IBM has been all supportive of a Western Australian project that will be giving the area an extensive and intelligent network, which will provide smart energy deliveries. Western Power is the mastermind behind the Smart Grid-Advanced Meter Infrastructure project, which is itself a part of the Federal Government's Perth Solar City project worth A$73.5 Million.

An agreement was signed between IBM and Western Power, under which, the former will be designing network architecture and also developing plans on implementation for the new network which is based on open standards. Essentially, the project will be a series of small meters which will be linked into a "communications backbone".

"The development of smart utility networks is vital if we are to build a more sustainable and efficient Australia for the future", said IBM ANZ global business services managing partner Katie Bambrick.

With the new network expected to bring about some groundbreaking changes in the way energy is consumed, Perth Solar City residents will be given the opportunity to "receive free energy advisory services and significant savings on solar hot water and photovoltaic systems".

IBM is, as confirmed by the technology giant, currently involved with 7 of the world's 10 biggest and most advanced meter management programs, in addition to working with 50 smart grid engagements globally.