Under the terms of this contract, Elster will be required to design a proof-of-concept modular smart meter with a dual architecture featuring both a socket and communications module.
This socket feature will enable ERDF’s Linky Smart Meters, designed to provide advanced metering infrastructure services to help ERDF customers control electricity consumption, to remain at a customer site for longer than existing technology.
On the other hand, connected to the smart socket, the Linky smart module can be replaced to keep pace with frequent advances in communications technologies, thereby extending the life of ERDF Smart Meters, while still delivering the energy efficiency.
Elster will collaborate with another supplier to develop the modular smart meter during the next 11 months and produce several samples for approval by ERDF for field-testing to ensure the level of interoperability of the meters and their compatibility with the existing Linky system.
Elster executive vice president Frank Hyldmar said that in an effort to keep pace with new technologies and to provide its customers with the most advanced services, ERDF has selected Elster to develop an innovative, modular smart meter.
