+update 02|2015: Landis+Gyr Customer Newsletter

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02 15

Smart metering market development in Europe more on page 04

Customer Projects Landis+Gyr brings G3 PLC Smart Metering to Austria Page 08

Customer Projects Landis+Gyr wins Polish contract to supply smart grid technology

Product Updates New interoperable CT connected smart meter for AMI applications

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Editorial

Dear Customer, Europe’s utilities face unprecedented challenges. How can grid networks continue to provide quality electricity reliably and cost-effectively, while the transition to more intermittent sources of generation continues? Utilities, more than ever, need trusted partners to help them achieve their goals and in many cases ensure regulatory compliance, which is driving the rollout of smart metering across the continent. At the end of 2014, 67 million smart meters have been installed – in a handful of member states – equal to about 24% penetration of the total electricity meter installed base. Getting to this point has required huge effort and commitment. However, more member states have embarked upon rollout programs so that over the second half of this decade the smart meter penetration rate of close to 60% of European consumers could be achieved.* We believe our latest offerings demonstrate our commitment to develop market-ready solutions that are future-proof as well as compliant with regulations. Our newest CT connected E570 smart meter has been designed to meet specific needs of high current low voltage AMI customers. Landis+Gyr’s G3 PLC meters are currently undergoing in-depth testing in a real network environment, demonstrating the technology’s efficiency at an impressive reliability level. And one of the leading Austrian utilities has already selected our company to supply a cutting edge G3 PLC based smart metering solution. We have recently been selected to supply our Smart Grid Terminal S650 to Poland’s four largest utilities, an order totaling 36,000 units. To ensure regulatory compliance and a unified standard of data collection across network, the Polish DSOs chose to collectively source one type of technology from a single supplier under the tender, a pragmatic and cost-effective approach that we wholeheartedly support in times of continuing economic austerity. We are confident that our ability to address utilities’ needs with new approaches, technological innovations and services coupled with our broad industry perspective will continue to benefit our customers long into the future.

Andreas Brun Senior Vice President​​​​​, Sales & Marketing EMEA, Landis+Gyr

*Source: Berg Insight, Smart Metering in Europe, 2014 (www.berginsight.com)


Table of Contents Focus Article Smart metering market development in Europe

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Customer Projects Landis+Gyr brings G3 PLC Smart Metering to Austria

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Landis+Gyr wins Polish contract to supply smart grid technology

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Landis+Gyr delivers prototype of grid module GM-EEG (S750) to EnBW

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Product Updates New interoperable CT connected smart meter for AMI applications

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Latest Gridstream Converge platform launched

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Successful G3 PLC field tests prove the technology’s promise

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Faster communication for industrial, commercial and grid metering

Page 20

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Focus Article

Smart metering market development in Europe While retaining its market leadership in Europe, Landis+Gyr has been presiding over a rapidly changing marketplace. Have all the expectations been met regarding the deployment of smart metering technologies and meeting the targets set by the EU 2020 climate and energy package*? It would be surprising, since an infrastructure project of such dimensions hardly ever proceeds exactly as planned. The figures show that significant progress has been made, however: following a positive cost benefit analysis for electricity in over two thirds of cases, EU member states are committed to proceeding or have already completed the rollout of smart meters. Close to 45 million smart meters have already been installed in just three member states, i.e. Finland, Italy and Sweden, representing 23% of envisaged installation in the EU by 2020.** Rollout Status 2014, Main European Countries SE

2001

FI

Completed 2009

EE

Mandated

2011

ES

Mandated

2011

AT

Mandated

FR

Mandated

NO

Mandated

NL

Mandated

GR

Mandated (on hold)

UK

Mandated

PL

New Energy Policy in definition

CH

New Energy Policy in definition

DE

No full roll out – Policy definition in 2015

2009 Completed 2013 2016 2018 2016

2020

2015

2013

2021

2016

2020

2016

2020 2018

2016

202X 2022

Source: SmartRegions, CEER, Berg Insight 4


According to a 2014 report by the European Commission, the rollout commitments amount to an investment of around €45 billion for the installation by 2020 of close to 200 million smart electricity meters, representing approximately 72% of all European consumers and 45 million gas meters, which equals around 40% of consumers.** Landis+Gyr has early on shifted to a strategy that focused on being a full solution provider rather than just a device vendor. This strategy has paid off; driven by a culture of strong commitment to quality and long-term vision, Landis+Gyr has been able to deploy a broad range of energy management solutions. Over 10 million of Landis+Gyr’s smart meters only have been installed to date across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Helping Europe to manage energy better Landis+Gyr is the leading provider of intelligent devices and endto-end AMI solutions in large markets dominated by a few utilities. Whether it’s France, the UK, Spain, or the Netherlands, Landis+Gyr plays a crucial part in addressing all of those markets. Likewise, many utilities in the Nordic countries, e.g. in Finland, Sweden or Denmark have chosen to rely on Landis+Gyr’s technology and project management expertise. Germany, the largest European country has taken a more conservative approach to smart meter deployment. Nevertheless, Landis+Gyr has developed products that meet specific security and technology standards set by Germany and will play a significant role there, too. There are a few countries that have chosen a unique approach; Italy, the first country to comprehensively roll out smart metering technology on a national level, being one of them. The dominant Italian utility Enel has defined its own standards and has become a producer of devices itself rather than relying on vendors. “Enel is a former customer of ours in the residential energy sector that * EU 2020 climate and energy package implies 20% increase in energy efficiency, 20% reduction of CO2 emissions, and 20% generation of energy from renewable sources by 2020 ** Berg Insight Smart Metering reports (www.berginsight.com)

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Focus Article

has become a player in this market,” says Xavier Ringot, VP Smart Metering Solutions Center, Sales EMEA Landis+Gyr. On the whole, the initiative taken by the European Commission has borne fruit: even countries like Norway, not formally part of the European Union have taken steps towards large-scale deployment of smart metering technology. The rise of the cost imperative Nevertheless, it is fair to say that the ambitious 20-20-20 goals*** will not be fully met. Especially Eastern European countries have had troubles defining positive business case and securing financing. “It is important to stay realistic,” says Xavier Ringot. “Today, in many Eastern European countries digitalization of the distribution network is not the prime concern.” Now that smart metering technology has been deployed on a large scale in Europe, a number of trends become apparent. The diversity of the national marketplaces is reflected in the approach that has been taken by the respective players. While countries like Finland have put a premium on utilizing the cutting-edge technologies, a large number of countries have focused primarily on the cost of smart metering solutions. “Across the board, what we see is a focus on compliance with regulation rather than a drive towards using the most futureproof and high performance technology,” Ringot explains. What experts familiar with the day to day reality of the marketplace recognize is the fact that there is a discrepancy between the ambitious sustainability goals that inspired the EU regulation and the implementation on the ground. “The regulation from the EU doesn’t specify the capabilities a smart metering solution needs to provide”, explains Ringot. The issue has been recognized and the Commission is currently putting questions to the member states regarding the functionalities of the smart meters deployed in their rollouts. Based on the answers it will receive, the Commission will decide whether further legislation on smart metering is needed.

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*** EU climate and energy package 2008


Timing might pose a problem, because the realization of a smart grid with a high level of automation and real time grid management is only possible if utilities choose to roll out cutting-edge technology, but in most of the cases tender rules are defined in a way that technology advantages are negligible compared to low cost scoring. “We will probably see more specific regulation from the EU in the future, but there is a risk that the deployment of low cost equipment limits the performance of solutions installed until then,” Ringot concludes. Despite the significant progress made, a number of European countries will probably miss out on the benefits from economies of scale that the synergies between advanced smart metering and the smart grid bring n Smart Meter Rollout Status 2014 >80%

10 – 50%

50 – 80%

5 – 10%

0 – 5%

98%

100% 8%

58% 2%

54% 2%

1%

6% 16%

4%

1%

2%

2%

6% 2%

6%

3%

2% 11% 2%

2%

99% 3%

42%

10% 1%

Source: Berg Insight Smart Metering Reports (www.berginsight.com) 7


Customer Projects

Landis+Gyr brings G3 PLC Smart Metering to Austria Following a pan-European tender, Netz Burgenland Strom has awarded a contract to Landis+Gyr to supply Gridstream®, a smart metering solution comprised of head end system, smart meters and cutting edge G3 PLC technology. Netz Burgenland Strom is one of the seven largest electricity Distribution System Operators in Austria and has more than 200,000 metering points in its network. Starting in late 2015, the first 3,000 meters will be installed. The next rollout step, including 20,000 further devices, is planned for 2016, with the full meter park to be replaced with smart meters by 2019. “We were convinced by the state-of-the-art meters from Landis+Gyr, as well as by the cost benefit ratio and the vast experience the company holds in rollouts,” states Peter Sinowatz, Managing Director of Netz Burgenland Strom, “the G3 PLC technology enables us to put the full potential of power line communication to use.”

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The smart residential meter, the E450 from Landis+Gyr, will be rolled out across the network of Netz Burgenland Strom from November this year. The meter enables core functionalities that include multienergy metering and personal energy management, which allows for direct communication between the utility and the end consumer. This contract follows the decree of April 2012 passed by the Austrian Ministry for Economy, Family and that stated 95 percent of the country’s meters must be ‘smart’ by the year 2019. n

G3 is an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based technology, which is a modulation format used for many of the latest wireless and telecommunications standards. It enables fast and cost-efficient data transfer over existing power lines: Very high volumes of data can be communicated over electricity networks using G3 and by doing so, opportunity for future smart grid applications are created. Crucially, as power line communication enables energy data to be transferred over existing electricity networks, the operation and installation costs are extremely low. n

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Customer Projects

Landis+Gyr wins Polish contract to supply smart grid technology Landis+Gyr has won a contract to supply its S650 Smart Grid Terminal to Poland’s four largest utilities. In an unprecedented development, four of the country’s largest distribution system operators (DSOs) – Tauron Dystrybucja, RWE Stoen Operator, Enea Operator and PGE Dystrybucja – teamed up to launch a single public tender for balancing meters in October 2014. Under the new agreement, Landis+Gyr will supply an order of over 36,000 S650 Smart Grid Terminals by the end of 2015. Shipping started in May. Tauron will install 18,050 meters, PGE - 9,200, Enea 7000 and RWE - 2000. The S650 Smart Grid Terminal – a metering node designed for MV/LV transformer monitoring & control – will measure the power quality and enable detection of nontechnical losses in addition to balancing functionalities. The terminal optimizes customer outages and reduces System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) while enhancing reliability of energy supply overall. Through visualization of power quality issues on the network energy companies will be able to identify areas where upgrade investments are needed. Much of Poland’s network infrastructure is aging, requiring investments and upgrades. The SAIDI and SAIFI indices in Poland significantly exceed EU averages. 10


The national regulator is incentivizing DSOs to increase their power quality and network efficiency levels by making key investments in their network infrastructure. To ensure compliance with regulations, the utilities chose to collectively source one type of device from a single supplier under the tender, to secure a unified standard of data collection across network. Acting jointly presenting one large tender also enabled the utilities to negotiate a more favourable unit pricing. Furthermore, the DSOs prioritized a rugged, proven and future-proof technology. S650 combines the new smart grid-oriented features with the stateof-the-art metering design based on the robust E650 platform with extended firmware features and hardware enhancements. Poland is a large country with tens of thousands of transformer substations and the DSOs needed to be confident in a provider with a strong market presence and resources to be able to deliver the contract. With this project, Landis+Gyr enables Polish network operators to enhance their distribution intelligence and gradually build up new smart grid capabilities through deploying a scalable solution of which the functionality can be extended to meet new market and regulatory requirements. The deal comes ahead of the introduction of a new energy law due to come into effect in Poland in 2016. As of 1 January 2016, the country’s new renewable act will support small-scale generators of renewable energy, so called prosumers, with feed-in tariff subsidies and promote network efficiency. n

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Customer Projects

Landis+Gyr delivers prototype of grid module GM-EEG (S750) to EnBW Landis+Gyr has developed an intelligent, multi-functional grid module in cooperation with EnBW. The GM-EEG* module is a crucial component of the solution for managing the electric feed of large and medium-sized solar, wind, and other renewable energy power plants in Germany. It will be used in combination with the “Synchronous Modular Meter,” or “SyM2”, a modular metering platform for commercial and industrial customers. The GM-EEG grid module is compatible with the present SyM2 solution. Thus, it is able to automatically detect which version of the SyM2 it is being used with. By means of a firmware upgrade the module can be adapted to future MS 2020** metering platforms. If necessary, the module can also be used as a standalone RTU device without a basic meter. “Several vendors made the short-list for the development of the GM-EEG, but we went with Landis+Gyr because they could offer compatibility and the right communication technology (SyM2 Ethernet Bus communication module (SyM2-CU) GSM/GPRS),” says Klaus Hahn, Netze BW, the EnBW distribution network operator. * GM-EEG (Grid Modul-Erneuerbare Energien Gesetz) is a smart grid device designed to address challenges posed by the German Renewable Energy Act of 2000. ** MS 2020 or „Metering System 2020“ is a project aimed at developing performance specifications that will drive the standardization of smart metering systems throughout Germany.

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In 2005, the SyM2 concept was introduced by the German consortium of utilities RWE, EnBW and E.ON; they compiled what is perhaps the first genuine set of open standards and specifications in the German market for the design and manufacture of modular electricity meters. Landis+Gyr rose to the challenge and developed the E750, a SyM2 standard meter that has been rolled out in thousands to the utilities in the consortium and demonstrated a great increase in productivity and efficiency. Landis+Gyr’s relationship as a trusted partner for EnBW reaches back a lot further than this cooperation, however, the companies have been working together for decades. Results of a long and successful cooperation With the successful cooperation of the E750 meter in the background, EnBW and Landis+Gyr teamed up to build the grid module prototype. “We provided Landis+Gyr with the detailed requirement specifications. The GM-EEG goes above and beyond the regulatory requirements, but we feel that it is the most elegant and future-proof solution,” says Hahn. “With the GM-EEG, data can be read out on a second by second basis; active and Joe Imfeld, Landis+Gyr, hands over the first five samples of reactive power can be switched the S750 Grid Module to Klaus Hahn, Netze-BW and controlled. Besides, we will fully integrate the energy generation plants being controlled with the module into our SCADA system infrastructure.” “EnBW will start testing the prototypes in the lab and already has a detailed plan for the deployment of the device; the company plans to have 50 devices in the field in the next quarter and another 450 units until the end of 2015,” Hahn concludes. n 13


Product Updates

New interoperable CT connected smart meter for AMI applications Landis+Gyr presents its first current transformer (CT) connected IDIS compliant smart meter for low voltage commercial, light industrial and high consumption residential customers. With this new product, Landis+Gyr delivers yet another advanced metering solution that focuses on specific needs of the high current low voltage (LV) segment of the AMI market that couldn’t be addressed by technical capabilities of direct connected meters. E570 has a flexible open architecture and is tailored to utilities’ demands, such as powerful automatic meter reading, power quality measurement, LV transformer monitoring and load and demand control. Moreover, large scale deployment of this solution will allow high current energy companies to comply with the binding measures stipulated in the 2012 EU Energy Efficiency Directive. The E570 series is based on the proven platform of Landis+Gyr’s flagship residential E450 meter and integrates selected functionalities of the leading industrial & commercial E650 meter family. Currently, E570 is available with PLAN+ PLC two-way communication and cellular point to point 2G GSM/GPRS via the exchangeable E57C communication module. More configurations will be added to the meter family as the product continues to develop. The meter’s extensive registration concept combined with the large storage capacity produces a comprehensive collection of smart data that delivers actionable insights for utilities. The multi-energy gateway functionality for gas, heat and water meter reading further enhances the E570 outstanding capability for centralized smart energy management.

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As the market and industry evolve, interoperability becomes crucial for the success of the large scale smart metering projects. Open standards and interoperability enable energy companies to flexibly extend and adapt their infrastructure, while improving security of the supply chain. E570 has been tested and validated acc. to DLMS and IDIS (Interoperable Device Interface Specifications) protocols. In addition, E570 complies with the high level security (HLS) specifications of IDIS package II for data communication, which makes it one of the first interoperable devices to support unauthorized access protection, data integrity and consumer data privacy acc. to the IEC 62056 standards. E570 is one of the building blocks of GridstreamŽ, Landis+Gyr’s end-to-end smart grid solution; both abovementioned meter versions are currently undergoing rigorous system integration testing that will be completed by the end of 2015. n

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Product Updates

Latest GridstreamŽ Converge platform launched Landis+Gyr has launched the latest version of its Gridstream Converge software platform for smart metering and billing. Gridstream Converge is a scalable and flexible automatic meter reading system with comprehensive support of both Landis+Gyr and 3rd party industrial, commercial and grid meters. The newest version – 3.9 – introduces improved performance with capability of reading data from up to half a million metering points with Oracle Exadata platform. The latest system enhancements have been driven by one of the largest Czech utilities with activities in central and south-eastern Europe, which has been deploying the latest Gridstream Converge platform across 70,000 metering points in the Czech Republic. Besides improved performance, the main developments of the new software include the IEC 61968-9 interface which increases the system interoperability with other IT systems. Furthermore, Gridstream Converge 3.9 introduces new functionality and enhanced usability, like support for remote controls, improved text data search and extended auditability of user changes. The new data calculation tool enables customers to perform easy calculations directly over data from the meters. The system security level has also been enhanced, and the system version 3.9 supports embedded Oracle license. Gridstream Converge is known for its extensive device support. More than 25 different protocols are being supported, representing over 140 internal and third party devices. Along the release of the version 3.9, several new drivers will be introduced, including e.g. drivers for third party devices. Version 3.9 is already generally available for all new installations as well as for upgrades from previous versions. n 16


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Product Updates

Successful G3 PLC field tests prove the technology’s promise Landis+Gyr extends its portfolio to include a smart metering solution that runs on G3 PLC technology. Landis+Gyr started technology field tests with G3 PLC at the beginning of 2015 in Norway and Switzerland. Today, results show that the technology is ready for rollout. In Switzerland, AEK, a medium-sized energy supplier located in Solothurn is implementing plans for smart grid development with the support of Landis+Gyr. AEK has been running smart metering at some of its transformer stations using PLAN PLC technology; it also provided Landis+Gyr with a secondary, representative transformer station for G3 PLC testing, which serves both industrial and residential sectors. “Following installation of 70 smart meters that run on G3 PLC, AEK has been able to assess the field reliability of the technology. First results show that it is reliable and fast. It may be an option to help AEK meet its future needs,” says René Schärer, Head of Metering and Measurement at AEK. Landis+Gyr also conducted field tests in three-wire electricity distribution networks in Norway at the utility Midtnett Buskerud. The in-depth testing in a real network environment provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact the new technology has, and of its behavior in the network as a whole. G3 PLC allows hosting robust and high-performing energy management solutions that are cost and resource effective.

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Landis+Gyr took the decision to invest in G3 Power Line Communication (PLC) in recognition of the fact that it can provide high-speed, highly-reliable and long-range communication over existing powerline infrastructure, helping to reduce infrastructure costs. Significantly, G3 PLC technology comprises the latest internet protocol, Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), meaning it has been designed to meet present and future advanced networking and application layer needs. The IPv6 layer in G3 PLC technology can contribute to the development of the smart grid and the smart home. n

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Product Updates

Faster communication for industrial, commercial and grid metering Landis+Gyr launches the E65C CU-U52 module for UMTS communication In the liberalized market environment energy suppliers become increasingly concerned with maximizing the security of their investments. With the E65C CU-U52 module, Landis+Gyr once again delivers on its promise to provide up-to-date technology for customers seeking flexible and future-proof solutions. The new E65C CU-U52 module runs the latest implementations of UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), the corresponding 3GPP release 7 stack, while offering backwards

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compatibility with GSM/GPRS/EDGE legacy networks. This is commonly referred to as a 2G/3G modem. No more delays The speed of the communications is much faster than with GPRS technology. Measurements show that the CU-U52 is almost twice as fast as the CU-P42 (2G) product when reading load profiles. This is primarily due to the drastic reduction of delay in the network from typical values of 300 ms to 1000 ms for 2G networks to 100 ms to 500 ms in 3G networks.

E65C CU-U52 (UMTS) module is yet another alternative to easily bring a meter point online. One of the module’s core benefits is visible to the naked eye: the cutting-edge hardware design. It requires no additional energy supply and is powered directly from the meter, thereby reducing the work around installation. Users can customize the unit’s faceplate which helps improve internal processes of deploying or replacing devices in the field. Providing options In the commercial, industrial and grid segments of the metering market, one critical consideration for deploying solutions is the longevity of the technology in the field. There has always been a mismatch between the pace of technological innovation in the communications area and the electricity infrastructure markets. This is why the Landis+Gyr flagship meters E650 and E850 are designed to be used with the E65C family of modules. The CU-U52 complements the CU-P4x solution by allowing the user to have yet another alternative to easily bring a meter point online, be it Ethernet, GPRS, UMTS or serial communications. In all cases, a 2G/3G device is better than a 2G only device. n 21


Editorial and layout: Landis+Gyr AG Seidl PR & Marketing GmbH, 45131 Essen, Germany Photography: thinkstockphotos.de; Zoonar RF (titel) thinkstockphotos.de; JoolsBerlin (page 8+9) istock.com; jacek_kadaj (page 11) istock.com; deliormanli (page 12+13) istock.com; loops7 (page 18+19) Additional photos by Landis+Gyr/Seidl PR & Marketing GmbH

Landis+Gyr AG Theilerstrasse 1 6301 Zug Switzerland www.landisgyr.eu Š Landis+Gyr 2015


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