ENERGY RESOURCE-27 May 2008-Landis+Gyr Lands Metering Contract with Texas Utility(C)2008 JeraOne - http://www.jeraone.com
Landis+Gyr, an energy management company offering utilities next generation "smart grid" solutions, today announced a major four-year advanced metering contract with
Under the agreement, Oncor will deploy a Landis+Gyr advanced meter system (AMS) to seven million Texas consumers through 3 million points of delivery, allowing them to independently manage their energy consumption, cut their energy bills and protect the environment.
The $690 million Oncor project, which includes Landis+Gyr's AMS solution and other project costs, is the largest AMS rollout undertaken in Texas and one of the largest in the U.S. The national demand for electricity is growing three times faster than power resources are being added.
"This is a significant win and confirms yet again our presence as a global industry leader in smart metering," said Landis+Gyr CEO Cameron O'Reilly. "Energy conservation is the critical 'fifth fuel' -- after coal, gas, nuclear and alternative energy -- that must be harnessed to secure our energy future. Through this contract Texas will now be able to manage energy better."
Oncor CEO Bob Shapard noted the company went through a vigorous review process that included technological capability, service quality and cost before ultimately choosing Landis+Gyr.
"Our evaluation of possible vendors convinced us that Landis+Gyr's metering and communications technology is the best fit for our system," said Shapard.
U.S. demand for smart metering solutions is expected to grow rapidly in the months ahead, thanks in part to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which mandates that all electric utilities consider implementing advanced metering systems to increase efficiency.
Analysts predict smart meters -- small, powerful communications tools -- will form the foundation for a national, energy-efficient smart grid distribution network needed to secure, protect and conserve power supply. A recent California study found smart metering cut energy consumption by upwards of 9%. In an Ontario study, researchers noted that a demand reduction of 6.5% was feasible from customers simply having access to the usage information from smart meters.
Just a five percent drop in peak demand nationally would eliminate the need for installing and running some 625 infrequently used peaking power plants, translating into annual savings of $3 billion, a recent Brattle Group study found.
Landis+Gyr, whose operational headquarters is in Zug, Switzerland, recently announced it was opening an office in New York.
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@jeraone.com))
((Distributed via M2 Communications Ltd - http://www.m2.com))