Grid edge intelligence software from Massachusetts-based Sense is helping fast-track the transition to a decarbonised Australian grid.

Sense has been awarded a place in EnergyLab’s 2025 Energy Scaleup programme, in which its software will turn future smart meters into grid-edge AI computer platforms, generating high-resolution insights for distribution networks, retailers and consumers.

Sense head of Australia, Dave Johnson, said Sense was an ideal fit for the programme, with its proven ability to make grids safer and the grid-edge more visible, and help consumers become smarter about their energy use.

“EnergyLab is important to Sense as we localise and scale Sense in Australia,” said Johnson. “EnergyLab’s deep knowledge and insights, coupled with Sense AI technology unlocks new ways for Australian energy regulators, networks and retailers to address energy transition challenges.”

According to EnergyLab: “This year, start-ups were selected that are innovating across vegetation management, asset monitoring, unlocking transmission capacity, AI-powered grid insights, streamlined connections processes and climate resilience.”

Johnson added that Sense’s technology was already being rolled out with Sense-capable smart meters in the USA, and would soon be available for millions of Australian homes.

“Sense not only provides incredible new data insights, but identifies trends and patterns that grid operators, distributed network service providers and meter coordinators can’t see today, but that are essential for grid strain and safety, and make new grid edge CER loads such as EV chargers visible, and better plan for the future,” he said.

Sense AI machine-learning software turns smart meters into high-resolution grid edge AI sensors. The AI software detects patterns and anomalies in the raw energy stream that identify energy activities and faults on the grid and behind the meter. When high-resolution data are in place, specific energy fingerprints of most consumer energy resources (CERs) and appliances can be detected and measured in real time.

“This new visibility spans from the primary side through to the secondary side, all the way to behind the meter, an area that is usually invisible today to grid operators. ,” said Johnson. “Intelligence at the edge of the grid provides deeper insight, allowing operators to address a number of problems and shift from reactive to proactive management.”

For many, the most important advance in visibility unlocked by Sense will be identifying and instantly alerting to fatal shock or fire risks in homes due to floating neutrals from deteriorating wiring insulation or incorrect DIY wiring.

Sense (sense.com) requires no additional smart plugs or IoT systems and its high-resolution computations happen largely within the meter itself rather than on the cloud. The result is huge savings on utility cloud processing costs and providing essential data to the teams who need urgent data insights far more quickly. Sense analyses the high-resolution data entirely at the grid edge, only issuing small data messages with alerts and insight, when necessary, into backend systems.

EnergyLab’s CEO, Megan Fisher, said the scaleup programme continued to be a powerful platform for connection and collaboration in the energy sector.

“The programme offers Australian energy companies a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies from around the world, while giving global start-ups valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of Australia’s net zero transition,” she said. “Australia is a leading global player for renewable energy on the grid, but there are still many challenges we have to overcome to get to 82% by 2030. We’re proud to create a space where world-leading start-ups and local industry come together to work through these technical challenges.”

This year’s programme will be delivered in collaboration with partners, including Endeavour Energy, Powerlink and Tepco Power Grid, through Greenway Grid Global.

“The participation of innovative thought-leading energy utilities makes this programme pilot-ready rather than just theoretical,” said Johnson.

EnergyLab participants also include a network of experienced energy experts from industry, government and energy-focused investors, whose feedback helps tailor Sense’s value proposition to the Australian market.

Now in its sixth year, the programme (energylab.org.au/programs/scaleup) connects late-stage climate-tech start-ups with network operators to pilot and commercialise options. The 2025 cohort includes ten companies from five countries and hopes to solve immediate grid-integration problems.