Plextek UNB Telemetry Solution Helps Landis+Gyr Secure Smart Metering Contract With U.S. Power Utility
Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy recently announced that its Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) radio telemetry technology is being utilised in AMPY Pay-Smart™ metering solutions from Landis+Gyr. Based on the AMPY meter's performance in initial trials, Landis+Gyr has recently won a $52M contract from Arizona utility 'Salt River Project' - the third largest public power utility in America - for the provision of a further 300,000 units.
Plextek is responsible for the development of the UNB communications system modules featured within the AMPY Pay-Smart™ meters and the associated base stations.
The AMPY Pay-Smart™ metering system allows customers to view real-time costs and charges on their account, as well as reducing costs for the supplier by allowing them to take meter readings from a central hub.
"We have been working with Plextek for several years on the development of this innovative two-way communications technology. The UNB system performance meets the unit cost and radio coverage that the customer needs," said Jonathan Elmer, CEO of Landis+Gyr AMPY Solutions. "The resulting network-wide economies of scale were a significant factor in securing the contract extension with the Salt River Project."
"We are delighted that Plextek's UNB technology components have helped pave the way for Landis+Gyr's recent contract win and this very significant deployment," said Mark Hunter, Programme Manager at Plextek. "Plextek's UNB technology is optimised for long distance, low power applications where the data transmission rate is low which makes it perfect for two-way meter communications. With more emphasis being placed on energy efficiency, wireless meter systems such as AMPY Pay-Smart will start to become a key part of people's homes."
About Plextek Limited
Based near Cambridge, UK, Plextek was established in 1989 and has grown to be one of the largest independent electronics and communications design facilities in Europe. It provides innovative design of complex communication systems and devices for a wide range of companies from technology start-ups to multi-national engineering conglomerates, and also undertakes supply of the finished products.
Plextek operates across the telecoms, automotive, medical and defence sectors. In addition to supplying a range of its own security products (Blighter Ground Surveillance Radar), the company prides itself in providing an outsourced resource of highly experienced, multidisciplinary engineering skills to organisations that require challenging electronics design projects to be delivered within competitive time and cost constraints. Business services include strategic consulting, technology studies, product and concept design, introduction to manufacture and full contract manufacturing.
Its 300 clients encompass a range of global organisations, from BAE Systems, the UK MoD, QinetiQ and Raytheon to TDK and Sony. Plextek also supplies automotive security products to both LoJack Corporation and TRACKER Network (UK) Ltd.
Website: www.plextek.com
About Landis+Gyr
Landis+Gyr is the leading provider of integrated energy management solutions tailored to energy company needs. With a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation, Landis+Gyr is unique in its ability to deliver true end-to-end advanced metering solutions. Today, the Company offers the broadest portfolio of products and services in the electricity metering industry, and is paving the way for the next generation of smart grid. With annualized sales of more than US$1.25B, Landis+Gyr operates in 30 countries across five continents, and employs over 5,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better.
SOURCE: Plextek Limited