Florida-based Easymetering is integrating Qualcomm’s AI technologies into its smart meters, accelerating digital transformation for electric utilities and energy consumers.

The collaboration will harness Qualcomm’s 5G and AI chip technology alongside Easymetering’s expertise in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Together, they aim to capitalise on the opportunities created by energy transitions, driven by the deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs).

More than 80% of the world’s primary energy still comes from fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal. The urgent need for decarbonisation has spurred the creation of economic incentives encouraging energy consumers to adopt clean energy options. These incentives allow homeowners to save money – or even generate income depending on local energy regulations – by supplying solar or wind-generated clean energy back to the power grid. This transition is driving the emergence of a global market centred around DERs, which in turn necessitates the modernisation of electric utilities.

Easymetering will initially focus on advancing smart meter technology by integrating AI edge computing capabilities for grid-edge devices that combine cost-efficiency, intelligence and interoperability to meet the evolving needs of electric utilities worldwide. These will feature real-time energy balance monitoring to improve grid transparency, seamless integration with DERs such as electric vehicles (EVs) and solar installations, and active transformer load monitoring to enhance asset management and extend equipment life.

They will be powered by Qualcomms’s industrial IoT 5G chipsets which also natively support compute and edge AI capabilities. By combining 5G and edge AI capabilities within a single piece of silicon, the overall cost structure of the edge device is reduced. The industrial 5G and AI chipsets come with more than ten years of hardware and software support.

By embedding intelligence directly at the grid edge, Easymetering and Qualcomm aim to set a standard for operational efficiency, sustainability and customer empowerment in the energy sector.

Reliable and ubiquitous connectivity are essential for grid products to connect to the cloud infrastructure and head-end system of the utility. The connected edge products developed by Easymetering and Qualcomm will support public and private 4G and 5G cellular networks making it easier to deploy the device in any cellular network.

Utilities specific spectrum bands such as Anterix or CBRS in the USA, and other bands, including 450 and 900MHz, available in some countries of Latin America and Europe, are also supported on these products.

Furthermore, Qualcomm (www.qualcomm.com) will enable the development of Easymetering products designed to help families modernise their homes, transforming them into energy-smart homes. These products should increase energy efficiency, lower living costs, allow reliable electricity, and elevate comfort and lifestyle while fostering a mindful approach to energy consumption.

“This partnership represents a significant milestone for us as we strive to implement AI in the energy sector,” said Byron Rojas, CEO of Easymetering (easymetering.com). “Our focus is on creating a meaningful impact on people’s quality of life by bringing sustainability closer to them, supporting electric utilities in managing future energy demands, and advancing decarbonisation goals.” Gabriel Dutra from Qualcomm’s Mexico branch added: “Latin America is undergoing a rapid transformation in how energy is produced, distributed and consumed. Our collaboration with Easymetering reflects Qualcomm’s commitment to empowering this shift with intelligent connections. By combining our advanced IoT and edge AI technologies with Easymetering’s deep expertise in smart metering, we’re enabling utilities across the region to modernise their infrastructure, reduce losses and deliver more reliable service to millions of people.”