Paving the way to a smart grid: Siemens and eMeter to implement innovative meter management system at U.S. utility Burbank Water and Power

Erlangen, Germany, The Californian utility Burbank Water and Power based in Burbank intends to convert its power supply network into a smart grid. To achieve this it has contracted Siemens Energy to implement a meter data management system. The system provided by Siemens and its smart metering partner eMeter, which is headquartered in San Mateo, California, is based on the meter data management software Energy IP. This software supports current and future smart metering-applications and business processes on the basis of the advanced metering infrastructure AMI. The solution will not only enhance customer services through shorter and more precise billing intervals but also improve information, workflow and peak load management.

Energy IP will also support load control programs at Burbank Water and Power, with the software enhancing energy management and thus resulting in energy savings. The system achieves this through timely delivery of interval data thanks to automatic meter reads. Load control decisions are taken based on this data and checked to establish whether consumption has thus changed. “With our customized smart metering solution we will support Burbank in the setting up of a smart grid foundation. Today, we are the sole global provider with project experience in all fields relating to smart grids,” said Ralf Christian, CEO of the Power Distribution Division within Siemens Energy.

Energy IP’s strengths encompass its open software architecture and scalability, and its comprehensive data management functions. That includes the acquisition and management of meter data and the conditioning of this data for billing and metering management. The software also features an integration platform, with which the digital telemeters of various manufacturers can be linked to the information systems of the utilities. Energy IP can thus be deployed for the processing of meter data in smart grid projects.

In early 2008, Siemens Energy and eMeter concluded a partnership in the field of smart metering with the aim of jointly marketing the Energy IP meter data processing software worldwide. Siemens is utilizing its global competence in smart grid solutions and its all-round systems and project expertise in the field of smart metering.

The Siemens Energy Sectoris the world’s leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2008 (ended September 30), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR22.6 billion and received new orders totaling approximately EUR33.4 billion and posted a profit of EUR1.4 billion. On September 30, 2008, the Energy Sector had a work force of approximately 83,500. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/energy.