US consultancies Utilligent and Quantitative Business Analytics (QBA) have merged to provide better smart meter data expertise.

California-based Utilligent is a strategy, operations and technology consulting firm helping utilities across the globe solve some of the industry’s toughest problems. Recognised around the world for its expertise in smart grid, QBA is said to have implemented more meter data management (MDM) systems than any other firm in the utility space.

QBA’s founder Gerry Metzler brings deep and extensive skills and insights in smart meter data and analytics, system deployment, and integration. Metzler will assume responsibility as Utilligent’s executive vice president of smart infrastructure and technology.

“Utilligent is at the forefront of advanced metering infrastructure, grid science and building real-time spatial analytics to prepare for the fast-moving energy transition, from wire-down to phase balancing, volt-var optimisation, and more,” said Metzler. “The addition of QBA will extend the capability for Utilligent utility client partners to take full advantage of these infrastructures and related smart meter investments. They’ll gain key analytical insight to better inform business decision-making processes, safety, situational awareness and operational controls.”

In addition to its position as an implementation partner with Landis+Gyr, QBA has developed and deployed MDM through collaboration with industry specialists including ISO New England. This, known as BigEnergy, has been in production since 2016 and provides timely actual photovoltaic output information materially improving the forecast data provided to market participant and stakeholders.

“QBA brings dynamic new relationships and an exceptional team of consultants that share our passion in helping clients with leading-edge business and technology, and we’ve enjoyed collaborating with them over the years,” said Utilligent CEO Mike Bassignani. “Gerry has sold some of the largest utility transformation engagements across the USA during his successful two-decade career at IBM. This partnership allows us to continue our good work together as one company.”

Utilligent is an operations and technology management consulting firm guiding some of the largest utilities in North America, Asia Pacific and beyond, from strategy through implementation for the electric, gas and water industries. Areas of expertise include: strategy and business transformation; customer engagement; utility operations; technology and the digital utility; smart infrastructure; data and analytics; and programme execution.

Texas-based QBA is a business and technology consulting firm driven to help clients understand their information, derive analytical insight and embolden their business decision-making processes. It is composed of professionals with over 20 years of experience across various industries.