Disruptive Innovation
2025 AWARD COMMENDATION
Aotearoa New Zealand's electricity grid is under pressure. As more people install EVs and heat pumps, demand is growing. Yet upgrading grid infrastructure to cope would cost billions.
To address this challenge, Lastmyle has created Maestro, which is part-device and part-software platform. It comprises low cost devices that connect home electrical appliances to the grid. The AI-enabled platform saves energy and money by shifting energy use away from peak periods.
The system learns when demand is highest and then shifts when appliances like EVs, heat pumps and space heaters run. Everything happens automatically. Households notice no difference in comfort, but their appliances now help balance the grid. In return, they save money on their energy bills.
A pilot with Our Energy achieved a 20% reduction in overall energy consumption and a 30% reduction in peak demand.
The hardware is inexpensive and works with all brands and ages of appliances. Unlike solar and expensive home electrical upgrades, Maestro offers a low-cost entry point for everyone to participate in the energy transition.
The judges said: "LastMyle’s Maestro device is a clever, AI-enabled solution that makes our existing power grid smarter and more efficient. With proven energy and peak demand reductions, it helps cut emissions and costs without disruption for consumers. It’s a scalable innovation tackling a big sustainability challenge."