection. The latest edition will be implemented for a period of more than 20 years, till 2045. The new edition will allow for a vending key to be expired after a certain time-period. Even if it has been compromised, the key will expire after a certain time. This will reduce the risk of electricity theft and ensure safety of standalone vending systems. After the TID rollover takes place, all the tokens generated from unauthorised vendors will be rejected by the system. Source: https://www.xenius.in/countdown-begins-for-sts-tid-rollover/ M2M communication system that runs devices in various critical sectors is highly prone to cyber-attacks. With most devices backed by old IoT versions, they become an easy prey to attacks by hackers. As a compromised device can lead to disastrous consequences, it is essential for manufacturers to ensure the security of these devices and organisations to guard their networks.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept of connecting all types of devices through the Internet. These devices are able to communicate with each other with the help of network connectivity. These smart devices are of huge benefit to society at large. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication systems come under the IoT umbrella. M2M is the communication protocol for interaction among machines with intelligence or machine to human interface, while IoT is the network that enables this communication. M2M is one of the most vulnerable parts of the IoT ecosystem and, therefore, needs to be protected essentially. Although machines work while communicating with each other, it is recommended that frequent checks should be done on the functioning of devices. Since M2M interaction affects the physical world, a compromised M2M may pose a grave risk to physical safety and infrastructure.
M2M technology is widely prevalent in sectors like power, transportation, industrial control, retail, public services management, health, water, security and other industries. Thus, a compromised medical device can affect the patient’s health negatively while an industrial device gone wrong can hamper work in private and public infrastructures. The task of ensuring security for M2M devices, however, could be challenging. With fewer, or sometimes no, updates available, IoT technology tends to run on old versions that are easier to hack. Cyber hackers can get access to one’s mobile or laptop by hacking into the network through which other devices are connected. This can prove catastrophic for any individual or organisation. All the devices connected to the same network act as entry points for the hackers. Once the hackers get access through any entry point, they can compromise every IoT-based device on that network. As the number of IoT devices is set to grow, so are the cyber-security threats. To protect these devices from cyber-attacks, security of these smart devices should be the top priority for all businesses and organisations. The first cyber-attack was recorded in 2016 by the name Mirai botnet. It almost knocked out the Internet of the entire east coast of the United States of America. The botnets were created by compromising home personal computers (PCs) which have no safety or protection layer. These PCs serve as bots in their distributed architecture and are hard to track. With growing number of cyber-attacks being reported, it has become all the more essential for smart device manufacturers and innovators to secure these devices. One thing they can do is to ensure that these IoT devices come with tamper-proof seals so as to prevent any potential intruder from misusing these devices. Public and private sectors must be extremely cautious that their network is secure and that it can detect and prevent any intrusion attempt. Source: https://www.xenius.in/cyber-security-vital-for-iot-m2m-devices/ The use of smart technologies like IoT, AI and M2M has brought an end to Discoms and power consumers’ woes to a large extent. Smart meters have led to an improvement in the efficiencies of power utilities and brought comfort of consumer experiences. There is also a need to upgrade traditional power grids to smart grids that can control and manage electricity at all levels.
************************************************************************************** Over a period, the power sector in the country has been plagued with poor efficiency and grid problems. As a result of this, consumers have invariably been at the receiving end and they have to bear huge losses. The unsatisfactory customer experiences and ever-mounting queries/complaints at Discoms have been alarming. The transmission and distribution companies (Discoms)have not only been the victims ofpower losses, but monetary losses as well. With advancements in technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine to Machine learning (M2M), a simplified exchange of data within various stages of utility functionalities is now possible. Varied solutions like smart grid and smart meters etc. are now available to helpsave significant amount of energy and money.
Similarly, traditional power grids also need an upgrade to smart grids that can control and manage electricity from generation to transmission, and finally distribution. Smart grids reduce the downtime of electricity supply due to any natural calamity by locating the fault and intimating the utility about it within seconds. This smart solution also provided the benefit of detecting any electricity theft, and alerting the utility about it. This results in amplifying the energy-efficiency of the utility while, at the same time, saving public money. Machine to Machine (M2M) interaction has made the smart systems even more advanced. M2M can significantly improve customer services and reduce the overall cost of electricity. These smart systems also provide the consumers with easy online-payment options through debit/credit cards and digital wallets like Paytm. By 2025, the global economic impact of IoT will cross $11 trillion per year. IoT has the potential to use renewable sources like solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy to produce electricity, thereby, completely revolutionising the power sector. In times to come, smart solutions with the help of IoT and M2M algorithms will attain full autonomy. That will lead to not only appropriate decision-making without any human interference, but also pave the way for sustainability. Source: https://www.xenius.in/iot-m2m-better-power-sector-ops/ ![]() Energy managed is energy saved! And it has become essential now with the fast-depleting non-renewable sources of energy. By conserving energy through its management, one can also do one’s bit towards the noble goal of environment protection. That explains the necessity, and popularity, of energy management solutions. *************************************************** Energy management is proactive, organised and systematic management of energy usage in a building, society or an organisation to meet both, the environmental and economic requirements. It comprises conscious steps taken to conserve energy and also, its utilisation in an optimum manner. With growing demand and shrinking supply of non-renewable natural resources like coal and oil, the cost of energy is constantly on the rise. To offset the high cost while at the same time ensuring its adequate supply to meet the ever-increasing requirement, it has become essential now more than ever to optimise energy usage. Energy management solutions are meant to do just that for us. Energy management helps businesses and residential units in reducing costs and controlling harmful emissions that damage the environment. With right solutions, organisations can effectively manage the energy they produce and also control, monitor and conserve it. This can help them generate enough energy to meet its perpetually-rising demand. “To offset the high cost while at the same time ensuring its adequate supply to meet the ever-increasing requirement, it has become essential now more than ever to optimise energy usage. Energy management solutions offered by Xenius enable users to view real-time consumption of energy by several systems while sitting in the comfort of their home or working in office. With Xenius systems, connected through an IoT network that automates run-time and off-time of machines while generating real-time reports on a single screen, human interference is reduced to zero. A large amount of energy and money can be saved by employing management solutions that eliminate wastage and ensure optimum use of energy.” Energy management solutions offered by Xenius enable users to view real-time consumption of energy by several systems while sitting in the comfort of their home or working in office. Using IoT technology, Xenius systems help in conservation of energy through automated functionality. From diesel generators to water supply, several functions within an organisation or a residential unit tend to consume abundant energy which needs to be monitored at all times, to avoid its wastage and misuse. With Xenius systems, connected through an IoT network that automates run-time and off-time of the machines while generating real-time reports on a single screen, human interference is reduced to zero. The solutions also offer historical data that helps in doing comparative analysis of energy usage and making informed decisions for its future use. A smart app, where all the activities can be accessed, makes the lives of users even more comfortable. Besides, the remote monitoring of various machines in the premises through the app is another major advantage. And, all these functions with no human interference, of course! The solutions make energy management easier, thereby proving a convenient way to help save the environment. Also, a large amount of energy and money can be saved by employing management solutions that eliminate wastage and ensure optimum use of energy. With continuing depletion of natural resources, switching to better options like smart grids and smart metering etc. helps in reducing the amount of energy consumed. Since the demand for energy in our country is consistently on the increase and there is enormous potential for its conservation, one must employ energy management solutions as part of one’s duty. Source: https://www.xenius.in/how-and-why-of-energy-management/ Contact us Phone: +91 120-4201765, +91 7303093408 Email: [email protected] Address: H-98, H Block, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301 “With the rapid technological growth, many countries are adopting and developing smart cities for better management and utilisation of resources. A smart city infrastructure not only manages, but also ensures optimal use of available resources in an efficient manner while minimising wastage. Traffic management system in a smart city keeps the traffic smooth and congestion-free, thereby decreasing vehicular emissions and air pollution Smart cities provide a robust and user-friendly digital experience. This enables all various departments and service providers to be interconnected and work efficiently. The smart city technology encourages its residents to get more involved with governance by reporting issues online and hold the authorities accountable for their lapses.” The future is here! The concept of developing a smart city driven by technology is sure to change the way we live and work. World-over such citizen-friendly and sustainable cities are coming up and India is also not lagging behind. Apart from providing ease-of-living by improving various aspects of our lives, smart cities are the need of the hour to save the planet from further degradation. ***************************************************************************************** The Government’s announcement of Smart Cities Mission five years ago evoked a great deal of excitement in the country, and rightly so. The idea of making a city citizen-friendly and sustainable, with technology at its core, has been prevalent world-over. With the rapid technological growth, many countries are adopting and developing smart cities for better management and utilisation of resources. From smart governance, smart energy management, smart environment protection and smart transportation to smart healthcare and smart education, a smart city encompasses several technological advancements thereby bringing about a revolution in the way we live and work. According to various studies, 66 per cent of the world population is expected to live in urban areas by the year 2050. Providing healthy food, safe water and clean energy while ensuring overall economic, social and environmental sustainability are essential to sustain these numbers. As groundwater levels are depleting alarmingly, solutions like Smart Water Management are a necessity. A smart city infrastructure not only manages, but also ensures optimal use of available resources in an efficient manner while minimising wastage. Air pollution is another serious challenge, particularly in India. It’s harmful not only to the human beings, but also to the planet. As part of the smart city infrastructure, air pollution sensors are installed all over the city to keep a check on air purity levels. Traffic management system in a smart city keeps the traffic smooth and congestion-free, thereby decreasing vehicular emissions and air pollution. A smart city system maintains and keeps check on the security of the area as well – identifying sectors with maximum crime rate and helping the police to increase force and patrolling in those particular areas. Smart cities provide a robust and user-friendly digital experience. This enables all various departments and service providers to be interconnected and work efficiently in coordination with each other like a well-oiled machine. A combination of all these multi-faceted advantages makes the Smart Cities Mission an innovative and flagship initiative to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people. Enabling an efficient local development and harnessing technology as a means, it yields smart outcomes for the consumers. A smart city uses technology to increase efficiencies and improve the overall quality of life of its residents. The smart city technology encourages its residents to get more involved with governance by reporting issues online and hold the authorities accountable for their lapses. By adapting to the rapidly-advancing technology, the move towards smart and intelligent city Infrastructure is bound to transform the society in the near future. In this regard, India’s decision of adapt smart city infrastructure is a huge step towards achieving its goal of becoming a global power. In the privates sector, Mahindra World City in Jaipur is one of the earliest cities in the country to have successfully implemented the smart city model. Tech Mahindra is also coming up with smart city projects in Kanpur, Gandhinagar and Nashik. Tata Group is another major player to venture into multiple smart city projects. Besides these, there is the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), which is coming up near Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Click Here to know more about us. Source: https://www.xenius.in/smart-city-transforms-the-way-you-live-and-work/ Contact us Phone: +91 120-4201765, +91 7303093408 Email: [email protected] Address: H-98, H Block, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301 |
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