Iskraemeco, Itron and Landis+Gyr Announce IDIS, Interoperable Specifications According to Open Standards for Utilities Across Europe, Middle East and Africa

KRANJ, Slovenia, BRUSSELS and ZUG, Switzerland -

- Standard Interfaces Will Spur Rapid Development of Smart Metering

Iskraemeco, Itron and Landis+Gyr today announced a significant initiative in the development of interoperable smart meters supporting utility applications. The three companies expect the new offering will promote faster and broader deployment of advanced metering management (AMM) devices and services based on open standards, thereby responding to a compelling customer demand.

Interoperability has been one of the main points of discussion among energy regulators, policy makers and the industry. There has been a call for universal definitions and communications standards, inter alia through the DLMS-User Association. This created the opportunity for Iskraemeco, Itron and Landis+Gyr to develop interoperability specifications in the context of a series of tendered projects, where interoperability was a prerequisite.

At the request of major utilities, the three companies, all well-known manufacturers of energy meters, have completed a testing phase which proves that each manufacturer’s smart meters are fully interoperable with those of the other two manufacturers. This is achieved by incorporating interoperable device interface specifications (IDIS) that are based on existing open international standards as defined and maintained by the DLMS-UA. IDIS is forward-looking and open to any other supplier that wants to incorporate identical interface specifications.

The interfaces of the three companies’ smart meters allow customers to mix and match products from different suppliers. This will accelerate the development of smart grid applications. The scope covers a full end-to-end solution, from the Home Area Network to the Wide Area Network and the interface to utilities existing IT infrastructure.

Iskraemeco, Itron and Landis+Gyr expect that the offering of interoperable meters will promote faster and broader deployment of advanced metering management devices and services based on open standards. Utilities managing large grids are apprehensive to rely on a single smart meter provider and believe a “second source of supply” is a must. The three companies pride themselves of having made interoperability specifications a key priority early on.

This development paves the way towards the deployment of smart metering in line with the recently passed EU electricity market Directive, requiring that 80% of EU households will be equipped with smart meters by 2020. Moreover, this development contributes towards fulfilling the EU Commission mandate to the European Standardization Organizations to develop smart metering standards. With this pro-active approach, Iskraemeco, Itron and Landis+Gyr are implementing practical, interoperable and open standards that will drive smart metering forward.

Iskraemeco, Itron and Landis+Gyr intend to make these interface specifications available to all parties willing to develop open, interoperable products, and to facilitate the creation of a true interoperable environment for the future. To this end, DLMS-UA has already been contacted. This announcement by three smart metering providers shows that the industry is taking active measures to address the concerns voiced by utilities. This initiative demonstrates these companies’ commitment to serve the utility industry and enable them to invest with confidence. This will ensure that European consumers can start enjoying the benefits of smart metering as soon as possible.

IDIS enables greater confidence

“Leading meter manufacturers must come together to ensure that open standards serving the utility industry are not just established but also implemented in a coherent way, and this can only be achieved through an initiative of this sort, focused on delivering tangible field-proven products,” said Franc Kuhar , Steering Committee Member of Iskraemeco.

“By committing ourselves to open interface specifications for utility applications, we are simplifying and future-proofing both software and hardware investments. It is a significant step towards our shared vision of a truly interoperable world,” said Marcel Regnier, COO Itron International.

“The development of these interface specifications is important to the utility industry because it will allow for true interoperability and enable customers to invest with confidence” said Oliver Iltisberger, Senior Vice President Energy Management Units for Landis+Gyr. “Up to now we were mainly engaged in defining standards. This additional effort is necessary to convert these standards into truly interoperable products.”

To accelerate the objective, the companies each have started prototyping their application interface development in compliance with IDIS to be completed by the end of this year. This will facilitate the creation of a true plug-and-play environment for the future.

About Iskraemeco

Iskraemeco is a leading global metering solution provider. More than 60 years of tradition, quality and expertise are key success factors. The constant innovation process is meeting contemporary challenges of the customers, enabling them to respond quickly to changes in technology, economy, environment and industry regulation. The company’s mission “We make efficient energy use easy” is our contribution to sustainable development.

For additional information, contact:

Milena Rakun Marketing Manager milena.rakun@iskraemeco.si +386-4-206-4158

About Itron

Itron Inc. is a leading technology provider to the global energy and water industries. Our company is the world’s leading provider of intelligent metering, data collection and utility software solutions, with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our products include electricity, gas, water and heat meters, data collection and communication systems, including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); meter data management and related software applications; as well as project management, installation, and consulting services. To know more, start here: www.itron.com.

For additional information, contact:

Isabelle Sevegrand Itron International Communications Director isabelle.sevegrand@itron.com +33-5-4962-7044

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 over 5,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better.

For additional information, contact:

Stan March Landis+Gyr Corporate Communications stan.march@landisgyr.com +1-646-205-3119

Source: Landis+Gyr

Milena Rakun, Marketing Manager, milena.rakun at iskraemeco.si, +386-4-206-4158, or Isabelle Sevegrand, Itron International Communications Director, isabelle.sevegrand at itron.com, +33-5 4962-7044, or Stan March, Landis+Gyr Corporate Communications, stan.march at landisgyr.com, +1-646-205-3119