Efficient hot water systems are a priority for the project as water heaters use an estimated 23-28% of total household energy, depending on system type and location.

Intelligent Metering Australia Pty Ltd, trading as UtilityCap, has been commissioned to:

1. recruit a representative sample of 200+ households across Australia and New Zealand, and track each household’s hot water use for 12 months.  

2. undertake a detailed hot water use questionnaire

Through a householder questionnaire and installed smart meters, data will be gathered on how hot water is used by these households to subsequently assist energy efficiency engineers, policy developers and standards committees working to improve the cost, energy efficiency, and suitability of hot water systems for different sized households and climate zones, sold and used in future throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Households are invited to participate by allowing the installation of non-intrusive smart meters to monitor their household's daily use of hot water.

The smart meter and communications equipment will be located next to your hot water system, and securely enclosed within a 30x30x20cm cabinet or similar depending on the installation.

The monitoring will run for 12 months from the time the monitoring equipment is installed. 

At the end of the monitoring period, the monitoring equipment will be removed and the hot water system pipework restored to its original state.

By participating in this project, you are helping to understand the relative energy use and performance of different Hot Water System technologies, in a diversity of households, living in a range of climate zones across Australia and New Zealand.

Your support will contribute to a cleaner, more energy efficient future, and assist households across Australia and New Zealand choose the best hot water system to suit their needs!

COVID-19 Risk Reduction

Contractors used for the installation and decommissioning of the monitoring equipment will not need to be in close contact with householders.  They will also be following a Covid Risk Management Plan to further reduce risks to householders.

In the event that it is necessary for our contractors to engage with members of your household, they will comply with the current social/physical distancing and health regulations for your region. 

If you have any questions about our Covid-19 risk management, please contact us at admin@UtilityCap.net  or phone AU: 1300 393 328 or NZ: 0800 170 079

WIN 1 of 3 $1,000 Cash prizes for participating

When the monitoring equipment has been installed and commissioned to all 200 households, each household will go into a draw to win one of three $1,000 cash prizes. You can choose other like value options if you prefer, say a gift card of your choosing. 

As a “Thank You”  for your participation in the program, each participating household will receive a $50.00 gift in the form of either a cash transfer or a gift card of your choosing. This offer is only redeemable once the monitoring equipment has been installed and is not intended to represent the “real value” you are contributing.

In addition, you will receive $50.00 as per above for each referral (friend, neighbour, colleague) who ultimately joins this research program. 

How do I join the program?

If you are reading this on a smart phone or tablet, please open the link below to provide your details and take/upload photos of your water heater.

Link: https://bit.ly/A-NZ-HWS-Photo-Upload

If you are reading this on a desktop or portable computer, please take and upload 3 photographs of your water heater to your computer before opening the link above. The photos you upload need to clearly show:

1. The hot water system, including the make & model number (this is stamped or labelled onto the unit).
2. The cold water and hot water inlet and outlet pipework connections.
3. A panoramic photo or video that shows the hot water system in its overall surroundings.

Privacy

 UtilityCap, the NSW Government and its partners and authorised contractors are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, and we will only use your personal information for the purposes of the Australia & New Zealand Hot Water Use Research Project and any subsequent follow-up energy research. 

For more information please call AU: 1300 393 328 or NZ: 0800 170 079