Case Study: Unison Networks achieves real-time transformer monitoring and improved grid performance and safety with Microsoft Azure

Unison Networks: Data from smart sensors improves performance and safety of power grid

Unison Networks, a New Zealand electricity distribution and fibre company serving about 110,000 customers across Hawke’s Bay, Rotorua and Taupo, faced limited visibility into the condition and performance of its fleet of over 10,000 distribution transformers. Without real‑time data some transformers risked being overloaded or under‑utilised, maintenance was reactive, and the company could not proactively protect critical customers such as factories, airports and hospitals.

Unison implemented a Smart Grid with smart sensors and developed ETELligent on Microsoft Azure to stream transformer data into a single hub and user-friendly dashboard. Automated analytics and near‑real‑time insights let teams triage issues, plan preventative maintenance, reduce costs, speed decision‑making and roll the solution out across the fleet, while building AI‑driven asset‑management capabilities for future growth.

Unison Networks

Jaun Park

General Manager of Network and Operations