Meridian Annual Report - Meridian Energy

27<
To support Meridian’s goals in the renewable energy sector, it invests in
start-up ventures that align to or have the capability to be game changing
in terms of influencing or modifying its core business. It offers synergies
that add value and increase the chance of success by providing its
own intellectual property portfolio and expertise to these ventures.
Meridian’s investments include the following:
• Right House is a business that promotes comfortable, healthy
and energy-efficient homes by providing a single source of
advice and products. It started commercial operations in Auckland,
Wellington and Christchurch this financial year and has
made a promising start with a strong forward order book.
• Whispertech reached a major commercialisation milestone in
moving from prototype development into commercial production
through the establishment of its joint venture in Spain. First
commercial production will come off the production line in late
2008. It has secured distribution agreements in Europe and will
increase sales as product flows off the production line.
• Arc Innovations continues to show the way forward in smart
metering technology that leads to efficiencies through changes
in consumption patterns. Its meters are now deployed in almost
100,000 premises. With the technology now proven, it is
looking to expand its international operations.
• Damwatch provides consultancy services to dam owners.
It continues to increase its sales base and is looking to expand
its international operations as a global leader.