Gentrack Readies Aurora Energy for Next Stage of Energy Retail Contestability

July 2011 – Gentrack, a leading provider of billing, CRM and meter data management software for energy and water utilities announced today the successful completion of its ‘Tranche 5a’ project at Aurora Energy in Hobart, Tasmania.

Increasing contestability of energy customers across Tasmania has continued with 1 July 2011 marking the date that businesses consuming between 50-150MWh annually became fully contestable. The market changes and deadline mandated by the Tasmanian Government in conjunction with the energy market operator – AEMO, presented a challenge to incumbent energy utility Aurora Energy, a user of Gentrack’s meter data management software since 2006.

In partnership with Gentrack, Aurora Energy was odds on to meet the deadline according to Cesare Tizi, Gentrack Country Manager.

“Having worked with Aurora Energy for a number of years, we’ve maintained a strong understanding of their systems, IT strategy and the market requirements. This knowledge and a strong partnership with Aurora has been essential to delivering the new capabilities to support the Tranche 5a reforms.”

Progressive contestability of energy customers across Tasmania started 5 years with Aurora Energy initially separating its business into retail and distribution entities, using Gentrack software to support its meter data management obligations. Changes to this system have now been completed to enable Aurora Energy to support basic accumulation meters used by the newly contestable customers, as well as managing B2B data procedures within Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM).

“The Tranche 5a project was a huge success and we’re delighted to have been in a position to ensure Aurora Energy could meet its market obligations within the tight timeframe mandated.  The success of the project is testament to the partnership and the ability of the project teams to understand the requirements and deliver a commercial solution within Aurora’s Gentrack meter data management system.”

The market changes are expected to affect approximately 3500 business sites across Tasmania, encouraging competition and new market entrants to provide more choice to these businesses.

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