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preferred choice of energy and sell surplus energy directly back to the grid or to their neighbours according to their usage and needs, further driving efficiencies in the energy market. Once micro-generation picks up on a local level, consumers will have more options for energy usage. Local economies will facilitate a reduction in energy wastage, encourage use of renewable energy and help balance national energy requirements. Without a reliable infrastructure network it would be impossible to manage such a complex balance of energy infrastructure. The Sensus Long Range Radio (LRR) communications technology platform, operating on a dedicated, licensed radio spectrum, is a proven solution which already connects 37 million end points around the world. Unlike other cellular technologies, LRR operating on a dedicated spectrum effectively provides a utility-grade service which is more reliable and secure than unlicensed and shared networks. A dedicated LRR network is designed for 100 per cent coverage, without the limits of existing shared cellular networks. This would give countries the perfect platform to develop a utility-grade network that will be fit for purpose now and into the future. MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONSTechnology is transforming the world around us, with smart cities using these innovations in energy, water and lighting to reduce energy and water consumption and lower carbon emissions. There is also the promise of economic benefits for both consumers and governments, the former through reduced utility bills, and the latter through keeping public spending down. For example, Great Britain’s smart metering project is expected to produce benefits reaching US$11 billion10. However, to realize these ambitions, it is essential that these devices generate accurate data. A failure to do so will damage consumer confidence and limit the chances of reaching our environmental goals. ■References1 https://www.brookings.edu/blog/planetpolicy/2017/06/07/the-galvanized-world-response-to-trumps-paris-agreement-decision/ 2 International Energy Agency; “Light’s Labour’s Lost: Policies for Energy-efficient Lighting”, 2006.3 https://www.c2es.org/energy/use/residential-commercial 4 http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/35073175 https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2015/09/30/big-data-20-mind-boggling-facts-everyone-must-read/#3f73246017b1 6 http://www.economist.com/node/15498399 7 https://www.bcgperspectives.com/content/articles/telecommunications_how_telecoms_can_manage_mobile_data_explosion/ 8 https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2015/09/30/big-data-20-mind-boggling-facts-everyone-must-read/#3f73246017b1 9 http://www.economist.com/node/15498399 10 https://www.bcgperspectives.com/content/articles/telecommunications_how_telecoms_can_manage_mobile_data_explosion/ ABOUT THE AUTHORRandolph Wheatley is Vice President of Product Marketing at Sensus, a Xylem brand. Sensus helps a wide range of public service providers – from utilities to cities to industrial complexes and campuses – do more with their infrastructure to improve quality of life in their communities. He is responsible for all product marketing efforts on behalf of the global communications portfolio. Mr Wheatley holds a BS in electrical engineering from Arizona State University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas. ABOUT SENSUS, A XYLEM BRANDSensus helps water utilities, energy providers and cities do more with their infrastructure to improve the quality of life in their communities. We enable our customers to reach further through the application of technology and data-driven insights that deliver efficiency and responsiveness. We partner with them to anticipate and respond to evolving business needs with innovation in communications technologies, advanced metrology, data analytics and services. Learn more at sensus.com and follow @SensusGlobal on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.Pictured: Randolph WheatleyINNOVATION TECHNOLOGY 111