NMi and Blicker Collaborate to Confirm Accuracy of AI-solution for Meter Readings

Delft, Netherlands – 28 October 2021. NMi, The Netherlands Metrology Institute, is helping to ensure the accuracy of electricity and gas meter readings by collaborating with Blicker, a specialist in artificial intelligence-driven meter-reading technology. Blicker called on NMi to evaluate the accuracy of its AI-powered meter-reading application. NMi’s tests conclude that the technology provides 98.20% accuracy in readings.  

Manual administration of meter readings is time-consuming, and often more than 10% of meter readings around the world are prone to human error. In the case of Blicker, the customer or field worker takes a photo of the meter, and Blicker’s technology applies AI to provide high-precision and accurate meter readings. 

NMi’s rigorous testing and evaluation of applications like this are important for the energy sector. It helps build confidence in the accuracy of meter readings, which also ensures billing accuracy. NMi’s Technology Accuracy Evaluation was used to perform an objective evaluation test of the Blicker solution in meter-reading extraction.  

NMi’s Head of Innovation, Mike van der Heijden, adds: “It’s imperative to validate new technologies in the sector. NMi’s mission is to support and provide a trust basis for new and existing measuring technology among developers/OEMs and end-users. To that end, NMi seeks out and partners with innovative technology start- and scale-ups like Blicker to develop new testing methodologies that future proof measuring accuracy in the utility sector as technology advances.”

NMi concluded that 98,20% of the given ‘first try’ inputs are deemed to have a high enough validity percentage to be usable in practice, saving utility companies the need to perform manual readings.

NMi evaluated 1000 pictures processed with Blicker and concluded that 869 could be classified with high confidence, 113 with medium confidence, and 18 with low confidence. In the case of the evaluated dataset, high confidence meant that there is a 99,79% chance that the read-out is valid. High and medium confidence read-outs together result in a 98,96% validity percentage. 

Victor Westerwoudt, CTO of Blicker, says: “As our energy systems and energy use change significantly, our need grows for digitally connected and integrated solutions that are reliable and accurate. We are delighted to have worked with NMi, a trusted name in evaluation and testing. Their conclusions about the accuracy of our products provide an extra level of confidence in the outcomes of our reading technologies.” 

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About NMi:
Founded in 1937, NMi is the leading independent specialist for legal metrology testing and inspection services in Europe and a trusted brand worldwide. NMi specializes in type approval & certification, verification & calibration, and training services, providing a wide range of advice on complex regulations and accreditations. In addition, NMi enables its customers to continuously improve and safeguard their data and operational technologies. Based in Delft, the Netherlands, NMi operates in more than 200 countries and serves more than 5,000 customers worldwide. NMi employs about 150 people worldwide.