NNNCo acquires PowerPilot to boost smart grid monitoring globally

IoT provider NNNCo, part of nxzen, has acquired PowerPilot, an AI-enabled LoRaWAN monitoring solution for electricity networks. The move aims to deliver cost-effective device-level visibility to utilities as they adapt their grids to support electric vehicles, renewables, and new patterns in electricity supply and demand.

Monitoring technology

PowerPilot is a monitoring system capable of detecting conductor-down events on high-voltage networks and improving transparency across low-voltage networks. The solution was initially developed for Westpower in New Zealand and is currently being used in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Utilities face rising demand for grid digitalisation as distributed resources such as solar power, electric vehicles, and battery storage become more common. PowerPilot delivers real-time device-level data from transformers and customer connections using LoRaWAN, enabling network operators to gain broader visibility and respond quickly to hazardous situations while staying within budget constraints.

Expansion strategy

With the acquisition, PowerPilot will be incorporated into NNNCo's global IoT platform, which is active across 19 countries. The technology will be part of nxzen's smart energy and utilities portfolio as the group targets growth in digital infrastructure solutions internationally.

"PowerPilot's ability to monitor LV and HV networks cost-effectively at scale is a valuable contribution to the grid modernisation strategies we're supporting globally," said Simon Reid, Group CEO of nxzen.

Rob Zagarella, CEO and Founder of NNNCo, highlighted PowerPilot's role in enhancing the group's portfolio.

"PowerPilot's proven technology complements our carrier-grade LoRaWAN network and IoT platform and strengthens our position as a trusted IoT partner to utilities and infrastructure providers globally," said Zagarella. "Acquiring PowerPilot supports NNNCo's broader strategy, as part of nxzen, to expand its smart portfolio across energy, water, and smart city applications, and to scale its device-to-platform ecosystem internationally."

Utility sector adoption

PowerPilot is currently deployed by utilities in the UK and other regions, offering an established track record for improving network visibility, reliability and safety. The system provides data directly to operators, supporting their response to network faults and adaptation to new grid requirements.

Powerco, a New Zealand electricity distributor, is among the operators benefitting from the technology.

"We've been strong supporters of PowerPilot since its inception and have seen first-hand how it improves visibility, reliability and safety across our network," said Ryno Verster, DSO Programmeme Director at Powerco. "Gaining access to expanded funding and a larger market through NNNCo will allow PowerPilot to grow further and help other utilities achieve the same benefits."

Deployment and support

Existing PowerPilot customers are expected to continue receiving support from their current team during the integration process. The solution is now included in NNNCo's N-Tick Network Approved Programmeme, which certifies devices for global operation on NNNCo's enterprise LoRaWAN network. This provides utilities with confidence in ongoing service as PowerPilot is folded into the larger IoT platform that now operates across three continents.

This latest acquisition brings together NNNCo's IoT connectivity systems with nxzen's wider engineering and data capabilities in an effort to strengthen smart energy and utility infrastructure provision worldwide.