Orion technology wins international award

Christchurch-based electricity network company Orion New Zealand Limited has been awarded the prestigious international Apex Award for 2012 by the Utilities Telecommunications Council (UTC). This award recognises utilities that employ communications networks to benefit the communities they serve. To determine who should receive the award, UTC looks at the impacts of the service provided and the difference it makes within the community.

Orion won the Apex Award because of its private mission-critical radio communications network which withstood all of the Canterbury earthquakes, allowing teams to start to restore power immediately while maintaining communications in the field. This innovative wireless technology was vital to Orion's response and created benefits for the entire community, as it shortened the length of power cuts.

"Seven years ago, after a worldwide search for a modern wireless communications solution, we found the solution right here in Christchurch with a technology developed by MiMOMax Wireless Limited. Together, Orion and MiMOMax developed the product over a two-year period and created a radio communications solution specific to Orion's needs. The result was a world-first wireless network which has proved its resilience and value over the past 18 months," says Orion Chief Executive, Rob Jamieson.

The wireless solution allows Orion to 'talk to' various assets around the electricity network over a large and diverse geographical area, and operate and protect the network by remote control.

"We are proud that our local product has been recognised internationally. UTC is an American body which represents critical infrastructure operators worldwide, and this is the first time an Apex Award has been granted outside of the United States," continues Mr Jamieson.

UTC has acknowledged that Orion's earthquake response was of a standard that would, in its view, not normally be achievable and that Orion is a world leader in this area.

The award ceremony was held on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 at Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, Florida. Paul Daigneault, Chief Executive of MiMOMax, received the award on behalf of Orion.