Meter Magazine_4_2015_DIGITALMAG

INTERNET OF THINGS

increases the accuracy of energy diversion can successfully transmit ‘last gasp’ outage relationships as restoration and maintenance
and theft detection by as much as 300% over messages over the network, how many of work and the addition of new meters occurs
current smart metering systems. those reach the utility, and the filtering and over time. Once meters determine that
It is a basic fact of the physics of electricity analysis continues from there. This process they are on the same transformer, they can
that when current is drawn through a is still hampered by the lack of an accurate communicate with each other locally and
conductor, voltage drops in a measureable and continually updated connectivity model calculate the total load on the transformer
way on the network. Through their ability to that associates meters and distribution in either direction. At the same time, a back
communicate directly with other meters at system assets. Peer to peer communications, office component of the analytic application
different levels of the network, and to know combined with data analysis at the edge of interfaces with utility asset management
exactly where they are on the distribution the network, delivers a better approach and and GIS systems to identify the transformer
system, meters monitor voltage levels on can reduce outage analysis time by up to and its rated capacity, and delivers that
the network continuously, ubiquitously 50% compared to current AMI systems. information to each meter it serves.
and precisely. They use that information By combining locational awareness on the Based on the total load and the capacity
to identify when current is drawn on the grid with peer-to-peer communications, the of the transformer, the meters can identify
secondary of a transformer that did not go network systematically and continuously locally when the transformer is approaching
through a meter (i.e. theft) – and without evaluates the status of nearby meters overload conditions, whether from the line
requiring dedicated metering at the and devices to quickly model and localize side or customer side. When this occurs, a
distribution transformer. outage events, and report reliable and distributed analytic running on the meters
actionable information back to the utility in determines whether to shut off controlled
Detection of unsafe grid near real time. loads behind the transformer, turn on
conditions When an outage event takes place, or increase local distributed generation
regardless of the scale or location, the behind the transformer, turn on loads
High impedance connections (HIC) on the system automatically initiates a ‘heuristic’ behind the transformer, or decrease or
low-voltage distribution system represent analysis among smart meters and devices shut off distributed generation behind
a safety risk, while also causing customer on the network. The meters that still the transformer – depending upon which
voltage problems and utility energy losses. A have power quickly go into a progressive direction power is flowing through the
high impedance connection is simply a poor outage analysis mode via peer-to-peer transformer – to automatically reduce
electrical connection that can be created communications with other devices – in demand below allowed levels. In this way,
when splicing, tapping or connecting wires, effect, asking their ‘buddies,’ do you have safe loads are automatically and continually
when foliage touches a line, or when a cable power? By initially analyzing the data at the maintained on each transformer simply by
or connection fails. edge of the network, many of the difficulties the smart meters working together locally.
When current is drawn through the high current smart metering networks encounter This represents a key area of opportunity
impedance connection, heating occurs and in outage detection–including large- for utilities to leverage the investment
there is a voltage drop across the connection. scale volumes of unfiltered outage data in distributed intelligence and AMI to
As heating continues, the connection is congesting the network – are eliminated. significantly improve reliability, while
further degraded, and this causes the HIC to Instead, the utility receives accurate and optimizing capital and operational
worsen over time. Symptoms start as voltage actionable information – including scale expenditures associated with transformer
problems, and can deteriorate to power and location of the outage, affected meters, procurement and maintenance. Best of
outages or fires. Unfortunately, until now, and affected transformers, and more – in all, these results can be achieved with low
there has been no practical way to identify a compressed timeframe. The outage is incremental investment beyond the smart
and resolve these issues until they lead to detected (usually before the first customer metering infrastructure.
severe voltage problems or failure/fire. calls), and then modeled so that the extent There is absolutely no doubt that the
Distributed intelligence changes the game and probable cause of the outage is rapidly convergence of information technology
in HIC detection, and provides a practical understood and the appropriate resources and operational technology in the global
and cost-effective solution for utilities to can be dispatched efficiently to exactly where utility industry will continue and accelerate
identify these losses, voltage anomalies and they are needed to begin restoration efforts. in an IoT world. The convergence of smart
potential safety issues before they become a grid with the emerging smart cities and
safety hazard or a costly liability. This enables Transformer load management Internet of Things markets is accelerating
meters to continuously monitor impedance this trend toward a more distributed
and to notify the utility of the presence and Overloading of distribution transformers is model. The result will be both a stronger
location of high impedance connections. an increasingly common problem. Putting business case for smart metering and new,
In the event of a sudden change in intelligence at the edge allows the load on highly innovative solutions to longstanding
impedance, as caused by failing connections individual distribution grid operations challenges. MI
or cables, this solution can send a priority transformers
message over the network to the utility to be analyzed 49
informing them of the event, the relevant continuously and
data and the location of the suspected fault so managed locally in
that field service resources can be dispatched real time.
quickly and precisely to correct the problem. Distributed analytics
determine which
Outage detection and analysis meters are on the
same transformer,
Like energy theft detection, the current state and are able to
of outage detection and analysis via the detect changes and
smart metering network is still an inferential maintain correct
exercise based on how many affected meters
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

CYBERSECURITY

By Nadya Bartol, Utilities Telecom Council

The Federal Energy Regulatory Protections for communications mandated by CIP-006-6 R1.1.10. Therefore
Commission (FERC) has approved the networks components and data the proposed modification would require
North American Electric Reliability communications between all BES that ALL ‘communication links and sensitive
Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure control centers bulk electric system data communicated
Protection (CIP) Version 6 standards between all Bulk Electric System Control
(NERC CIP 6). However, rather than simply FERC is concerned that proposed CIP-006- Centers’ is thus protected. FERC does
approving the standard, FERC noted a 6 would only apply to a limited group acknowledge that encryption may
variety of further potential changes and of bulk electric system (BES) control impact latency, but goes further to seek
asked whether an entirely new topic centers, therefore creating a reliability comment on any available alternative
should be introduced into the standards, gap. FERC proposed to direct NERC to logical protections.
either as a new standard or in a series of modify CIP-006-6 to require protections The proposed change brings numerous
modifications for the current standards. for communication network components questions, not the least because it uses
This came as a surprise to many but given and data communications between ALL the word ‘all’, which is absolute in terms
the rapidly evolving threat landscape and BES Control Centers. This is a continuation of applicability. But really, what does
emerging technologies’ use by utilities, of a long standing discussion as to how ‘all bulk electric system Control Centers’
perhaps it should have been expected. and which communications devices mean in this context? Would this apply to
Proposed revisions will ‘address risks should be included in NERC CIP scope. communications within the same entity,
to communication networks and FERC acknowledged that electric utilities between different entities, or both? If
related bulk electric system assets do not have authority over ‘third party this is between the entities, how are the
and the development of standards for communications infrastructure’ (e.g., entities expected to manage and assign
supply chain management security facilities owned by a telecommunications accountability? Would data passing
controls to protect the bulk electric company). But FERC further elaborated that between distribution control centers be
system from security vulnerabilities this does not get the entities off the hook subject to these requirements?
and malware threats.’ The Notice of with respect to protecting ‘reliability data
Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR), Revised that traverses third party communication Developing new supply chain
Critical Infrastructure Protection Reliability infrastructure.’ The NOPR stated that while management standard
Standards1 posted shortly after the appropriate protections are required for the
hearing describes FERC’s concerns and data within the BES control centers the data In an entirely unanticipated move, FERC
seeks comments on several key issues. is exposed once it leaves the protection of expressed serious concern about potential
While several potential modifications the BES control center. So, the logic further malware infecting entity industrial control
were addressed, the two most sweeping goes, it is only appropriate to apply logical systems (ICS) before those are delivered
issues are protection of communications controls to the data before it leaves the and installed in the entity facilities. To
and supply chain risk management. protected environment, such as encryption address this concern FERC proposed to
50 and connection link monitoring, as
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

SMART GRID TECHNOLOGY

develop a new ‘supply chain management’ and the future acquisition of products industry practice, rather than creating a
standard or revise existing standards and services.’ separate set of activities
to include appropriate protections. This is a formidable goal, and ICS A multidisciplinary approach is required
Specifically, FERC cited Industrial Control and information and communication that includes but is not limited to
Systems (ICS) Computer Emergency technology (ICT) supply chain risks are cybersecurity, supply chain, legal,
Response Team (CERT) reports on Havex certainly a concern in the energy and engineering, software development,
and Black Energy malware, ICS-ALERT- utilities space. The US government and the and potentially other functions
14-176-02A and ICS-ALERT-14-281-01B technology industry have been working Robust cyber supply chain risk
published in June and December 20142, on this challenge for a number of years, management rests on the foundation of
respectively. The concern is that hackers including a set of activities addressing a multidisciplinary set of practices and
target energy sector suppliers and implant the issue under the auspices of the is more successful when those practices
malicious code in the ICS software while Comprehensive National Cybersecurity are mature4
software is controlled by suppliers and Initiative (CNCI) that began in 2008. Sharing responsibilities throughout the
before it is delivered and installed into the Attention to this issue is not limited to the supply chain requires careful planning
utility environment. During the discussion United States. The European Network and of the entire technology acquisition
at the FERC hearing, FERC officials Information Security Agency (ENISA) has lifecycle
acknowledged that energy industry commissioned multiple studies on this There is a limit on how much the
vendors are not subject to their regulatory topic, the latest one, Supply Chain Integrity: acquirer (e.g., regulated entity) can do.
authority and indicated that the standard An Overview of the ICT supply chain risks and Perhaps recognizing these challenges,
should focus on integrating security and challenges, and vision for the way forward’3, FERC in the NOPR acknowledged that the
supply chain considerations in the entire published in 2012. Today there are a standard should have specific boundaries.
system development and acquisition life number of existing standards, guidelines, It should:
cycle for both equipment and services. and published industry practices that Cover only regulated entities and
FERC commissioners also acknowledged provide guidance on how to manage risks not levy requirements on those who
that developing a separate standard is a in ICT supply chains including ICSs. provide ICS/ICT products and services
significant step that is not taken lightly by While this challenge is far from resolved, to the registered entities
the commission. some consensus and lessons learned have Impact only forward-looking activities
The reliability goal for the standard is to emerged: and therefore leave the existing
be ‘forward-looking and objective-driven,’ Integrating cyber supply chain risk contracts as is
address the entire system development Be descriptive but not prescriptive
lifecycle from research and development management into and with existing Permit exceptions due to safety
to disposal, and ensure ‘security, integrity, processes has become the accepted requirements or if specific technologies
quality, and resilience of the supply chain are not available.
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015
51

FERC and NERC need to Regulations have unintended consequences.
be very careful in how they Supply chain risk management is tricky
because it has far-reaching dependencies
address this area.” outside of FERC’s jurisdiction and registered
entities’ span of control. Regulators will need
However, with respect to providing Warning! to be extremely careful in how the standards
‘what’ but not ‘how’ (descriptive but not are crafted. The consequences could be
prescriptive) FERC somewhat contradicted FERC and NERC need to be very careful excessive paperwork, frustration, and
themselves in stating that the standard in how they address this area. ICT and diversion of resources onto non-value added
has to contain specific controls rather ICS products are sold globally and the activities. This topic needs time and careful
than requiring an entity to ‘have a plan.’ US energy industry or their suppliers and consideration to make the desired impact.
FERC then pointed at National Institute of integrators together may not represent
Standards and Technology (NIST) Special a sufficiently large enough market To conclude
Publication (SP) 800-161, Supply Chain to influence cyber supply chain risk
Risk Management Practices for Federal management practices in a short time Protection of communications has been a
Information Systems and Organizations, as period. Conversely, a NERC CIP standard challenge since the earliest days of NERC
‘instructional in identifying appropriate (or standards) may be helpful to its CIP standards. And continuously changing
controls’ and identified specific controls in regulated entities by providing a driver regulatory goal posts make it challenging
NIST SP 800-161 that could be useful. for including security requirements in for utilities to implement their compliance
Recognizing the enormity of this the procurement processes. Utilities also initiatives. Clarity on this issue will be very
undertaking FERC committed to further can implement a number of practices helpful to the registered entities so that
working with the industry and asked for internally to help mitigate the risks and are they can plan grid modernization and
feedback on: already doing so. network enhancement initiatives without a
Whether the topic is worth the The standard(s) need to be crafted carefully sense that someday something may change
to ensure that they address what the and require them to redo security.
development of a new standard or entities can do and what is within their Supply chain risk management is critical for
modifications to existing standards control. In addition to NIST SP 800-161 and protecting national energy infrastructure.
What should be included in the cybersecurity procurement language for Utilities will continue relying on ICT and
standard energy delivery systems, several existing ICS suppliers for critical products, systems,
How long this might take. global standards and guidelines provide and services. As a matter of fact they will
useful guidance on acquirer vs. supplier increase this reliance as utilities modernize
What does this all mean? responsibilities including: their networks and the grid. Utilities are in
ISO/IEC 27036-2:2014, Information the business of making electricity, water,
Everybody has suppliers. Utilities rely on and gas, and should rely on experts for
their suppliers for many mission-essential technology – Security techniques their IT/OT support. NERC CIP standards
products and services. ICS/ICT supply chain – Information security for supplier should address those aspects of supply
is a concern and should be addressed. But, relationships – Part 2: Requirements chain risk management that are feasible
it is not clear that an entirely new standard ISO/IEC 27036-3:2013, Information and appropriate to address given the
needs to be developed because there technology – Security techniques constraints of the regulatory process and its
are numerous CIP standards that already – Information security for supplier inherent limitations.
address appropriate controls, but they relationships – Part 3: Guidelines for UTC is actively engaged in numerous cyber
apply internally to the entities and their BES information and communication supply chain risk management initiatives
cyber systems. A number of existing NERC technology supply chain security and has recently published Cyber Supply
CIP 5 and 6 requirements can be slightly IEC 62443-2-4:2015, Security for Chain Risk Management For Utilities –
modified to address supplier management industrial automation and control Roadmap For Implementation5 to provide
within each standard. For example, BES systems – Part 2-4: Security program practical practices that utilities could
cyber system categorization (CIP-002-5), requirements for IACS service providers implement to begin addressing their supply
incident reporting and response planning Other industry documents exist published chain needs. Additionally, UTC provided
(CIP-008-5), configuration management by associations (including UTC) that an expert to support development of NIST
and vulnerability assessments (CIP-010-1), provide a good set of useful practices SP 800-161 and a project editor for the
and information protection (CIP-011-1) can to help both acquirers and suppliers. only comprehensive international standard
all be modified and successfully applied Furthermore, there is a significant on this issue: ISO/IEC 27036, Information
to managing supply chain risks. However, knowledge base in the IT, communications, Security for Supplier Relationships. MI
new controls may be required to address and financial services industry, as well
topics such as supplier assessments, as within the Federal Government ICT 1 – https://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/comm-
acquisition policies, and system/software SCRM activities that can be drawn upon to meet/2015/071615/E-1.pdf
development practices. If we start from a provide useful information with respect to
known point today and evolve into a more what kind of standard (or standards) may 2 – https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/alerts/ICS-ALERT-14-
comprehensive set tomorrow, we may be be effective and balanced. 176-02A
able to make more progress sooner.
52 https://ics-cert.us-cert.gov/alerts/ICS-ALERT-14-
281-01B

3 – https://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/identity-
and-trust/library/deliverables/sci

4 – NIST SP 800-161, 1.5 Foundational Practices.
5 – http://www.mmsend87.com/link.cfm?r=1348553

367&sid=78425242&m=10583256&u=UTC_&j=28
777817&s=http://www.utc.org/sites/default/files/
public/UTC_Public_files/SupplyChain2015.pdf

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015



PRODUCT SHOWCASE

2.0METER TESTING
A detailed view of the German market

The technical specifications for the It’s a smart world data regardless of how the meter measures
introduction of MS 2020 (Measuring System quantities, or if electricity only is used, or if
2020) on the German market have been Modern meters supplied to industrial the energy is supplied by several large or
established and the planned rollout for customers have very precise definitions many small power facilities and regardless
the Smart Meter Measurement System fixed in the meter standards, which provide of the make and year of manufacture.
is scheduled for 2017. Meter testing was clear parameters and manufacturers have Current processes and communication
initially limited to metrology, but IT has only minimal influence on the functionality options are multi-layered and could cause
become increasingly important in this of their new systems. Meter readings and malfunctions and signatures, modern
sector. Metrology and IT are merging into inspections can now also be calculated. descriptive models (e.g. the OSI Model),
a complex testing and data processing The situation is very different with meters encryption parameters, various network
system, with intermediate gateways for private customers – the level of the protocols (e.g. HDLC), etc. are also used
providing the essential communication. technical and administrative processes is alongside the pure measured values.
increasing and this is being implemented in The functional complexity of this system
Yesterday mere data recording domestic use. is considerable and the results are bound
was enough Smart meter technology is freely available to deviate from the requirements.
and is making great advances. The technology Anyone today who thinks that an installed
Meter testing initially focused exclusively on currently used for meter testing still exists, but meter can be easily replaced when it
metrology and therefore on the accuracy the gap between the legal requirements and malfunctions needs to think again. The
of the measuring and functionality of the the IT expertise is widening. IT know-how is network operator doesn’t want to incur the
meter. Test specifications are crucial and assumed today, which poses new challenges costs of an on-site visit, nor does he want
the testing procedure entailed an in-depth for the testing process. to jeopardize the confidence and trust of
inspection of the metrological functionality Although the world is getting smarter, the his customers. Long term, the client wants
of the meter. technology for testing meters provided to be able to fix any problems upstream
We differentiate between type, acceptance to industrial clients and private customers via remote maintenance and remote
and special testing. With type testing, we today differs only in terms of physical maintenance and automatic readings
vary the environmental conditions and dimensions. require seamless communication with the
leave the world of sinusoidal test variables meter.
and benchmarking and also test the Via gateways into future?
mechanical properties. This test type is only Meter testing 2.0
rarely used owing to the complexity of the Not only is the technology changing, but
process. human behaviour and habits are too. ZERA is an experienced developer and
During acceptance testing we also check Whether it’s the heavy use of electrical manufacturer of systems and individual
any additional or supplemental user- appliances, or a hobby that uses large components for testing electricity meters.
specific requirements, which is automated quantities of electricity, consumption We have been supplying customized
wherever possible. Special testing, patterns have changed over the last 20 testing systems for metrological institutes,
which may include diagnostic findings, years. In addition, we are seeing more and test laboratories, utilities and meter
is performed at the instigation of the more PV systems in private households, manufacturers around the world for
customer. These are special cases and are feeding electricity back into the grid. decades. ZERA has always maintained its
generally complex and time-consuming. So on the one hand, we are experiencing independence in the sector and focuses
All types of testing records physical changes in power consumption; and on the on energy measurement technology as
parameters; the test technology for meter other we are feeding energy that is supplied opposed to the manufacture of meters.
testing for industrial customers and private from decentralized systems into the public Data communications specialists EMSYCON
users generally only differs in terms of the electricity grid. This and other aspects develop embedded systems, both in
accuracy of the reference device. must be considered when billing energy hardware and software. They implement
The use of automated meter reading for consumption. A smart meter would appear and design product specifications for
commercial and industrial clients is a well to be the solution, but only when used with electricity meters (e.g. FNN-EDL meters).
established service. The more specialized a smart meter gateway does it become an EMSYCON also acts independently,
and individual the communication system “intelligent measuring system” that can autonomously and are, above all, neutral.
in the meter design, the more complicated also communicate. The corresponding data ZERA and EMSYCON have designed a
its integration into automated processes, connection is still in development and new sustainable test environment for smart
e.g. taking readings during remote processes must be established, of which metering systems that fulfills all the
maintenance. data security and data protection are only technical specifications. The full integrated
Meters of private users in Germany have two elements. test laboratories of various leading network
until now generally been read or evaluated A system should integrate all the operators in Germany are already equipped
on site. procedures and evaluate all the process with these systems. MI
54
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

Connecting
the smart

community

www.european-utility-week.com

European Utility
Week promotes

fresh thinking from
the outside in

European Utility Week is the annual landmark event for the entire smart
utility market, accumulating over 10,000 smart energy stakeholders.

The event comprises an exhibition
and conference and is a truly dynamic
environment in which you can learn from,
network amongst, and do business with
international decision makers including
representatives from 400+ utility companies.
The exhibition reflects a multitude of
organisations from all the major value
streams stretching from transmission
to the end-user. A syndicate of industry
solutions combines to form zones
for Innovation, IoT, Storage, Energy
Management and Transmission &
Distribution so that you have easy access
to your areas of interest.

Utility partners Hub sessions on the exhibition
floor
Recently, RWE Effizienz, Verbund, ENGIE
and Wiener Netze came on board as Utility Unique to this 3-day event is the free
Partners, complementing technology content from the conference programme
giants such as Siemens, Bit Stew, Huawei, that spills onto the exhibition in the form
Oracle, Cisco, GE Digital Energy, Alstom, of Hub Sessions. These sessions include
Ericsson, Intel and many more.

In addition 31 dedicated utility project sessions
to the exhibition is the notable multi-track focusing on real life, first hand utility-
Strategic Conference Programme where project experiences and technology
you can learn from over 130 highly revered innovation. They are available for free to
industry speakers who gather to discuss visitors of the exhibition.
future trends and impending implications European Utility Week is THE platform
for the smart energy industry. connecting the global smart energy
The speaker line-up includes CEOs, CTOs, community. Join us on 3-5 November 2015,
CIOs and VPs from companies such as: Vienna, Austria.
Austrian Power Grid, RWE, EDP Distribuição, This year’s European Utility Week
Fortum New Business, Aspern Smart City will be focusing on the introduction
Research, UrbanDNA, ERDF, Verbund of young talent and start-ups into the
Solutions, EASE, ProKlima, Riga Energy energy industry.
Agency, Vilniaus Energija.

56 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

EUROPEAN UTILITY WEEK

Interview with European Utility
Week Event Director Paddy Young

As a platform for the smart energy community, European Utility Week
will be showcasing even more innovation this year.

According to Paddy Young, Director of Another major focus point in the industry attending this year’s event, it will be
European Utility Week at Synergy Events, is Internet of Things (IoT). In response to interesting to hear what difference the
the focus on innovation is essential if this growing interest, the event will have Union is making on a European level.
the energy sector is to overcome new an IoT zone where utilities can learn what The event will specifically highlight
challenges and attain its goals. benefits IoT can offer utilities today. Synergy projects that are attracting cross border
He explains: “We are taking an holistic is working closely alongside GMSA, an cooperation that rival efficiencies and
approach. We want to stimulate and enabler of IoT, in order to understand what reduce costs. Here, the super grid aspect
showcase young talent and start-ups IoT means for the sector. will be especially relevant.
in the energy sector. The aim is to bring Young points to the project Flexiciency
innovation and qualified people to the table Strategic focus versus practical as a good example. The four-year project,
so that ideas can be taken forward. Without implementation launched in early 2015 and part-funded
this approach, many innovations may not by the European Commission’s Horizon
see the light of day.” Synergy prides itself on organising a very 2020, involves cross-border development
Start-ups are certainly seeing the value strategically strong conference. In order to and a number of utilities. “It is projects
in attending the event. The number of understand its role as an event organiser for like these that we want to showcase at
start-ups has grown from 20 to 50 since the energy sector, the Synergy team spends the event.”
last year and the event organiser is aiming a lot of time with sector role-players in an
to attract a total of 100 start-ups to next attempt to cater for a range of expectations Industry awards and networking
year’s event. There is a dedicated pavilion at the event.
on the Innovation Hub where 50 of this One way in which to get the sector to share For the first time, European Utility Week will
year’s start-ups will be able to showcase learning is through the hub sessions where be hosting an Industry Awards ceremony
their solutions and compete for first place over 150 current projects will be discussed for those who have shown outstanding
in the Initiate Awards. and examined at this year’s event. Synergy commitment to and accomplishments in a
Young says: “The start-up programme has spends a lot of time researching the hub sustainable utility industry.
taken on a life of its own. We realise that sessions in order to showcase the best cases. Taking place on 4 November in Vienna, the
innovation in essence comes from start- “There are lots of cross-border, multi-border ceremony, which will avoid the monotony
ups so we have created a platform from stakeholder projects underway and we of long drawn out speeches, will be a
which they can search for investment and want to create a programme that will help perfect opportunity for attendees to
potential partners. We want to give them utilities and other stakeholders to look at celebrate their peers’ achievements. “The
the opportunity to really connect with what’s working and what’s not. The aim is to ceremony offers attendees the perfect
major role-players and get their projects facilitate the sharing of best practices.” opportunity to relax amongst the best
up and running. Once investors see that He stresses the importance of the event’s from the utilities, solution providers
a project is scalable, it’s easier to attract ability to reach the whole chain from C and industry leaders who have been
further investment.” level to project managers within individual responsible for pioneering new frontiers,
The Young Talent programme also forms projects and asset management. “It’s pushing boundaries, inspiring others
part of the Innovation Hub. This programme important that we are creating points of and achieving growth in turbulent and
enables more universities, research interest for every level within the sector.” challenging markets.”
institutes and younger people to connect While there are a number of presentations, He adds: “Networking is our focus and we
and discuss outcomes. “This networking there are also panel discussions that have don’t want staged ceremonies where you
is important since these young talents been designed to get delegates to actively are stuck at a table. The aim is to create
are indeed the future. The introduction of participate. The event will also be host something that has value for the winner
young talent at European Utility Week is to 460 exhibitors, showcasing various and nominees. Rubbing shoulders with
beneficial for everyone since young talents products and service solutions. peers is what the focus should be.”
get to learn from incumbents’ wealth of Young points out that European Utility
knowledge and experience while young European Energy Union at the Week will be on tour. He explains: “While
talents point to new ways of thinking and event Austria is very proactive on a utility and city
suggest innovative channels.” level in the way that they are hosting the
“Fresh from the outside in,” as European There are many energy projects being event, we will be ‘touring’. The aim of this is
Utility Week puts it. carried out across Europe and with the to encourage cross-border discussions.” MI
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015 European Energy Union representatives
57

GRID4EU, best
worldwide example
of excellence in smart

grids for renewable energy
integration

GRID4EU1, a leading European smart grids ambition of reaching at least 27% of 18 use cases have
project, won the 2015 ISGAN Award of renewable energy by 2030. been developed since
Excellence2 during the sixth Clean Energy This ambitious target set by the European November 2011 and
Ministerial (CEM) in Mérida in May 2015. A Union resulted in quick growth of the
distinguished international jury of smart amount of renewable energy source tested in 2015 in
grid experts selected GRID4EU as the best (RES) connections to power grids. RES the real large-scale
worldwide example of excellence in smart intermittency (wind and PV) and high demonstrators of the
grids for renewable energy integration. decentralisation bring challenges in
terms of quality of supply (e.g. voltage project”
Achieving a common vision of constraints), calling for more flexibility and
greener and smarter grids resiliency.
To address this challenge, six distribution
This prize is recognition of all the efforts system operators (DSO), ERDF, ENEL, RWE,
made by the 27 partners of the project Iberdrola, Cez and Vattenfall, have decided
in the six large-scale demonstrators in for the first time to pool their expertise to
Germany, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Czech
Republic and France, to enable the EU

Partners involved in GRID4EU including the location of the 6 demonstrators serve this common ambition. In November
58 2011, GRID4EU was officially launched
for a period of 51 months (until January
2016), gathering 27 centres of excellence,
including utilities, research centres and
industrials players.

18 cutting-edge use cases to
prepare the future European
distribution grids

To prepare the distribution networks to
successfully and cost-effectively integrate
more renewable energy, 18 use cases have
been developed since November 2011
and tested in 2015 in the real large-scale
demonstrators of the project. Innovative
solutions, like the advanced load-grid
automation in the German demonstrator or

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

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In these three locations, representative
of the current European RES landscape,
GRID4EU developed patterns of RES
integration to identify and articulate best
practices and solutions.

In Germany, GRID4EU improved the
surveillance and advanced control of
the medium voltage (MV) grid based
on an autonomously acting multi-
agent system (MAS). Dynamic topology
reconfiguration, a new operational
concept facilitating RES integration,
has been enabled. Simulation results
show that the outage time in the whole
network has been divided by two
(e.g. SAIDI dropped from 12.8 min/a to
6.1 min/a), without sacrificing RES’s high
share of total generation.
In Italy, the project increased the
hosting capacity and maximized
the integration of RES in the MV
network. The system makes possible
a new network management system
model, including a control system
with an ‘always on’ IP standard-based

Map of use cases addressed within GRID4EU

the advanced control systems in the Italian (monetary and qualitative) and beneficiaries. GRID4EU directly
demonstrator highlighted in previous For the sake of promoting transversal integrates renewable
issues of Metering International or the research, six workstreams, directly inspired
ones showcased at the end of this article, by the‘functional objectives for European energy sources in
have been used in the implementation of DSOs’, which are described in the Research three demonstrators:
GRID4EU use cases. Most of the promising and Innovation Roadmap (2013-2022) of the
solutions developed within GRID4EU European Electricity Grid Initiative (EEGI), have the German, the
will be shown during European Utility been identified. Italian and the
Week 2015. French. Overall,
Innovative patterns of renewable GRID4EU already
A collaborative approach to ease energy integration are developed achieves the objective
replication and scaling-up of improving the
GRID4EU directly integrates renewable direct integration
Accounting for more than 50% of the energy sources in three demonstrators: in medium and low
European metered energy, GRID4EU relies on the German, the Italian and the French. voltage electricity
a consistent playground for replication and Overall, GRID4EU already achieves networks of more
scaling-up. It is why, beyond technical results, the objective of improving the direct than 140MWp of
the GRID4EU consortium has engendered integration in medium and low voltage
a collaborative approach that includes a electricity networks of more than RES ...”
scalability and replicability analysis (SRA) and 140MWp of RES by deploying cutting-
a unified economical assessment framework edge solutions related to both demand METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015
that covers the identification of benefits management and grid automation.

Workstreams of GRID4EU
60

EUROPEAN UTILITY WEEK

In France, a network energy manager (NEM) using solar
generation and load forecasts brings together an optimisation
programme based on load flexibility bids. These bids ... ease
voltage and current constraints resulting from a high level of

photovoltaic (PV) tied into the LV distribution grid.”

communication, with distributed distribution grid. A 250 kW islanding Notes:
generators (DG) actively supporting test with no spinning machines is being 1 – This project has received funding from
voltage regulation. First results in carried out, which is, to our knowledge,
Italy have shown that relatively small a world premiere! This architecture the European Union Seventh Framework
capacity batteries (1 MVA and 1 MWh) enables the design of a new model of Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant
– compared to the overall flows in the interactions between energy actors agreement n° 268206
network – and the involved generators (consumers, commercial aggregators, 2 – With this annual award competition,
are able to efficiently contribute to TSO and DSO) to balance generation ISGAN, the organization focusing on
voltage and power flow regulation. and consumption in this demonstrator smart grids worldwide development
Hence, network-hosting capacity could known as the first megawatt-scale under a framework of the International
increase by 20% in a first approximation. European smart solar district. For Energy Agency, aims at showcasing
In France, a network energy manager example, an advanced time-of-use global leadership and innovation in
(NEM) using solar generation and tariff (TOU) has been implemented to smart grids. ISGAN Award winners are
load forecasts brings together an contribute to the absorption of surplus promoted during the CEM, an annual
optimisation programme based on load PV production (load shifting). During global forum gathering ministers and
flexibility bids. These bids, proposed by the first on-the-field experimentations, other high-level delegates from 22
aggregators, ease voltage and current this TOU pricing allowed customers to developed and emerging countries and
constraints resulting from a high level consume an additional 22% of locally- senior private sector executives. The
of photovoltaic (PV) tied into the LV generated PV energy. MI objective is to share best practices and
promote policies and programmes that
encourage and facilitate the transition to
a global clean energy economy.

Meet GRID4EU at European Utility Week 2015!

On 4 November, GRID4EU will actively Programme Hub ‘Grid Optimisation, Intelligent Networks and Communication’,
contribute to the European Utility Week European Utility Week 2015, 4 November 2015, morning session
2015 event.
From 9.15 am to 12.30 pm, the GRID4EU
Demo leaders will present the results
of the most promising approaches and
solutions developed within their demos
and first perspectives in scaling-up and
replication. This session is included in
the official agenda of the event (Hub
programme, grid optimisation, intelligent
networks and communication). All event
attendees are free to attend this session!
GRID4EU will lead a behind-the-scene
workshop from 12.45 pm, whereby a
selection of 7 partners involved in GRID4EU
Demos will showcase in dedicated sessions
of 10 minutes the benefits and specificities
of particularly innovative solutions that
they developed within GRID4EU before
a Q&A session. A lunch will be provided
during this workshop.
If you are interested in participating,
kindly indicate your interest by sending
an e-mail to: [email protected]

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015 61

ADVERTORIAL

Smart transformer condition
monitoring with smart meter
and Rogowski coils

The intelligent electricity network (smart Smart transformer = smart meter measures the transformer’s (3) health with
grid) is the backbone of every smart city, + Rogowski coil three independent current sensors LEM
since it: RT (A). The RT allows safe commissioning
• Informs ‘prosumers’ about their energy A leading metering solution provider of the smart meter on an existing ‘live’
has introduced the use of flexible LEM transformer.
usage and enables them to make Rogowski coil sensors (RT) with a smart Benefits for distribution system operators:
decisions about how and when to meter connected to the LV side of a • Real-time thermal behaviour, ageing
use, store or even resell electricity. distribution transformer in the MV/LV
This promotes the participation of substation. The software in the smart rate, active and reactive losses of each
residential, commercial and industrial meter calculates the thermal and electrical distribution transformer.
buildings in energy conservation, models of the transformer based on the • LV Load curves of consumers, producers
efficiency and demand response LV measurements information, providing and transformers allowing detection of
programmes. its oil temperature and ageing rate as well non-technical losses.
• Provides reliable integration of as MV current values and energy flows. It • Aggregation of active energy
distributed renewable energies, distributed by each MV-LV transformer
is an RinnTov–atiFvee,aectuonreoms iBcael snocluhtimonafrokring allowing detection of non-technical
issues on the MV side of the grid.

A Features  Class LEM RT Competitor Rogowski
 Positioning Error
5 Precision  T° Coefficient Mutual  Class 1 without Calibration • Class 1 with Calibration
 Orthogonality Error  Below 0.65% • Below 1%
I1 I2 I3 Coil  Operation temperature  30 PPM/K° • 50 PPM/K°
Case  Coil claps position error  Low • High (above 1%)
3  Coil diameter  -40°C to +80°C • -30 °C to +80 °C
4  Electrostatic shield  None (LEM Patent) • Yes (1-2% Error)
2  Security seal lock  5-6mm and Flexible • 8mm and Less Flexible
 Closing Connection  Yes (Standard) • Yes (Optional)
1  Output cable length  Yes • No
6  Screw and Click • Screw or Click
 1.5m, 4.5m • 3m

A LEM RT 4 Low voltage panel LEM Rogowski coil (RT)
1 Medium voltage (MV) side 5 Smart Meter
6 Low voltage (LV) side
2 Medium voltage switchgear

3 Transformer

MV/LV substation

energy storage and electric vehicle managing the distribution grid without LEM Rogowski coil (RT)
charging stations. This means having to add additional sensors on the
smarter protection equipment and MV side. LEM has developed the‘RT’current Rogowski
smarter substations to enable faster The smart meter overall accuracy with sensor with the capability to measure up to
management of fault detection, the LEM RT is better than 1%, superior to 5000A and beyond. The RT is a raw coil archiving
isolation and restoration. conventional Class 0,5 meters associated Class 1 accuracy without the need for additional
• Improves the grid with smarter with Class 0,5 current transformers (CT). components like resistors or potentiometers,
components (sensors, intelligent which may drift over time. In addition, the RT
electronic devices) allowing control, MV/LV substation labelled‘Perfect Loop’has a unique patented
automation, remote monitoring and coil clasp, solving the inaccuracy caused by
real-time data sharing. By working Within the MV/LV substation, the the sensitivity to the position of the conductor
together, these components provide incoming power flow from the MV side inside the loop. Finally, the RT provides the
the control centre with information (1) is managed by the MV switchgear same ease of installation as split-core current
on current and future performance of (2) before being converted by the transformers (CT) and the same Class 1
the grid and a detailed status of critical transformer (3) into LV (6). The smart accuracy. The RT also has the best performance
components like a transformer. meter (5) installed in the LV panel (4) among other Rogowski coil players. MI

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LEM is the market leader in providing innovative and high quality solutions for measuring electrical parameters for a broad range of applications. LEM City answers the demand
for an accurate, reliable and easy-to-install energy sensor for future Smart Cities.
www.lemcity.com

62 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015



Embracing the

digital
transformation

There is no option but to embrace digital transformation because digital
is profoundly transforming the energy industry, Charles Delalonde, a

speaker at European Utility Week, tells sister portal Engerati.

As head of digital innovation, EDF Energy This is a more cost-effective way to detect
R&D UK Centre, Delalonde knows what he is future talents since fully trained data
talking about. scientists will cost significantly more...”

Energy transformation calls for “This is a more cost-effective way to detect development is being absorbed by the
skills future talents since fully trained data scientists IT department that will eventually be
will cost significantly more,”he believes. maintained by them.”
In an interview with sister portal Engerati He adds that by sharing good practice and
Delalonde recommends that when Closing the gap between research learning between departments, utilities
developing a digital transformation plan, and IT departments will ensure that innovations are ready for
time to market can be reduced by bringing market quicker. “This collaboration will
on board the right skills and integrating The research and IT departments are support open-mindedness which should
the research and development and IT working more closely now in order to lead to a willingness to exchange innovative
departments. While developers will help support the development of digital ideas, pushed by an ‘innovation factory’.”
create robust software architecture, data technology and services across departments. Discussing the challenges that exist between
scientists contribute by analysing customer “It is important to ensure that work research and development and the IT
uptakes and mine the project’s data for developed from the research and
opportunities, which can be exploited. It is
the data scientist skills that are particularly
hard to come by – across all industries.
It is a relatively new role and the energy
industry finds it difficult to find and employ
these skills, explains Delalonde. To solve
this problem, he suggests that there be
more collaboration between utilities and
universities. Utilities should be appointing
and training a number of interns or PhD
candidates.

64 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

EUROPEAN UTILITY WEEK

“No-one is entitled to [occupy] a specific
market anymore. It’s possible for
companies to branch out and offer new
products and services. Utilities need to
source new ideas and implement these in
order to flourish.”

Academia and public funding will help solve In conclusion, Delalonde says that he looks
forward to hearing about various utilities’
a number of challenging questions over the innovations at European Utility Week, which
provides a good platform to pause and
reflect.
long term.” “At the event, utilities are given the

opportunity to benchmark and exchange
ideas with peers. It provides a great
opportunity for networking and creates an
department, Delalonde says that often the IT “Academia and public funding will help exchange of learning from each other.”
department expects a very sophisticated and solve a number of challenging questions
robust technology or service which has yet over the long term. Startups have a lot
to be fully developed or tested. to offer in innovation and utilities should He adds: “Instead of being worried about
benefit from them. Whole new markets can market transformation, it is a good time to
Involve startups and academia be set up including security, transport, or reinvent ourselves. Utilities should explore
around the insurance market. the different markets that the Internet of
Leading a team of digital and energy Things and Big Data are creating.” MI

experts, Delalonde is bridging the
gap between startups, academia and
industrial research and development to ABOUT CHARLES DELALONDE
bring disruptive digital innovation to the Head of Digital Innovation for EDF Energy Research & Development Centre, Charles has
energy industry. He will be sharing EDF successfully delivered Digital Innovation for over 10 years with established big players in the
Energy’s accelerating digital agenda during telecoms and energy industries. His research has been patented, published and embedded
in apps and websites that have been rolled out to millions of customers and employees.

European Utility Week.

Pathway to the future
for utilities:

RWE innovates

The electricity sector is seeing change and innovation in a way not seen
since Edison’s first foray into the electricity sector.

New technologies and new business “This is how we have to think about the based on their wants and needs,” she says.
models are disrupting the utility sector – to future energy system.” “We are a very technology driven company
the extent that its appearance in 2050 is a with a lot of technology – so this is a given,
matter of scenario conjecture. The innovation challenge and if we don’t have it we will look outside
“The future energy system won’t be a for partners. That isn’t the challenge.
system of just electrons and electricity Braunschmidt, who is a speaker at European “The shift is to get to what the customer
but will be a system of infrastructure, of Utility Week, says that RWE, with its wants and is prepared to pay for… and that
logistics, of communication, of mobility,” long history of innovation, is focused on is how we approach innovation.”
believes Inken Braunschmidt, head of RWE’s becoming more customer-centric. A greener One such product is RWE’s SmartHome
Innovation Hub. “The question we have to society with more renewables, decentralized platform.
ask ourselves is what role we want to play in generation and prosumers along with “The market is vast and what one can do
that system and, for example, whether we growing digitization and the emergence of depends on the technology available, but
want to provide the electrons or to provide new entrants in the sector are the drivers. ultimately one has to meet the needs of
and steer the infrastructure, or to pull them “We are constantly looking for new offers
all together. and new business models for customers,

RWE’s SmartHome The unit consists of a 32-bit microcontroller and radio transceiver
functionality on the 868 MHz band. Using stable, iPv6-based data
RWE SmartHome is a collection of over 20 devices which are transmission of up to 100kbits/s the application can be integrated
available to RWE customers. Wireless, modular and mobile, the include household appliances, multimedia equipment and health
SmartHome open platform of RWE enables integration of the and well-being devices.
products of selected brands. SmartHome allows seamless energy For the partners concerned, this open platform allows them to
management and temperature control, and remote functionality leverage the potential of the growing home networking market.
to enable power and money savings. Interoperability is of the utmost importance.
Development priorities for RWE included a plug & play interface “The customer benefits from more convenience and additional
and the reliability of data privacy. options for individual configuration of smart home appliances.
Security is ensured through encrypted communications to all For instance, their existing and new devices can be linked to the
participating devices and a secure online shop. According to a network via suitable apps, so they can all communicate with one
release by RWE, ‘the degree of data security has been confirmed another – within a single, trusted and convenient system,” RWE
by independent testing bodies such as VDE, AV-Test and TÜV-IT.’ said in a statement.
Fully interoperable with all internet-capable devices, an RWE RWE has forged a number of private sector partnerships with
wireless module can be installed into the devices themselves, household brands such as Buderus (heating controls), Miele
so they can be seamlessly and completely integrated within the (household appliances), Philips hue (coloured controlled LED
home automation system. lighting) and Samsung (inside and outside cameras).

66 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

EUROPEAN UTILITY WEEK

Looking ahead, energy storage is an a company and we found that it wouldn’t
area where Braunschmidt expects make sense for us at the present.”

significant innovation.” As a European utility RWE has followed the
discussion around smart meters closely,
customers. And if we don’t do it, someone When considering the use of future-tech, and has a 100,000-meter pilot in Mulheim.
else will.” Braunschmidt talks about platforms similar “We want to test and learn and to do that
that those that “the Googles and Amazons” via Mulheim in Germany but also via the
Innovation trends have for their products being used to deliver rollouts in the UK and Netherlands.”
new products and services in the energy
Another example of RWE innovation is the industry. Issues utilities should be
Ampacity project, which in the City of Essen She is excited about the increased intelligence discussing
has replaced the conventional 110 kV line and learning of devices and machines, leading
between two substations in the city centre to the Internet of Things, and the possibilities Looking ahead to European Utility Week,
with a 10kV superconductor cable – the for mobility – encompassing both intelligence Braunschmidt says: “I’m sure that we all share
longest use of this technology to date. such as driverless vehicles, and their the same challenges and problems and
The technology is still under development propulsion, be it battery or fuel-driven. somehow we try in similar ways to face these
but is expected to lead to greater challenges and go into the future. So, for me
efficiencies and ultimately cost saving. The RWE business it would be interesting to discuss the future
Looking ahead, energy storage is an options and what kind of role we want to
area where Braunschmidt expects significant Asked whether, in the light of E.ON’s split play. We can also learn from other industries
innovation. “Batteries are important for into two companies focused on generation as we are not the first facing change.” MI
the whole energy transition, and a lot is and retail, RWE is likely to follow the Article adapted from an interview conducted
happening at the moment and will continue same path, Braunschmidt says that the by Denise Philip, Engerati.
happening in the next 10 to 20 years.” company looked at a similar option but
decided against it. “We are not identical as At European Utility Week 2015, Inken
Braunschmidt will be a panellist in the
discussion on ‘IOT-connected home
applications’ on 5 November.

Innovation

at the heart of
utility future

Young innovators will help the innovation that goes beyond incremental Van Verseveld agrees, and believes that
energy industry to prepare itself productivity improvements” in order to utility space should be at the forefront of
for the energy transition meet “the shifting needs and expectations attracting young talents who don’t just want
of tomorrow’s customers.” a nice salary and new car. “They want to
European Utility Week’s Young Talent The drivers behind the innovation of the learn and leave a legacy. The utility industry
Programme is a recognition of the fact future are the need to: has plenty of room for these young people
that innovation is at the heart of the to showcase their talents and the industry
energy transition. reduce greenhouse gas emissions, should collectively support them.”
Sponsors of the programme, OMNETRIC increase system resiliency to changing Van Verseveld says that while young
Group, is “well-placed to offer this weather and climate change, innovators can learn a great deal from
sponsorship as it truly understands empower customers to play a more the existing and experienced workforce,
the meaning of embracing new cultures central role in shaping the electricity it’s important for them to evolve in an
and ideas.” system; and environment where they can challenge
contain costs to be able to do more with existing concepts and propose new ideas.
Energy industry should be at the less. “They should complement each other by
forefront of innovation The report goes on to highlight that combining experiences.”
technological innovation is needed in
In an interview with Maikel van Verseveld, the following areas: demand response; Making room for innovation
the CEO of OMNETRIC Group talks integration of distributed generation and
about the ‘traditional’ outlook of the electric vehicles; optimised asset use; and Van Verseveld believes it is more critical
energy sector. fault detection and mitigation. than ever that the sector transforms itself by
He says that while there are some industry Dmytro Grygorenko, computer science employing more innovative contributors. In
players that are transforming themselves, the graduate of the Technical University of so doing, utilities can prepare themselves for
sector is still largely viewed as old fashioned Vienna and today a consultant at OMNETRIC the many changes on the horizon.
by the younger generation. Group, says that in his experience, the utility He continues that utilities need to develop
A report by the Canadian Electricity industry is not very well presented in the or strengthen weak spots in their business
Association, entitled Electric Utility job market especially when compared with models because if they don’t, more
Innovation: Toward Vision 2050, notes that as other industries. innovative companies – possibly much
utilities are expected to manage responsive He continues that he wasn’t aware that smaller in terms of revenue and staff –
loads, “electric vehicles, storage devices the energy industry had so many exciting will snap up the opportunity for new
and distributed generation,” the need for opportunities until recently. With utilities revenue streams.
innovation is even more vital than before. having to go digital, the energy sector is “To avoid this, many of our clients are
It adds that meeting these demands now searching for innovators to help bring bringing in expertise to break down
“will require a degree of technological together the worlds of information and existing and ageing structures that are
68 operations technology. no longer working. This will create room
for new innovations within various parts
of the company where it is needed, such
as data analytics. By breaking down silos,
opportunities for innovation will open up.”
The CEA notes that “public perception
is that utilities should be doing more to
protect customers from prolonged outages
and the expectation is that they will take
steps to do so. Improving grid resiliency
is just one aspect of a broader push to
continuously improve the reliability and
quality of electric service, and this mandate
must be delivered with performance and
cost finely balanced.” MI

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

Connecting the smart community

European Utility Week is the largest event in Europe for the entire smart
utility sector, accumulating over 10,000 international smart energy stakeholders
and 420 exhibitors. This 3-day event offers a notable multi-track Strategic
Conference Programme, free to attend Hub Sessions on the exhibition floor
and a highly revered innovation and IoT Hub.

Mark your diary!
3-5 November 2015

Vienna, Austria

www.european-utility-week.com

PREPAID METERING

GPRAEPIANID SELEGCTRRICOMUETNERDING,

but trend is playing out in different ways

By Neil Strother, Navigant Research

Buying energy ahead of time is not a new concept. We buy gasoline metering report a boost in customer
for cars and batteries to power lights that way, for instance. But satisfaction since prepay customers are no
prepaying for electricity is not that common in many parts of the longer bothered by overdue notices or phone
world. The overall trend of prepaying for electricity, though, is on calls for collection of debt. Moreover, postpay
the upswing, in part because of the latest smart meter technology customers who switch to prepay tend to call
and utility back-office processes that can remotely allow customers their utility less often because they no longer
to pay for electricity beforehand if they prefer. need to negotiate paying overdue bills.

Customers who have switched to prepay Utilities find a number of significant Barriers to prepaid systems
programs say they have more control operational benefits with prepay systems, as
of their budgets as they get immediate well. Their exposure to bad debt is reduced However, prepaid metering systems
feedback about their consumption and when customers switch from traditional have significant barriers. Vocal consumer
can adjust usage to fit their resources. They postpay to prepaid metering as customers groups have taken a stand against prepaid
also avoid end-of-month surprises after a can no longer fall behind on paying. The metering because they claim low-income
period of beyond-the-norm consumption utility’s cash flow improves since revenue is customers and vulnerable people, such
since they no longer receive a monthly collected ahead of consumption, and there as senior citizens or those with life-
bill. In addition, these customers avoid late is a reduced emphasis on tracking deposits threatening medical conditions, could have
fees or charges for disconnections. In fact, because new customers are able to sign their service cut off with little recourse. In
under some systems, prepay customers up for service with a lower deposit, or in some jurisdictions, utility regulators do
receive alerts via email or text when their some cases, no deposit at all. And, utilities not allow prepaid metering for this same
remaining credit is low. see a reduction in theft of service, since reason – a need to protect vulnerable
Another advantage of prepaid electricity is under a prepay scheme, it is more difficult customers from an abrupt disconnection of
greater energy efficiency. Prepay customers for customers to steal service because service. For instance, the California Public
are inclined to be more mindful of their the meter can disconnect itself when Utilities Commission declined to approve
energy use, often lowering the number of money runs out. Paperwork for the utility a prepay system from San Diego Gas &
kilowatts they used as postpay customers. is reduced, too. Unlike postpay customers, Electric in 2013, and regulators in New
In addition, customers that switch to prepay prepaid customers are not sent a regular York and Iowa have not allowed prepaid
who have built up debt can pay it off paper bill, so the associated paperwork metering in their jurisdictions.
over time by making prepayments, with a costs are eliminated. There are other obstacles to prepaid
portion of each new purchase going toward In addition, a prepay system can increase metering. Utilities face added costs
reducing the balance. customer satisfaction. Utilities with prepaid when introducing a prepaid metering
system, from purchasing special meters to
Their exposure to bad debt is reduced additional software or service fees. Some
when customers switch from traditional utilities charge prepay customers higher
rates than they do postpay customers, thus
postpay to prepaid metering.” creating uncertainty among customers
deciding which payment method is best –
and causing consumer advocates to claim
this creates an unfair market. In addition,
utilities that launch a prepaid metering
program have added costs for customer
education and marketing.
Prepaid metering also carries with it a
long-held stigma that it is primarily for
people who struggle financially. Customers
who demonstrate they cannot pay on time

70 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

PREPAID METERING

In spite of hurdles, prepaid metering has some
momentum, though the trend is progressing in different

ways depending on the market and geography.”

with a traditional credit meter are often Chart: Prepaid Electric Meter Installed Base by Region, World Markets: 2014-2024
moved by a utility to a prepaid meter as a
means of avoiding lost revenue and helping (Source: Navigant Research)
customers avoid falling into arrears.
payment method, particularly among that have installed smart meters with remote
Momentum despite hurdles younger adults in Europe and Asia. disconnect capabilities, and that operate in
The installed base of prepaid metering states where prepaid metering is allowed
In spite of hurdles, prepaid metering has customers is expected to grow from nearly are the ones expected to drive this growth.
some momentum, though the trend is 32 million in 2014 to more than 85 million In Latin America, prepaid metering has
progressing in different ways depending in 2024, which represents a compound not been widely adopted, though several
on the market and geography. In Europe, annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%. Asia countries (e.g., Argentina, Colombia, Peru)
for instance, prepaid metering is common Pacific is expected to be the region with the have prepaid programs that have garnered
in United Kingdom, with about 15% of most prepay customers, with countries like some traction.
customers using this payment method, Indonesia having made prepay a priority. For prepay to thrive, as some advocates
and Ireland, which has nearly 10% using Prepaid metering in Europe is expected believe, it would take a major shift among
prepaid meters. But in other European to rise modestly, experiencing a CAGR of regulators and a strong drive by larger
countries, usage is lower because of 2.3%. For North America, the prepaid meter utilities to promote this payment
policies that discourage it, and a lack of any installed base is expected to grow from scheme. A flourishing market is possible,
historical implementations. In southern 650,000 to more than 3 million during the but the more likely outcome is a slow but
Africa, South Africa in particular, and some forecast period at a CAGR of 17%. Utilities steady ramp. MI
countries in Asia Pacific (e.g., Indonesia,
the Philippines, Australia), the use and ABOUT THE AUTHOR
deployment of prepaid metering systems Neil Strother, Principal Research Analyst
is well-established and growing. In North Neil Strother is a principal research analyst contributing to Navigant Research’s
America, a small fraction of customers use Utility Transformations program, with a focus on smart metering technologies,
prepay, though it has made some inroads, home energy management (HEM) solutions, and the Internet of Things (IoT)
particularly among cooperatives that have trend among consumers. Strother has an extensive background in market
made it a priority, and at the Salt River intelligence (more than 14 years) focused on emerging technologies, mainly in
Project in Arizona, which has a history of the wireless industry.
prepaid metering.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
What to expect Navigant Research is a market research and consulting team that provides
in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets. The team’s research
Navigant Research expects participation methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research
in prepaid metering programs to increase and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide
in the coming years, but growth will be a comprehensive view of these industry sectors.
hindered somewhat. Many customers are
unfamiliar with paying for electricity ahead
of time and will need to be coaxed into
adoption. Many regulators still entertain
doubts about prepay and it will take time
for the lingering stigma surrounding prepay
to abate. Nonetheless, from the customer
side, what helps this market is a growing
acceptance of the notion of paying ahead
of time for service, an idea quite common
among people who prepay for things such
as mobile phone service, a widespread

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015 71

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technology, smart power consumption finish local data interaction. The concentrator 2 Line/transformation loss analysis:
technology plays an important role in communicating with the master station
undertaking interaction between users system over GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA or Layer-based and level-based line/
and grid enterprises, improving power Ethernet establishes the uplink channel. transformation loss analysis of the
consumption and optimizing resource grid is automatically conducted
utilization. Smart power consumption based on power consumption and
functionality of the system distribution.
System solution DJGZ23 Concentrator
Smart client service It is often installed near a 10 kV
Relying on a strong grid and modern 1 Flexible payment options: Users can transformer and supports scheduled
management philosophy, the Star meter reading and freezing and storage
Instrument smart power consumption make payment at a power point of of current and historic energy data, load
solution employs advanced metering, sale (POS) or a bank. The payment curves, operating statuses and recorded
highly effective control and interactive system then tops up electricity events. It allows reading of 2,048 smart
communication technologies to meters remotely through the power electricity meters and up to 12-month data
provide a quick response to user power vending server. Alternatively, a token storage.
consumption abnormalities, instantaneous is generated by the payment system. Electricity meter
data acquisition, flexible payment Users input the token on the UIU for DDS26D, DDS26E, DTSY23S and DDSY23S
options and convenient and fast service. top-up. series are typical class 2.0 electricity
A new supply and consumption relation, 2 Online monitoring for power meters. They support DIN, BS and ANSI
allowing real-time interaction of energy, consumption: Users’ power consumption wiring. Theft of electricity by magnetic,
information and services, is established information and/or abnormalities are reverse and bypass methods is prevented.
between the grid and consumers. Star monitored in real time. The above series can be optionally
Instrument designed the following AMI Smart metering and control equipped with RF/ZigBee, S-FSK/PRIME/
payment system architecture for smart 1 Data acquisition: Bidirectional energy PLC-G3 and GPRS/CDMA/WCDMA
power consumption: metering is supported. It automatically communication modules. They also comply
The AMI payment system is constructed collects a client’s energy data, energy with communications specifications in
with the system master station quality data, electrical data and status accordance with IEC62056-21, DLMS/
(including the front end processor (FEP)), (event) data. COSEM and ANSI C12.18/19.
concentrator, electricity meter and user 2 Fixed units control: When users’ An internal relay rated up to 100 A can
interface unit (UIU). remaining units reduce to a certain additionally be installed in the electricity
System operating principal: The AMI amount, the UIU gives a top-up prompt meter, allowing remote switching between
payment system supports multiple to users. prepaid and postpaid modes.
communications. The concentrator/UIU 3 Remote parameter setting: Remote User interface unit
communicates with electricity meters over electricity meter settings can be • Synchronization with electricity meter
performed to update rates and time display: The UIU monitors the electricity
periods. Remote switch between meter automatically and provides
prepaid and postpaid modes can be instantaneous power consumption
realized according to clients’ needs. information.
Providing basis for smart marketing • Event reporting: The UIU reports
business management and decision- abnormal events such as low remaining
making units and overload.
1 Energy quality management: Load • Top-up: Top-up on the UIU by users is
curves are formed through remote allowed. MI
monitoring for client-side energy
quality (reactive energy, energy,
demand, voltage, current and power
factor and harmonic).

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY
Gao Xiaojie, senior engineer, Shenzhen Star Instrument Co., Ltd.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Shenzhen Star Instrument is a leading smart meter provider, which has developed an AMI system with a wide
application base. This self-developed AMI system has found wide application as a major solution in many
countries. The company offers over 100 metering solutions, which include both pre- and post-paid meters.

72 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015



SMART GRID

GIBRALTAR
ELECTRICITY
AUTHORITY

drives lower
carbon emissions

Gibraltar’s Electricity Authority (GEA) is finalising a smart
grid project, which will see modular smart meters, G3-PLC
communication modules and data concentrators installed, along
with supporting meter data collection and management systems.

Speaking to Metering & Smart Energy “Ultimately end-user customers will smart meters, with AM540 G3-PLC
International, Paul Thomas, Metering be provided with accurate and easily communication modules, 12 RTU+Server2
Officer with GEA, explains that the accessible consumption data, based on transparent gateway data concentrators
implementation of the smart metering 15-minute load profiles via a web portal or and the EIServer Head End and meter data
project is as a direct result of European mobile app – the objective being that by management suite.
Union directives and H.M. Government engaging customers into understanding The project will use the customer’s own
of Gibraltar’s energy policy. The smart their electricity consumption they will be fibre optic network, which is currently
metering solution plays an integral able to effectively manage and reduce their being installed for data flow between the
part in GEA’s overall strategy on energy electricity usage,”Thomas says. gateways and the meter data collection
management for the geographically This is seen as a critical factor as system. Delivery of the hardware is to be
limited but highly densely populated electricity is currently the only source of expected by August, and the full system will
service area. energy in Gibraltar. be operational by end of 2015.
GEA will be using an Elster supplied smart Gibraltar, being located in southern Europe, The pilot project is envisaged to run
metering solution, which uses G3-PLC to provides an ideal location for renewable for 10 to 12 months with the customer
assist the Government of Gibraltar in their energy. The Government of Gibraltar is fully web portal/mobile app coming online
dinritveermtosroefdguecneeCrOat²ieomn iasnsidoenns db-outsher committed to the ideology of generating in the latter stages. Within this period
energy consumption. an increased proportion of Gibraltar’s the system’s technical performance,
The smart metering solution provides electricity from renewable energy sources. financial and environmental cost
GEA with the ability to obtain accurate The smart metering solution provides GEA benefits will be assessed and evaluated.
energy usage data to improve with the ability to remotely monitor and End-user engagement and changes
network management and generation integrate such energy sources, where as to consumption behaviour will also
requirements such as forecast energy previously this was not possible. be assessed, as will improvements to
usage. It also provides the necessary customer services. It is expected that
tools for GEA to further develop energy Technical facts and figures smart metering will be deployed across all
management policies and processes. GEA service areas once the Government
74 GEA will install 1,066 AS220 smart of Gibraltar gives final approval.
meters and 27 AS3000/AS3500 modular
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

SMART GRID

Initially the GEA will be installing smart grid 75
technology using an integrated digital control
system to provide protection, automation,
control and monitoring (PACiS) functionality
in a limited number of substations. This
technology will be installed at all new
distribution centres and at key HV network
locations to monitor grid performance,
loads and power quality. The system will
also provide remote control functionality
for these sites using a number of protocols.
These protocols will run over GEA’s new fibre
optic TCP/IP networks and substations LAN’s
using high speed Ethernet. The introduction
of PACiS will greatly improve outage response
and restoration management times using
functionalities such as the intelligent fast
load shedding (iFLS) system for generation
faults and automatic supply restoration (ASR)
system for network faults.
It is expected to integrate the entire HV
network into the PACiS system providing
full monitoring and control over all
substations, as well as full automation
and auto-reconfiguration of these, thus
converting GEA’s manually controlled HV
network into a pure smart grid.
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

SMART GRID

The head-end MDC-MDM platform will Share of meters in households – excerpt from National Energy Efficiency Action Plan,
be used for statistical data and analysis. Department of Environment, Government of Gibraltar, 2014
During the initial stages of the pilot project The number of households in Gibraltar are expected to continue to increase new
it is expected that analytic and assessment housing developments are constructed in the coming years.
software tools will be extended and refined Table 1 shows different options of target shares of smart meters among households,
according to statistical and performance e.g. aiming at 50% of households with smart meters will result in an overall installation
requirements. The GEA has also purchased of ca 5,900 smart meters. The installation of these meters is then evenly spread over
MFA400 frequency analysers for field the seven years so that in 2020 5,900 households in Gibraltar will have a smart meter.
technicians to assess, identify and analyse Estimation of savings resulting from smart meter installation
noise and disturbances on the network, The corresponding savings from the installed meters, assuming that each meter saves
which could interfere with the performance 0.1 MWh/year or 0.2 MWh/year are shown in Table 2 and Table 3 respectively.
of the G3-PLC transmission.
At present, HV SCADA (PACiS) network reducing CinO2² e0m17i.ssions. Final handover is technology in terms of reducing electricity
interfaces and smart metering technology expected consumption and CO² emissions.
will be connected to the fibre optic network. H.M. Government of Gibraltar is
“However, installing fibre optic networks to Significant investment and interest in actively promoting all new residential
all our substations provides us with the ability renewable energy has been attracted to developments to adopt a policy of being
to control and monitor other GEA systems Gibraltar. At present, there are a number smart meter ready. Concurrently, the GEA
such as traffic light management systems, of renewable energy projects of up to smart metering advisory group is working
street lighting and public illuminations, as 5MW in their final design stages that on a campaign to promote positive
well as other services, which we are currently utilise wave power and solar photovoltaic customer engagement – with initiatives to
investigating,”explains Thomas. (PV). These will complement existing build customer knowledge and awareness
A new 80MWe dual-fuel power station with small-scale PV installations. of the benefits that smart meter technology
3.4MWe heat recovery, is to be built for the can bring, both to the individual customer
GEA with construction due to commence Stakeholder engagement is central to and to Gibraltar as a whole. MI
within the next few months. The new delivering the benefits of smart metering
dual-fuel power station will replace three
existing and aging power stations, further

TABLE 1: NUMBER OF INSTALLED METERS IN GIBRALTAR HOUSEHOLDS

Number of 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
smart meters
2,360 337 674 1,011 1,349 1,686 2,023
20% 5,900 843 1,686 2,529 3,371 4,214 5,057
50% 9,440 1,349 2,697 4,046 5,394 6,743 8,091
80% 11,682 1,669 3,338 5,007 6,675 8,344 10,013
99%

TABLE 2: FINAL ENERGY SAVINGS IF A METER SAVES 0.1 MWH/YEAR

Share of 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total
meters in savings
households 34 67 101 135 169 202 236 [in MWh]
84 169 253 337 421 506 590
20% 135 270 405 539 674 809 944 944
50% 167 334 501 668 834 1001 1168 2360
80% 3776
99% 4673

TABLE 3: FINAL ENERGY SAVINGS IF A METER SAVES 0.2 MWH/YEAR SHARE

Share of 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total
meters in savings [in
households 67 135 202 270 337 405 472
MWh]
20% 169 337 506 674 843 1011 1180 1888
50% 4720
80% 270 539 809 1079 1349 1618 1888 7552
99% 9346
334 668 1001 1335 1669 2003 2336

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
The GEA is Gibraltar’s principle generator, distributor and supplier of electricity and was established with the objective of supplying electricity in an efficient and economical
manner, and to maintain and develop the network and generating system. Currently the GEA has approximately 20,000 customers divided into 20% commercial and 80% residential,
which is expected to increase by 50% within the next 10 years.

76 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015



GAS METERING

Selecting a

shut-off valve

for gas meters

By Dirk Weiss, Johnson Electric

Intrinsically safe gas shut-off valve The valve technology within a smart gas shut-off functionality. The shut-off valve
meter is one critical factor when designing can be either on the inlet or outlet side
Smart meters enable utilities a new meter and choices can be difficult. of the gas meter. On the inlet side, the
to reduce costs and improve This guideline was written to identify 5 key valve will seal against the main gas flow
customer service, while helping steps to select a gas meter shut-off valve. where it is exposed to contamination. In
consumers reduce their energy this case, the valve should have preventive
consumption and expense. When Critical performance design features to resist against dust
developing a smart meter, the requirements and to ensure perfect sealing. If, due to
measuring technology and the space restrictions, integration is on the
critical performance factors must Smart meters use a shut-off valve to enable outlet side, the valve needs to partially
be evaluated and aligned with utility companies to control their energy replace the exhaust pipe of the flow sensor
market requirements. grid. Prepay meters always require such (position between flow sensor and meter
technology to turn services off when the outlet), and compact footprint and flexible
payment load has expired. Integration shut-off valve design for available meter
of a shut off valve in postpay meters space is critical. Ball valves, for example,
depends on country regulations, cost- guide the gas flow directly through and
benefit analyses and the strategy of the are less influenced by dust. Linear valves
utility company. Depending on the meter should support resistance to impurities in
type, the valve has different performance the gas flow by design.
requirements including pressure drop; Another consideration for valve selection
energy consumption; ATEX classification is the high variety of meter designs for
and resistance to impurities in the gas different geographic markets. A flexible
supply. All of these requirements should be mechanical interface allows meter
specified at an early development stage to manufacturers to integrate only one valve
maximize the success of the smart meter type that can be easily assembled within
product rollout. different meters by using an adapter.

Integration considerations for Valve pressure drop
residential gas meters
The overall allowed pressure drop of a gas
Valve position is the first question to meter is specified with a maximum of
be addressed in the implementation of

Valve position is the first question to be addressed in the
implementation of shut-off functionality. The shut-off valve

can be either on the inlet or outlet side of the gas meter.”

78 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

Custom Solutions for Gas and Electric Smart Meters

Best Technology, Cost, Quality & Safety

Gas Shut Off Unit Electric Disconnect Relay

• Highest Intrinsic Safety • Improved Safety by Rocker Actuator Design
• Unique Sealing Technology • Better Contact Integrity vs. H-Armature Designs
• Millions in Production • Millions in Production
• Lowest Pressure Drop • Full UC3 Compliance

For more information email [email protected]
www.johnsonelectric.com/smartmeter

GAS METERING

When selecting a gas meter shut-off valve, another
requirement is compliance with ATEX and IEC 60079-11:

2012 protection “i” for gas group IIA (natural gas)
and IIB (town gas).”

2 mbar (200 Pa) according to EN1359 Up until now, the industry practice to Linear valve support resistance to
(flow<16m²/h) and EN14236. Residential comply with intrinsic safety regulations impurities in the gas flow by design
G4 gas meters without shut-off valve has been to add a protection circuit with
technology have pressure losses of several diodes to reduce the available also be considered. Valves with high
1 to 1.5 mbar, depending on meter energy below the specified safety limit. operating current require a super capacitor
measuring technology and design, while This design approach includes the risk to avoid direct discharge of the battery.
the remaining pressure drop of a shut- of both component failure (e.g. broken A general rule for valve selection: The
off valve cannot be higher than 0.5 to soldering joint, broken brushes or a short lower the operating current the longer the
1mbar. G6 gas meters have even higher circuit of motor coil) and assembly error battery lifetime.
pressure loss resulting in lower pressure rendering the protection circuit useless. Considering all of these steps during
drop requirements for valves. The overall To completely eliminate any component the meter design process will ensure a
smart meter pressure drop including the failure risk and to ensure 100% safe successful integration of the gas shut-off
valve should be tested at the system level operation, a motor with a natural energy valve function. MI
to ensure compliance with standards. This level far below the specified safety level
will support the utilities’ objective for high of 160 µJ is the safe choice for gas type
grid efficiency. IIB. This low energy commutation motor
within the valve does not require any
Safety and regulatory compliance additional circuitry – hence the risk of a
component related failure is completely
When selecting a gas meter shut-off valve, eliminated as a potential risk factor.
another requirement is compliance with
ATEX and IEC 60079-11: 2012 protection Energy consumption and lifetime
“i” for gas group IIA (natural gas) and/or IIB
(town gas). This ensures the safe operation Shut-off valves in smart gas meters
of motor actuated valves in hazardous are operated via battery. The energy
areas by limiting the energy available for consumption of the valve is defined as
ignition from potential motor sparking. the power needed for one operation to
This means that the energy of any spark release and interrupt the gas flow. The
naturally occurring within a motor is requested number of lifetime cycles can
limited in such a way that it cannot be regulatory (DIN EN 16314) or custom
become an ignition source. defined. As a result, the necessary valve
energy to be provided by the battery
What is ATEX? needs to be defined to guarantee meter
lifetime performance. These are typically
ATEX is the name commonly given to the between 15 and 20 years or 4000 to
two European Directives for controlling 5000 cycles. Valve operation current must
explosive atmospheres:
Directive 99/92/EC (also known as ABOUT THE AUTHOR
‘ATEX 137’ or the ‘ATEX Workplace Dirk Weiss, vice president, metering and circuit breaker technology
Directive’) on minimum requirements business unit, has 25 years of industry experience in switching
for improving the health and safety applications and solutions. He started his professional career as a
protection of workers potentially at risk design engineer and then through engineering management to
from explosive atmospheres. business unit management. In 2014 Dirk was appointed to lead
Directive 94/9/EC (also known as the technology direction and new product development for the
‘ATEX 95’ or ‘the ATEX Equipment Directive’) business unit, focusing on solutions for smart meter applications.
on the approximation of the laws of
Members States concerning equipment ABOUT THE COMPANY:
and protective systems intended for use in Johnson Electric is the leader in remote electric
potentially explosive atmospheres. disconnects and gas shut-off solutions for global
manufacturers of smart meters. Our technology
http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/ leadership, application expertise and global
atex.htm manufacturing footprint make Johnson Electric the ideal
partner for critical high volume meter projects. Johnson
Electric’s metering design teams are located in Germany
and the UK. The parent company is headquartered in
Hong Kong and operates in 24 countries.

www.johnsonelectric.com

80 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

SMART GRID

MesInfos Energies

Self data for the benefit of
energy transition

By Marine Albarede, Fing

What if individuals had access to all their broadly. The targets announced by public In response to this criticism there seems
personal energy consumption data and and private institutions are ambitious: The to be a growing will to turn the smart
could use it however they please… to keep European Commission has announced meter into an information sharing tool
an eye on their usage, to better understand that both EU emissions and annual for consumers, rather than just a tool
it, to compare with others, and more? What household energy consumption could to manage infrastructures in a more
could possibly happen? Could it be a new drop by 9% thanks to the deployment of efficient way. This is what the Green
path to get them actively involved in the smart grids and smart meters2. However, Button initiative embodies. In the US,
energy transition of the territory they live their deployment has been met with thanks to the Green Button, 60 million
in? This is the subject Fing and its partner some resistance, on the grounds that they Americans can now download their energy
organizations have chosen to explore with will mostly benefit the energy players consumption data and use it freely, for
MesInfos Energies. rather than the consumers. their own purposes, using software and
MesInfos Energies is part of Fing’s
programme on Self Data1: MesInfos.
MesInfos explores the following idea: ‘If I
can use your data, you can too… however
you please’.
Our planet can no longer sustain our way
of life. Climate change and the depletion
of resources require us to radically change
the way we live. This is a worldwide priority,
but it is far from easy to achieve. The energy
transition is at the core of the political
agenda in France and beyond, with COP21
being held in Paris in December 2015.
How can we make territories and countries
reduce their energy consumptions, making
them cleaner, greener and less dependent
on fossil fuels?
Major players from the energy sector
place great hopes on new technologies,
believing in improvements in the
efficiency of production, distribution,
consumption and energy networks more

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015 81

SMART GRID

What if individuals had access to all their – why it is high or low in connexion to
personal energy consumption data and their purchases, trips, activities, etc. – and
could use it however they please” identify what they could do to reduce it.
They could compare the consumption
online third party services. Among the Let’s imagine that tomorrow, individuals will of their households with that of similar
latter, Leafully gives personalized advices not only have access to their consumption households and benefit from their better
on how to reduce one’s consumption and data – among other personal data, but will practices. They could also simply compare
offers the possibility of buying renewable also be able to use it in different ways with different rates and providers and choose
energy certificates; while Opower turns the help of third party services. This is what the one that is the most appropriate for
the reduction of one’s consumption into a we call Self Data. their needs and values. Finally, they could
game. In the UK, the government project More than simply visualising their choose to share (anonymized) knowledge
named Midata – focused on organisations consumption, they could begin to with others in their city or region, in the
sharing personal data with their consumers understand it, how and why it is changing vein of existing citizen initiatives in the area
– is on the same path. of environmental measurement (Montre
In France, the deployment of smart Verte by Fing in 2009, Capteurs Citoyens,
meters – ‘Gazpar’ for gas and ‘Linky’ CitizenWatt today), road traffic (Waze),
for electricity – which is planned mapping (OpenStreetMap), etc.
between 2016 and 2022, is the first This scenario, in which the individual
step towards this redistribution of becomes a fully committed force of the
information to citizens. This context, energy transition, is the one we have
backed up by regulation, seems in
favour of the launch of a system chosen to explore with MesInfos
close to the Green Button in France. Energies.

Redistributing information Self Data & Energy – How
to individuals: a way to could it work?
empower them to take
action in the energy In a Self Data World, individuals
transition? have access to all the personal
data that companies and public
In our view, redistributing administrations hold about them
information to individuals could (energy consumption being just one
transform the energy transition from kind of data). They can also add data
a reasonable but boring, complex they have produced themselves. The
and time-consuming thing to do data they access are of course their
into a positive and creative dynamic, own and only their own.
producing economic and social Individuals can store their data on
value. Today, when it comes to the a secure personal data platform
consumption of energy, personal and manage it, thanks to service
habits are not really changing for providers. These platforms can
several reasons: the motivation is not take several forms and are
always there, the subject of energy is based upon different technical
often seen as a technical one, there architectures: ‘data vaults’, personal
is suspicion towards smart meters, as clouds, PIMS3, and so on. They play
well as a lack of trust toward energy a pivotal role between the user, the
producers. Yes, smart meters allow keepers of personal data and the
us to visualize our consumption, but third party services.
this alone is not always enough to Thanks to third party service
act on it and reduce it. providers, individuals can then
operate their own data, to their own
ends, to improve their knowledge,
evaluate past decisions, make better
and more informed choices in the
present, share information and
collaborate with others, contribute
to common endeavours, make their

Panoply of uses for personal data.

82 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015



SMART GRID

Self Data can be a have to answer several questions involving providers who are developing more and
powerful asset for different scales – international, in each more services as the deployment of smart
privacy protection. country, and each company – before being meters continues.
The revision of the really ready and mature. The MesInfos We are also exploring other uses and
European directive Project, among others, will continue to services by and for individuals in relation
on personal data explore these questions. to their energy data. For instance,
connecting individuals with other
protection will How do we get there? MesInfos personal data, such as the history of
make it easier for Energies – The Project their purchases, can provide new
individuals to access meaning to data.
their personal data” Launched in 2012 by Fing, MesInfos4 is Finally, we will concentrate on ways to give
actively investigating and experimenting life to the services and systems we will
lives easier, etc. Each of these services will in partnership with different organizations imagine this year. This will be the third
only access a subset of each individual’s such as banks, insurers, retailers, goal of MesInfos Energies in 2015, which
data, as relevant to the service they provide telecommunication giants, public should result in more concrete experiments
and for a specific period of time. administrations and energy providers. in 2016.
MesInfos Energies was launched in the The approach we are describing is not an
In this way, Self Data offers great spring of 2015 to explore the potential alternative to smart grids and smart meters:
opportunities and can be the source of a of Self Data in relation to energy, for on the contrary, MesInfos Energies aims
whole new service ecosystem: business individuals, as well as for the benefit of to complete these systems. By being more
opportunities for established players as the energy transition. To this end, we have involved, individuals will find a real and
well as newcomers, use value for chosen not to limit ourselves to residential concrete personal interest in using their
individuals, and environmental value when energy, and to include mobility on one personal energy consumption data. On a
it comes to energy. hand, and everyday consumption on the local scale, this could help turn the Smart
other (especially food consumption). City narrative back on its feet, by focusing
Self Data can be a powerful asset for privacy In 2015, MesInfos Energies focuses on on the active involvement of its inhabitants,
protection. The revision of the European a pragmatic exploration of the subject by linking personal interests as closely as
directive on personal data protection will in order to demonstrate the richness of possible with a contribution to collective
make it easier for individuals to access their energy data and other data linked to the endeavours, by reconciling pleasure and
personal data. It will also create a right to environment that individuals can easily reason, daily life and the long term, top-
personal data portability, which means collect and use (personal data, public/ down and bottom-up. We think this is a
the possibility of transferring personal open data…). Services providing value to path worth taking and exploring for energy
data from one service provider to another. individuals will be essential to make them providers as well as for local communities, in
Without going as far as mentioning the stakeholders of the energy transition. This is France and beyond. MI
actual ‘reuse’ of their personal data by now well understood by most of the energy
individuals, the European Commission’s
proposition creates a context in which such 1 – The MesInfos project defines Self Data as the collection, use and sharing of personal data by and for
a proposal becomes a concrete possibility. individuals, under their complete control and designed to fulfil their own needs and aspirations.

This proposal is already taking off in France 2 – Figures from the Smart Grids Task Force: https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/markets-and-
and elsewhere. It will still face challenges consumers/smart-grids-and-meters
– technical, legal, and financial – and will
3 – Personal Information Management Systems, see « Manage your digital life in your personal
info management system », Abiteboul S., Kaplan D. et André B, 2014, http://cacm.acm.org/
magazines/2015/5/186024-managing-your-digital-life/fulltext

4 – MesInfos conducted a pilot study from October 2013 to May 2014: large companies (e.g., banks, an
insurance provider, a retailer, a telecommunications giant) agreed to securely, individually share
with several hundred of their clients the personal data they gather about them on a daily basis. The
summary and conclusions of this pilot study is avalaible in English: http://doc.openfing.org/MesInfos/
SyntheseMesInfos_V3_EN-WEB.pdf

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
Fing is a non-profit independent foresight research organization based in Paris, France. Fing discovers,
creates and shares novel and practical ideas that anticipate digital transformations. Since 2000, Fing
has been helping private businesses, public sector institutions and local communities to open up their
innovation processes and anticipate changes inspired by technology and its uses.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marine Albarede has been working for Fing since 2011. Before that, she graduated from Grenoble Institute of
Political Studies and French Institute of urban planning. At Fing she specifically works on digital innovation
and several projects related to urban issues and collaborative economy. Since 2012, she has co-led the
MesInfos project, which focus on personal data.

84 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015



PRODUCT SHOWCASE

providing growth through

INTEROPERABLE SOLUTIONS

How do utilities move successfully into the next stage of their evolution?
The short answer is through system interoperability.

Until now, this evolution has been a true to-end secure platform, from the meter to this combination for the international
balancing act, especially when factoring in our innovative G3 RTU data concentrator, standard solution.
weather-related system shocks, integrating which then continues all the way
new sources of distributed energy, evolving through to the meter data management CONNEXO®

regulations, and demands for enhanced component. “With Elster’s Connexo platform, we have a
security and reliability. However, the next The elements of this solution are based single offering which is designed to provide
phase of the journey must be as future- on European PLC technology. This integrated solutions for the smart grid,” says
friendly as possible, and the concept of technology enables real-time, remote, Richard St Clair, Elster Vice President Sales
system interoperability is fundamental for two-way communication between the EMEA/APAC, referencing the company’s
the future. smart meters and a central meter data recently introduced interoperable smart

What can interoperability do for management system. grid software suite.
you?
A fully interoperable environment is vital The expanding number of sensors on
the grid is only as valuable as the overall
Interoperability is the ability for grid for these solutions, ensuring the head capability to process the incoming data. St
components to speak the same language end system is allowing send/receive data Clair described Elster’s Connexo product
through common protocols and APIs. New to/from the applicable meter through as a platform designed to manage this
systems must be interoperable with one Elster’s new G3 RTU data concentrator. This incoming data in a way that sharpens a
another and must also communicate with data concentrator is a device that blends utility’s operational awareness, and handle
the legacy systems that have served as innovative virtual point-to-point G3-PLC growing smart grid data inflows centrally as
the backbone of operations for decades. IPv6 communication with a classical store a unified utility intelligence engine.
Grid interoperability is a strong enabler for and forward data concentrator in a secure Elster’s Connexo platform is built with
everything else. The pragmatic approach and interoperable environment. modular architecture in mind, serving
is for utilities to plan and assess for PLC G3 is a mature and cost effective the needs of utilities as they gear up for
interoperability based on their current communication technology solution, which operational, and even societal, changes
systems, to choose the most future-friendly benefits from a full IP based flat network that will reshape energy. By supporting
platforms, and to build coalitions of architecture. PLC G3 cannot be seen as a modularity, Connexo allows grid operators
vendors for future growth. stand-alone communication technology

G3-PLC international solution – the merging and ‘growing together’ to scale up operations and add new devices
with the IDIS standard and its maturity of while reconfiguring or redeploying existing
One of the key solutions Elster is offering
today is the G3-PLC international solution.

Rely on Connexo, an adaptive and open softwarIt is designed to provide a complete end-
functionality implementation and use case devices to other areas in the grid. All of this
support, is a very strong combination. This reduces cost while increasing satisfaction
is the exact reason why Elster has chosen for utilities and their constituents.

for utilities, to manage the core of your busines

Securely collect, process, store and leverage smart grid data. Easil

data collection to data management and vice versa, incrementally

any application as your business needs evolve.

G3-PLC international solution Connexo is a future proof and adaptive platform which simplifies
multi-vendor connections and the evolving grid landscape

86 METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Strong network communication is Connect grid sensors with utility
also key; streamlining networks using systems, sensor data with enterprise
modular components promotes the use of information, operations with processes,
actionable data and reduces the amount users with insights and future needs
of infrastructure to manage. Connexo with agile answers, providing a full 360°
supports a variety of communication view.
and backhaul options – including
compatibility with existing systems interoperability, a standards-driven
from RF mesh, point-to-point, approach to communications –
point-to-point cellular, Ethernet, coupled with robust edge-based
fiber and more – making it intelligence and central intelligence
easier to phase-in new network – provides the three primary legs of
communication changes in a way managing the growing challenges in
that works with a utility’s budget operational awareness.
and timetable.
Smart partner integration
“We can pull data from many sensor or a small team can run these complex
types, over many communication networks.” A fundamental, yet often overlooked,
protocols, and aggregate it in a common While adaptability affords flexibility, it is component of operational awareness is the
way, so when a utility becomes aware still important to manage data through consideration of partner integration.
of what’s happening at the edges of the a single view that supports custom “We’ve made the determination to focus on
network, that data becomes valuable workflows. data, from multiple sources, and deliver it in
information. This information, in turn, “Connexo is the head end, manages all a common way,” says St Clair.
enables action to occur on the operational devices, and acts as the single point of “In this massive and rapidly changing
side. That is actionable intelligence,” St view for various transports, all the different environment, we can’t be all things to
Clair explains. “For the transmission and ways you connect devices,” according to St all people, so we’ve developed a path to
distribution group – that’s their lifeblood.” Clair. “It doesn’t matter how it’s connected effective integration with our partners.
– you focus on solving the problems, doing This requires a full standards-driven
“For large utilities, the need is the ability the analytics, and it helps you make your approach whether integration occurs at
to integrate with enterprise systems. operational decisions.” the edge, on the network or on the central
For smaller utilities …Connexo provides The more effortlessly system operators can intelligence platform.”
integrated options such as outage track data and make use of the grid’s guided In conclusion, it is inevitable that grid
management, transformer monitoring, decision-making, the better. Whether or not changes are coming, and a growing
theft detection, and so on, meeting many utilities become more allied to ‘platform number of vendors will participate in
of the small utilities’ operational needs.” providers’ for a distributed energy system, the process and add further innovations.
personnel and systems that anticipate grid Interoperability will serve as the prime
So much of what makes a smart grid events more actively will increase reliability enabler of these changes. Utilities will be
software platform effective today is the use while reducing their operating costs. able to serve their constituents well only
of standards based application program if they choose an upgrade path based on
interfaces (APIs). Standards-based APIs Robust and open a common platform for change, and find
unite applications and components communications solutions that accommodate upgrades
together more successfully than proprietary across the whole spectrum of the grid. MI
APIs. This applies both at the broader Robust, open standards-driven
application and more specific device level. communications allow grid components ABOUT ELSTER
and endpoints to communicate with one Elster delivers complete secure smart grid and
“The use of standards-based protocols another in support of core applications like energy management solutions that drive energy
enables the ability to support and manage meter data management (MDM), outage efficiency, operational improvements and cost
re platformthe multitude of technology and devices management systems (OMS) and consumer savings for utilities, commercial and industrial
required across the smart grid, providing information systems (CIS). customers and consumers. Elster uses its speed
increased interoperability and reduced Robustness equates with more vendor and agility to drive interoperability and open
operational cost,” says St Clair. choice and the ability to plug new standards and strategically collaborates with
ss. Exception-based processing also builds on components into the network with customers and partners.
adaptability, simplifying data within a user less fear of integration roadblocks.
role and notifying utilities about problems Interoperability also means reduced 87
in the system. operational and technical risk for the
utility. In addition to the benefits of
ly expand from“Some systems don’t have exception-based
processing and you have to dig through a

y extend withlot of data to see what went wrong,”
St Clair says in reference to the core systems
utilities use in their day-to-day operations.

“Connexo has built-in design principals to
make it easier. That leads to a reduction in
cost and not needing an army of people to
figure out what went wrong – one person

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

REVENUE PROTECTION

REVENUE PROTECTION:

one goal, many approaches

By GK Panchal, Secure Meters

Revenue protection is very important in of meters. Taking care of installation can lock by covering the meter in a box
every business. It has a high relevance practice alone without heed to the or by locking the room
for the electricity distribution business, functional specifications will not serve the mounting the meter and CT inside a box
since the business is in operation 24x7 overall purpose of revenue protection. with a clear window, where the internals
and its assets (lines, cables, transformers, For example, with the introduction of cannot be accessed without breaking
meters) are never in the custody of the availability-based tariffs (ABT), the need for through a seal
owner but are spread over the entire area boundary meters to support frequency- installing a meter and ensuring height
of operation. In such businesses, revenue linked rates is essential. and location of the installation enables
comes directly from meter reading; hence, easy readability of meters (i.e. noting
whenever the topic of revenue loss or Location of the meter or downloading the meter readings)
protection is discussed – the meter is the (Figure 1).
target. In reality, there are many other The location of the meter, i.e. the type For many years, meters were installed
aspects to revenue protection – all of or nature of site where meters are to be at consumer premises without any
which should be considered. installed, is important and must be known precautions and every utility paid a
in advance. Each different site will require heavy cost for this. The reason is that the
Metering application different installation practices. customer could tamper with meters and
The major cause of revenue loss has fiddle with the wiring and installation
Metering applications can be broadly been lacunae in location and installation because:
categorised under two types, namely tariff practices. These poor installation meter reading was obstructed/not
metering and system metering practices allow tampering by consumers, allowed
Tariff metering covers inter-utility tariff with or without the connivance of a placing the meter in a sealed box didn’t
metering and consumer tariff metering. few unscrupulous utility employees. provide sufficient security
System metering covers meters at grid Implementation of sound installation the customer had access to the
substations with two-way power flow; practices can certainly deter this. incoming cable (Figure 2)
metering at distribution substations on
incoming feeders, radial feeders and Indoor-meter installation Outdoor installation of meters
substation transformers; and metering on
outdoor/indoor distribution transformers The normal practice of installing meters Of late, utilities have recognised this
It is important to recognise that different inside the user’s premises are described as problem and have started installing meters
applications need different specifications follows: in public places such as on a compound
and installation practices designed wall, outer wall of the property or on a pole
specifically for that application vis-à- the meter may be installed with or near the property, but the results are not
vis different functional specifications without a sealed meter box inside the always satisfactory (Figure 3).
customer premises, which the customer

Figure 1: Installation insuring height and location of the Figure 2: Installations at customer premises, providing
meters for easy readability access to incoming cables.
88
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015



REVENUE PROTECTION

Figure 3: Outdoor installations of meters Figure 4: Installing meters in public areas and at heights that make them hard to
are not always a satisfactory solution reach, is one option to be considered.

The reasons are: the disconnection switch must be inside especially for measurement in severely
meter are kept at eye level for easy the meter unbalanced applications.
reading. Two element meter vs three element
too many meter boxes per pole there should be a remote display of the meters
increased length of cable causes higher meter reading in the home Two element meters have been used for
losses many decades. It is a cost effective setup,
in the case of non-payment of bills, the installation should be error free since the cost of the meter, CT and PT is
disconnection is difficult there should be a load limiter switch almost two thirds of the cost of a 3 element
the meter displays too many parameters, setup. But this may be a false economy as a
thereby increasing reading time to protect against over loading by 2 element meter set up can lead to loss of
meters can still be easily tampered with customers or fire revenue for the utility.
customers don’t have responsibility for a suitable prepayment system can meet Another possible cause for loss of revenue
the security of their own meters most of these requirements could occure if an HT/EHT customer is
CT operated meters for large load required to use a delta/star step down
customers can’t be installed in this way Meter type transformer. If at a later stage the customer
replaces it with a star/star transformer,
Revenue can be protected with ease if the Meter type and installation challenges the utility will never know. If its neutral is
following guidelines are followed: Meters of different accuracy classes (ex. earthed on the HV/EHV side the meter will
0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 etc) are used for different under-register and this will go unnoticed
meter should not be at eye level but purposes based on the requirement of with a 2 element meter. To overcome
it should be at a height not easily accuracy. Different types of meters are: such problems, a 3 element meter is most
accessed suitable. (Figure 5)
1 phase whole current meters Factors affecting measurements in CT-PT
the meter should be housed in a simple 3 phase whole current meters – operated meters
outdoor rain resistant box The energy audit and accounting activities
2 element at different levels of the power system are
the smallest possible length of cable 3 phase whole current meters – plagued by problems like inconsistent loss
should be used to connect the meter figures etc. as a result of poor installation
3 element practices (they contribute to errors in
the meter should be capable of being 3 phase CT connected meters – measurement of energy; thereby the loss
read and disconnected remotely figures).
2 element
the meter should display only the 3 phase CT connected meters – The factors affecting CT/PT
parameters that are needed connected meters
3 element
meters should be installed such that it 3 phase CT/PT connected meters – Influence of CT and PT wires
is difficult to come close to them in a In CT connected meters and CT and PT
public domain (Figure 4) 2 element connected HT meter installations, the size
3 phase CT/PT connected meters – and length of the CT and PT wires play
installations should make use of state a major role in measurement accuracy.
of art CT and meter combinations, with 3 element Large voltage drops in undersized PT wires
thread through cable arrangements for It is important to note that 3 phase, three
large load customers wire, two element meters (whether whole METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015
current or CT operated) are unsuitable
Such outdoor meter installations have a few for four wire systems. Nearly all of our LT
special requirements systems are four wire systems with the
neutral grounded at the transformer end.
AMR or remote meter reading is a must Utilities have now recognised this fact,
to make meter reading possible but there are still a number of sites with
3 phase, three wire meters. It is worth
90 replacing these meters on priority, as they
are a potential cause for loss of revenue,

REVENUE PROTECTION

the normal operating range and, due to
its characteristic curve (Figure 6), does not
saturate faster on heavy fault current. The
current passing through the measuring
element of the meter will always be higher
than the basic current (Ib) rating of the
meter leading to meter damage as well.

One common source of error (or
manipulation) is the nameplate for
CTs. Mismatch in what is written on the
nameplate and the actual CT ratio can cause
revenue loss (in rare cases there may be
revenue gain). Hence, a ‘ratio test’ prior to
installation is needed. In cases of multi-tap
CT cores, where wiring the CT to different CT
ratios is possible, the tap position that has
been adopted needs to be correctly noted,
and the multiplication factor needs to be
documented at each installation.

Figure 5: Under registration is observed in the 3-phase, 3 wire meter. Another common problem observed is the
wiring of Ammeter and its selector switch.
Often they are wrongly wired or damaged,
causing under-registration of energy

cause lower energy to be registered by lugs are being used, special care has be Location of meters at substations
the meter, hence this contributes towards taken during crimping of the wires. It is a normal substation practice of
measurement error. Voltage drop in PT Influence of errors in wiring and mounting meters on a panel in the control
wires cause an error, which can be as large nameplate room while CT-PTs are in the yard at a
as 1% or more in the energy recorded. All In the case of CTs, special caution is needed distance of hundreds of yards causing
the extra investment made by the utility in to ensure correct polarity of wires, correct errors in measurement. It would be
high accuracy metering and PTs is undone phase association, use of a low loss core, better to install meters in the switchyard
just by the PT cables. or use of the metering core and not the near the CT-PT. Display units with wired
This problem can be seen at substations protection core. communications would be more useful.
with large switchyards where a common The latter is very important as meters Specification of DT meter
bus PT is used for metering. In HV and wired to the protection cores of CTs or Everyone knows that it is not easy to have
EHV lines, it is also the reason the energy protection CTs have a larger error within balanced loading on DTs but it essential to
recorded at the receiving end is at times maximise revenue for a utility. Unbalanced
more than the energy sent from the
sending end.

Other areas that need attention are contact
tightening and the status of conductors,
which may be at breaking point due to
stress from other conductors and/or ageing.

Influence of VA burden Figure 6: Meters wired to the protection cores of CT or protection CTs have
VA burden of both CTs and PTs need to be a larger error within normal operating range, and due to its characteristic
carefully examined prior to installation. In curve, does not saturate faster on heavy fault current.
the case of CTs, the loop burden must be
tested taking into consideration the CT
leads. This needs a quick calculation or test
at site. The operating burden must be such
that the instrument transformers are not
over- or under-burdened, as that affects
the accuracy of the measurement system.
The distance from the CTs and PTs to the
metering unit should be minimised as far
as possible (the length of the secondary
conductors contribute additional burden). In
cases where long secondary wires can’t be
avoided, standard nomograph charts may
be helpful to assess the length of secondary
wires to be used at a particular site.
In addition, joints in CT and PT wires must
be avoided. The termination of the wires
has to be carefully examined and where

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015 91

REVENUE PROTECTION

Figure 7: Unbalanced loads can cause higher losses both Figure 8: An energy audit will give clarity on the
in the DT and downstream in the low voltage networks condition of the network.

loads can cause higher losses not only in these defects cause errors in current and the possibilities of energy theft / pilferage.
the DT but downstream in the low voltage potential measurement, which ultimately Further, these meters log many useful and
network as well. Hence, a normal meter registers lower energy in the energy meter. important parameters. Utilities have used
with KW maximum demand does not A decade ago, none of the utilities could such meters to achieve loss reduction and
serve the purpose. A DT meter must have think of testing CT and PTs, since this was revenue protection. These meters generate
different specifications as a meter that possible only in the laboratory. The CT a lot of data, but if it is not analysed and
provides data of phase wise loading in KvA. or PT had to be dismantled and sent to used by utilities, the full value of the data
Such meters can help in initiating balancing a laboratory which was time consuming from such meters can’t be realised.
action (Figure 7). and expensive. However, for some years The data that should be analysed is:
now, portable CT/PT testing facilities
Meter Testing are available to utilities. Also many Tamper data (data of illogical events)
organisations offer mobile testing services Demand violation with duration
Periodic testing of meters and replacing which can test a CT up to 1000 Amps and Peak and base demand
defective ones a PT up to 132 kV at site. Many utilities Poor power factor and its duration
Many installation surveys and audits have opted for such services. This is good The revenue improvements that can be
have revealed that in residential and practice as universally it is normal practice obtained from the analysis of HT and large
commercial installations with 1 phase to get both systems and processes audited size LT customers:
and 3 phase whole current meters, 10% by external agencies. Revenue from enhancement of
- 25% of meters are defective. Out of In the case of HT customers, many
these defective meters, 30% - 40% do not electricity regulators have directed utilities sanctioned demand
register energy (stopped meters). to test CTs and PTs along with HT meters Power factor improvement leading to
Many electricity regulators have directed every year.
utilities to test 1 phase meters once in 5 years, For a utility, billing of HT and EHT reduction of ampere burden and I2R
3 phase meters once in 3 years and HT meters customers constitute a large part of their loss
every year. Only a few utilities follow the revenue and a small percentage loss Using loading pattern information
directives and these utilities test 20% of the creates a big dent in the revenue. CTs/PTs in load forecasting and reducing UI
installed meters every year. They follow the are silent gadgets in the network and often (Unscheduled Interchange) penalties
practice of testing all the meters in a selected they are ignored. A utility must take on Understanding tamper, reducing it and
subdivision, with‘stopped meters’being site testing very seriously; conduct it as a increasing revenue
replaced the same day. It has been observed ‘health check of the CT-PT’, (even if no error Balancing feeder meter energy
that they have benefited from this practice. is found) every year. By balancing the energy sent out at the
With HT meters, either meters are tested or Energy accounting and reconciliation feeder meter and the energy received by
replaced by freshly tested meters. Utilities serve large areas and have a large all the connected DTs and HT customers,
Testing of CT-PT customer base. It is impossible (literary) to energy loss can be calculated. At 11 kV
A CT is a continuously connected device in weed out bad consumers. Energy accounting supply there cannot be high losses. If high
an electricity network. It is always subjected (energy audit) can help to locate areas with losses are observed then one can be sure
to switching surges and burdened with high loss by providing meters at 11Kv feeders that the loss can be attributed to a
fault current and high loading, which and DTs. This requires proper documentation 11kV connection.
contains a DC component in the current. of the 11 Kv network, HT customers, DTs and Balancing DT meter energy
This causes drifting of CT characteristic and connected customers (Figure 8). By balancing energy sent out past the DT
saturation of the CT core, creating under- Electronic meter data analysis meter and energy received by customers
measurement of current. Electronic meters have been designed to high loss areas can easily be located. It
Similarly, a PT also develops defects and register energy accurately and to reduce will be a question of a few connections
produces lower secondary voltage. Both only and these can be dealt with easily
and effectively.
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METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015

SMART GRID TECHNOLOGY

Figure 9: Any outage of power causes a dent in the Figure 10:
revenue of a utility since the supply (earning profit) stops
during that period

Network operation revenue. The load curve and other relevant on time loss figure to initiate revenue
meter data can be used effectively to build protection measures.
Operating at declared voltage a demand curve for their operational area.
According to the Electricity Act, a utility This can be utilised to reduce UI penalties Conclusion
is supposed to provide electricity at a and earn rewards by managing the demand
voltage within its variation band. However, and the load. Revenue protection for utilities requires a
customers have to tolerate low voltages and multipoint approach supported by:
compensate for it by using voltage boosters Adopting latest technology
to run their gadgets. Voltage boosters Application based specification of
increase current on the network, which Intelligent prepaid metering meters
increases T&D loss (I²R loss). This is bad for We have always had to pay for some
the end user as well – they use a lot more services before we used them, like travelling Adopting appropriate tamper resistant
energy – increasing the cost. on trains or planes. These days the same meter installation practice
Reducing frequent outages applies to mobile phones. So why can we
Any outage of power, whether on account not pay in advance for electricity? Everyone Site testing of meters and effectively
of a fault or load shedding causes a dent has experienced the benefits of prepaid replacing defective meters
in the revenue of a utility since the supply mobile phones. Prepaid electricity is as
(earning profit) stops during that period. advantageous for the user to budget his Health check testing of CT and PT along
Further, on restoration of power the load expenditure as it is for utility in protecting with meters
on the system increases for a few minutes its revenue.
causing unnoticed high I²R loss (Figure 9). It frees the utility of the task of sending Scrapping 2 element meters and using
Revenue loss due to harmonics bills, reduces chances of fraud by meter 3 element meters
Utility never supplies harmonics to a reader, serving notice, recovering dues from
customer but non-linear loads (electronic customers and disconnecting/reconnecting Designing CT-PT and associated wiring
gadgets and switched load) used customers who do not pay on time. For Energy accounting and reconciliation
by customers generates harmonics. the customer, it reduces the time spent in Analysing meter data and using it
Harmonics are partly absorbed by the querying bills that may not be correct.
utility system creating excessive heating Utilities must set up a model area where effectively
of network and transformers. It also causes such a system has been deployed and the Load forecasting, reducing UI penalties
high neutral current and excessive I²R loss Electricity Regulator should come visit it,
in the neutral conductor. see the benefits for themselves and then and earning rewards
Efficiency limit for optimal loading of make it easy for utilities to deploy it. All the above create problems for both
transformer RMR/AMR for accurate reading data the utility and the consumer. When we
Distribution transformers are designed to Sending a meter reader out for a meter set up a system to ensure revenue to a
operate efficiently at a load factor of 60% reading in this era of IT seems to be utility, we are assisting the end user too.
or 70%. Loading it below or above causes orthodox thinking. Every one, even the Deploying systems that help both is a no-
higher T&D loss. For better operation of public, knows that a meter reader can play brainer really. MI
the network, one should never try to load this to their advantage while making a dent
transformer to 100% or beyond (Figure 10). in the revenue of utility. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Load forecasting and reducing UI RMR/AMR is a powerful tool to monitor G.K.Panchal has worked with
penalties customer meter reading and protecting private and public electricity
These days almost all the utilities have revenue. Metering data from such meters supply utilities for 49 years. His
powerful tools that enable cost effective when employed within systems, like tenure included working with
purchase of power, thereby protecting their feeder meters and DT meters, can generate a private electricity distribution
METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015 company at their Ahmedabad
and Surat offices . He is
currently working as technical
advisor to the Secure Group. He was a member of
various technical committees of the Bureau of Indian
Standards. He is visiting faculty at the one and only
metering school in India and at the Management
Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon.

1 – Every Utility or large customer has to follow ABT tariff.
If they deviate on their scheduled demand and draw
more load UI penalty becomes applicable.

93

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Security as an essential part of the

AMI deployment in
Latvia Security is in our day-to-day life, but is yet to

fully enter smart metering

Nowadays security issues affect all of protection at every project layer and It became obvious that for a utility the size
aspects of our life, from communication communication interface, be it power line, of AS Sadales tīkls, which has thousands
to work. We have reached a point where cellular interface, Ethernet or optical port. of employees, this was a potential
we perceive security as a part our daily AS Sadales tīkls stressed the importance vulnerability in terms of data security. It
routine: we cannot imagine our lives of protecting customer data privacy and was necessary to select the right approach
without secure authentication to unlock included this focus into the specifications as and mechanisms of data protection. This
our smart phones, log in to personal mandatory requirements. is why ADD GRUP chose Thales e-Security,
computers, unlock the car with a key a strategic partner with tremendous
fob. Yet we are far from realizing the IVO GRINBERGS experience in designing solutions for the
implications of security on our relationship Services Development Director defense industry.
with the utility. Data security and privacy related to smart Cindy Provin, president, Thales e-Security
Smart meters touch on customer privacy. meters as one of the basic elements of the Inc., says:
Unlike legacy electromechanical meters, smart grid is essential for AS Sadales tīkls, “Many utility companies are now
smart meters register information which, because: installing smart meters to help customers
if accessible to a malevolent person, 1 AS Sadales tīkls’ activities must comply monitor and manage their power usage
can potentially be used to harm the with EU regulations and national data and help them be more energy efficient.
consumer. Smart meters, being a part protection legislation. Poorly protected credentials and data
of advanced metering infrastructure, 2 Smart meter data contains essential stored inside smart meter devices leave
have been deployed in large volumes market and personal data information. them vulnerable to tampering, allowing
over the last decade. Customers have Inappropriate or unauthorized attackers to manipulate energy use
recently been expressing concern about processing of personal data can figures, cut off the power of specific
smart meters and privacy. For many, damage the reputation of AS Sadales meters and in severe circumstances
smart meters are a source of concern, tīkls and cause legal responsibility. even take them over completely. We
especially because smart meter software 3 AS Sadales tīkls must protect its are delighted ADD Grup chose Thales
can be hacked, as opposed to old infrastructure from cyberattacks and keyAuthority to provide the heightened
electromechanical meters that did not technological risks. security required to assure its utility
have advanced functionality and were customers and help protect its smart
invulnerable to such influences. To adjust metering solutions from cyber-attack.”
to this consumer concern and increase Implementation of such an advanced
their acceptance of AMI, stakeholders security system and corresponding
have started to seriously address infrastructure is not limited to delivering
AMI security issues in order to assure software and hardware and requires a utility
maximum protection of a consumer’s to adjust its related business processes to
sensitive information. achieve seamless interoperation between
the new security solution and company’s
The Challenge existing systems.
After implementation of the new security
The AMI project delivered to Latvian DSO system, a routine visit by a utility inspector
AS Sadales tīkls has become one of the
first real challenges faced by ADD GRUP METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015
due to the demand for the highest degree

94

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

A typical template consists of:
Relevant information security policy
(i.e. DLMS/COSEM security policy)
settings
The list of keys descriptions (not
values!) or certificates.
End user may apply a template to a
group of field devices and monitor
ADD GRUP’s main goal has been to build the actual progress. In order to apply
a template, SIMS performs a set of
a unified platform, capable of seemless tasks. As usual, the following tasks are
performed (each step is optional):
work with third party systems.” Requesting new keys/passwords
from the KMS
Requesting X.509 certificates from
the Microsoft PKI
to a meter now cannot be done without Microsoft PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), Transferring new relevant security
notifying the system and obtaining for sending certificate signing requests;
the necessary authorization first. Such materials to meters and data
restrictive measures do pay off, as the Microsoft Active Directory, for concentrators
utility can address the issue of monitoring managing SIMS users. Users are Registering security material status
the work of its employees, which is a assigned to freely defined groups, in the KMS.
vulnerable part of security systems. The with a rich set of selectable user rights Security materials installed during
structure of the security processes can be assigned to each group. the manufacturing process may be
differently configured and adjusted to the imported to the KMS.
utility’s needs. Loss of security materials for a field device
has a fatal impact: this information is not Conclusion:
recoverable, and in most cases, the end
device MUST be replaced by another
The solution one. Additionally, for systems with a large As technology evolves in the direction of
number of end devices, it is impossible better protection, as well as in the direction
ADD GRUP’s main goal has been to build to manage each device individually, of hacking information systems, we must
a unified platform, capable of seemless because this requires a lot of time, and not flatter ourselves that our current
work with third party systems. From our may lead to human errors. As result, the solution will be absolutely safe forever.
experience we knew that utilities are far following managing principles are used in For this reason ADD GRUP will continue to
from reaching a consensus on how to cryptographic service: further develop and improve the security
integrate HES, MDM, GIS and other systems. of ADDAX smart metering, smart grid
One would certainly prefer to have a single Security materials are not stored inside and home automation solutions in close
interface to work with, but as independent SIMS at all. All security materials are cooperation with Thales e-Security.
companies developed these systems,
interoperability is likely to be a challenge.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to take stored in the external KMS. Successful project implementation in
End users (regardless of user rights)
precautions against subsystem providers do not have access to security Latvia has laid a foundation of secure
and reliable data collection and network
themselves, so as to ensure that access to materials from SIMS at all (neither via management that can be further
sensitive data will be granted to the DSO
only. At the same time, the DSO shall have user interface, nor log files, etc.) and developed, enhanced and improved in
field-device security is configured by
full control over its network. It is exactly template. order to serve as an advanced solution in
the field of security. MI
these types of desired characteristics that
made SIMS, ADD GRUP’s head-end system
the optimum choice for the project with AS
Sadales tīkls. AUTHORS:

Left:
Adrian Bulicanu,
To meet these requirements, a software R&D manager,
cryptographic service was implemented in ADD Grup.

SIMS. To manage sensitive information of Right:
end devices (data concentrators and smart Maxim Granatiri
is head of the
meters), SIMS integrates with: innovative technology

External third-party KMS (Key implementation section
Management System), accessible via at ADD GRUP.

KMIP (Key Management Interoperability ABOUT THE COMPANY
Protocol) for managing keys, X.509 ADD GRUP has supplied more than 4 million ADDAX Smart meters to 20 countries.
certificates and other security sensitive ADDAX IMS is an open AMI solution using standard communication protocols (PRIME,
information of field devices. ADD G3-PLC, IEC 62056-47) with the application of advanced information security measures.
Grup has chosen Thales keyAuthority® www.addgrup.com
hardware units for this purpose;

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015 95

COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE

PRIME sub-networks,

a secure multiservice telecommunication
infrastructure

Many utilities all over Europe rely on encryption of all data packets.
PRIME for their advanced metering Thus, both profiles guarantee data
infrastructure. Massive smart meter packets confidentiality, authenticity
rollouts are taking place in Poland, and integrity. Moreover, replay
Portugal and Spain. Nearly seven million attacks are prevented through the
PRIME smart meters have already been use of a message counter.

deployed or – to put it another way – PRIME is a connection-oriented
close to 100,000 PRIME sub-networks technology so that any data
are currently active in Europe. exchange requires a previous

All these utilities in the end connection establishment.
Each connection will be closely
realize that, they are deploying related to the type of data to be
more than a smart metering
infrastructure – they are deploying transported. PRIME is designed to
transport IPv4 or IPv6 data packets,
a MULTISERVICE telecommunication and it is also optimized for smart
network infrastructure. PRIME
telecommunication sub-networks metering data transport (e.g.
DLMS/COSEM over
are providing a coverage area, IEC 61334-4-32). The service
linked to the low voltage grid, which node, when establishing a
supports additional services and Fig 1: PRIME Worldwide Pilot and Deployments Map connection, can opt for the security
applications apart from the main (Meter Numbers as at August 2015)

feature of managing smart meters. mechanisms it wishes to apply
and guarantees data authentication and for all the data exchanges linked to that
Low voltage grid monitoring and control confidentiality. connection.
and distributed generation integration are
new applications, which are starting to use
existing PRIME sub-networks. PRIME v1.4 supports a set of flexible security Key management plays a critical role in
features at MAC (medium access control) any cybersecurity architecture. Each PRIME
layer that allows utilities to control which node will have a unique key – the device
PRIME as a network infrastructure will security mechanisms to activate for each unique key (DUK). PRIME follows NIST
transport data of different types. On one
hand, customer consumption information is PRIME telecommunication sub-network. recommendation NIST SP 800-108 for
The base node plays a central role in every deriving two additional keys, the registration
traversing PRIME networks – so data privacy key (REGK) and the key wrapping key
becomes a fundamental issue and also a legal PRIME sub-network: every service node
mandate. On the other hand, operational willing to access the telecommunication (KWK). The REGK is used during the mutual
services offered by a PRIME sub-network authentication process (base node and
data, which is critical for low voltage grid needs to register with the base node. service node) that occurs when a new service
monitoring and control, needs to be
managed so that low voltage assets are kept This registration process is the basis for node registers with the base node. The
service node authentication. It also allows KWK is used by the base node to wrap the
secure. Application protocols such as DLMS/ for secure negotiation on the appropriate individual working key (WK) that the base
COSEM have a critical role to play in order to
provide cybersecurity mechanisms to ensure security profile that will be used for all data node creates for each specific service node,
data integrity and confidentiality. PRIME exchanges through the PRIME sub-network. for authenticated encryption of all data
traffic. Additionally the base node uses the
v1.4 also provides additional cybersecurity PRIME v1.4 supports three security profiles. KWK to deliver the sub-network working key
mechanisms so that utilities deploying PRIME All security profiles, thanks to its registration (SWK), which is used for common messages
telecommunication sub-networks can rely on process, facilitate mechanisms for service that the base node needs to share with all
a secure infrastructure that: node authentication. Security profiles 1 registered service nodes.
and 2 are based on AES-128 (following NIST As a conclusion, PRIME v1.4 MAC layer
• Prevents intrusion recommendations) and provide secure
• Avoids data manipulation/tampering functionalities for security has been flexibly designed so that

key derivation, utilities, as telecommunication infrastructure
key wrapping/
owners, can choose among different options
unwrapping and to deploy a secure architecture for their
authenticated PRIME sub-networks. MI

Fig 2: Main Components of a PRIME Sub-Network ABOUT THE AUTHOR
96 Txetxu Arzuaga is ZIV LV products unit manager, at
CG Automation (Distribution Automation). Txetxu has
been deeply involved in the conceptualization, design
and deployment of powerline networking solutions for
Advanced Metering Infrastructure.

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015



PRODUCT SHOWCASE

smartEMU
meters critical
components
of Smart City
Wrocław

Apator is a renowned supplier of measuring and readout systems as
well as equipment for all types of media, having extensive experience
in creating solutions for the energy distribution industry. Its offer
includes a vast assortment of energy, gas, water and heat measuring
devices, all of which are based on leading communication technologies
(such as PLC OSGP, PLC PRIME, GPRS, UMTS, Wireless M-Bus).

Figure 1: smartEMU1 For the Smart City Wrocław project, Apator four different layers and can be used as
98 will also undertake the delivery of smartEMU indicated in Table 1.
meters with OSGP PLC modules and GPRS
modules. Meters provided by Apator as well Improved energy effectiveness
as those provided by NES will include not
only communication and communication In terms of analysis of load on individual
interoperability but also interoperability for parts of the low voltage grid, the
the HAN interface. registration of load profile available
with smartEMU meters is particularly
SmartEMU meter at the core of a important. The meter is capable of
smart network handling up to four data sets on load
profile. Each of these sets may be
Due to its vast functionality, the smartEMU configured so that up to sixteen energy
energy meter is the core of the system values may be stored (referred to load
under implementation. It operates on profile channels) in the time frame of

METERING INTERNATIONAL ISSUE – 4 | 2015