New technology allows cost-efficient, robust data transfer from smart energy meters into utility business systems and paves the way for new innovations in the energy sector.

Managing distribution assets is a key consideration for utilities, as they look to maximize the life of existing and new asset investments. With Advanced Grid Analytics, the AMI data can be harnessed to help utilities make sound strategic investment decisions.

Reliable and efficient delivery of energy in a dynamic smart grid environment remains a number one priority for distribution system operators in Europe. Increased load and distributed generation make the existing energy network more vulnerable to shortages and grid congestion. However, monitoring transformer loads, and electric power quality help prevent incidents and protect utilities’ power distribution assets.

In October, Landis+Gyr announced a major milestone with the first ‘next generation’ UK smart meter installation for its customer British Gas. Using the latest technology, the new smart meters for electricity and gas enable seamless switching between suppliers and comply with the UK Government’s ground-breaking smart energy standard, SMETS2 ('smart metering equipment technical specifications 2’).

In an eight-month pilot project, Liechtensteinische Kraftwerke (LKW) and Landis+Gyr are testing the potential of Advanced Grid Analytics for typical utility company processes in medium- and low-voltage networks. The aim of the pilot project is to demonstrate the effectiveness of smart meter data for grid analysis and optimization. The project was launched at the beginning of September this year, and once it is successfully completed, country-wide rollout is planned with a total of 27,000 metering points.

Future-proofing the grid infrastructure has become one of the major concerns of utilities facing rapid changes in the market regulatory and technological requirements. Energy providers strive to continuously improve their quality of service to end consumers by maintaining stability of power supply and network efficiency. To achieve that, they require a top-quality proven technology from a trusted partner with long-term experience and in-depth industry knowledge.