Landis+Gyr proves G3 PLC technology is right fit for smart metering

Successful field tests prove the technology’s promise

Zug, Switzerland – May 20th, 2015 – Landis+Gyr, a global leader in supplying energy management solutions, is extending its portfolio to include a smart metering solution that runs on G3 PLC technology. The technology provides the ability to host robust and high-performing energy management solutions that are cost and resource effective – and which contribute to enabling the smart grid and the smart home of the future.

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. “The results have been very positive,” says Tom White, Senior Vice President of Smart Energy Solutions at Landis+Gyr, “The field tests are up and running at an impressive reliability level. All measurement values can be collected from the meter in just a few seconds, demonstrating the efficiency that G3 technology offers.”

In Switzerland, AEK is a medium-sized energy supplier located in Solothurn that 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.

René Schärer, Head of Metering and Measurement at AEK, says, “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.”

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 provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the impact the new technology has, and of its behavior in the network as a whole,” says Franz Buholzer, Product Manager at Landis+Gyr, “It supports the definition of optimal configuration, and also provides valuable information on G3 technology in comparison to the otherwise well-known PLAN technology.”

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 Internet of Things, thereby supporting development of the smart grid and the smart home.

With an installed base of over 40 million metering points in Europe, PLC is one of the most commonly used communication technology for the smart metering industry. The latest PLC version, G3, is quickly gaining ground with its robust performance and fast communications speed.

About Landis+Gyr
Landis+Gyr is the leading global provider of integrated energy management products tailored to energy company needs and 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$1.5 billion, Landis+Gyr, an independent growth platform of the Toshiba Corporation (TKY:6502) and 40% owned by the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, operates in 30 countries across five continents, and employs 5,500 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better.

Press contact
John Harris, Vice President and Head Governmental Affairs and Communications
Landis+Gyr AG, Alte Steinhauserstrasse 18, 6330 Cham
Tel. +41 41 935 6439