Zug, Switzerland, 26 November, 2010 - Landis+Gyr, leading provider of smart metering solutions, will enable the migration of the entire customer base of Finnish public utility Kuopio Energy to smart metering by the end of 2013. The deal, which is a turnkey delivery, was signed today in Kuopio, Finland, for the delivery of 50,000 smart electricity meters, the smart metering software Gridstream AIM, as well as installation and project management – all by Landis+Gyr.
The turnkey delivery is completed with a meter reading service agreement, also provided by Landis+Gyr, which is valid for the next ten years. Under the terms of the agreement, Landis+Gyr will be responsible for the daily gathering and delivery of hourly consumption data to Kuopio Energy. The utility will also receive regular reports on electricity quality and network status.
Kari Väänänen, Managing Director of Kuopio Energy, says, “The purchase of smart metering as a service was the most convenient and cost-effective solution for us. It means that we will always have access to the latest technology and know-how, and that we will always know the exact system operating and maintenance costs throughout the entire life-cycle of the system. As well as enabling Kuopio Energy to improve its customer service portfolio and enhance internal processes, Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream solution provides us with tools for network management and investment planning. We’re confident that smart metering will secure the future of our business and enable us to launch new energy products for consumers.”
The introduction of smart metering systems by Finnish utilities is in full swing, after national legislation on billing and smart metering came into force in spring 2009. Utilities are now preparing to meet the requirement that 80 percent of households be equipped with smart metering by the end of 2013.
This latest announcement sees Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream solution continue to expand its footprint as deployment of smart metering in Europe, which forms the foundation of the smart grid, begins to take shape. Finland is at the forefront of smart metering in the EU, and well ahead of the timetable laid down in the 3rd Energy package to have 80 percent of European households enjoying the benefits of smart metering by 2020.
The EU last week released its Energy Infrastructure Package, which cites the expedited rollout of smart metering as a key step in achieving its 2020 goals. Smart meters and power grids are highlighted as the key to realizing the full potential for renewable energy and energy savings, and as essential to the smooth functioning of the European energy market and to the security of energy supply.
Landis+Gyr’s smart metering solution Gridstream offers a complete portfolio of meters, standardised communication technologies and software for multi energy smart metering. The complete end-to-end solution ensures seamless flow of information and provides tools for personal energy management and network management support, forming the foundation of the smart grid.
About Landis+Gyr
Landis+Gyr is the leading provider of integrated energy management solutions tailored to energy company needs. With a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation, Landis+Gyr is unique in its ability to deliver true end-to-end advanced metering solutions. Today, the Company offers the broadest portfolio of products and services in the electricity metering industry, and is paving the way for the next generation of smart grid. With annualized sales of more than US$1.25 billion, Landis+Gyr operates in 30 countries across five continents, and employs almost 5,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better.
Media Contact
John Harris
Vice President Communications
Landis+Gyr (Europe) AG
john.harris@landisgyr.com