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MSEDCL partners with Sensus to implement advanced metering infrastructure solution

The agreement will enable MSEDCL to pilot FlexNet, Sensus’ advanced metering infrastructure solution in MSEDCL, Nagpur area on trial basis.

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has signed an agreement at the India-UK TECH Summit with Sensus, a Xylem brand, and global supplier of smart meters and utility-grade communications systems. This technology trial will start in the next 3 to 4 months and will simplify installation and commissioning of the Sensus FlexNet advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solution in MSEDCL, Nagpur area.

MSEDCL’s requirements for coverage, capacity and part of longer-term needs of smart grids will be tested, by the Sensus FlexNet AMI solution. The FlexNet long range radio technology has exceptional penetration and reach to enable a simple and robust architecture for all applications. It is expected to help MSEDCL, to reduce power theft, data loss and improve billing and collection processes. With operations and service facilities in 5 continents, Sensus is a global leader in utility infrastructure systems and resource conservation.

British Deputy High Commissioner Mumbai, Kumar Iyer said:

I am delighted to witness the collaboration between Sensus and MSEDCL. This is a great example of UK-India collaboration on enhancing energy security. This partnership aligns with the Government of India’s national smart grid mission. The UK is committed to working closely with India on innovative technologies to help meet its electricity demand. With Sensus deploying its advance metering infrastructure solution in Maharashtra, I am certain that it will help in improving access to electricity in India.

CMD, MSEDCL, Sanjeev Kumar said:

MSEDCL has been a leading utility in India in testing and deploying new technology in electricity distribution. It gives us immense pleasure to implement communication technology of M/s. Sensus in the field of advance metering infrastructure on trial basis. We are hopeful that trial run will help us and establishing utility of the robust AMI solution of M/s. Sensus on affordable cost. We look forward to further advance this partnership resulting into mutually beneficial relationship.

Representing Sensus at the India-UK TECH Summit, Garry Cox, Vice President Strategic Customer Team EMEA and Asia Pacific said:

We are delighted to have partnered with MSEDCL for this trial. For emerging economies like India, smart grid technologies are essential to avoid lock-in of outdated energy infrastructure, attract new investment streams, and create efficient and flexible grid systems that will be able to accommodate the rising electricity demand from customers and handle numerous power sources. This partnership is a testimony of UK-India technological collaboration. We aim towards bridging the technology gap bringing in the UK’s technological innovation thereby setting a bench-mark for the Indian market.

At present, around 32 % of Indians live in urban areas. Particular geographical conditions as per different cities and different categories of consumers being served by the distribution grid make it very challenging to deploy urban smart metering communication networks. Sensus has a unique capability and expertise to ensure the technology can optimise the asset life of meters and infrastructure without compromising the data or the analytics platforms.

Further information

Sensus has recognised that India is at the leading edge of smart city rollouts with its increased adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. It is this fast-paced, innovative spirit which led Sensus to recognise India as a strategic region, setting up its first global support center in Hyderabad. The support center re-affirms Sensus’ commitment and partnership with India, as a swift emerging market, to create robust, flexible, future-proof and sustainable smart energy networks. This pivotal investment will not only give India the advantage of next-generation technology, but also support national business growth. With initiatives like the National Smart Grid Mission, Sensus can play a significant role in bringing India the right solutions and technology that will be easily adaptable, helping to making data-driven decisions that reduce water leaks, limit power outages, ensure the safe delivery of natural gas and turn a streetlight into a beacon of technology.

These projects, utilising state of the art technology, are Sensus’ key areas of expertise and experience, having been successful in one of the world’s largest smart metering projects: The GREAT Britain Smart Metering Program - the UK government’s plan to put smart meters in millions of homes and small businesses by 2020 reported to produce economic benefits to the UK reaching £9.8 billion. Sensus’ technology is supporting the rollout of electric and gas smart meters to ten million locations in the northern region of GREAT Britain. Sensus is executing this rollout from its newly-established operational office in Basingstoke, whose expansion accommodates the support this exciting project requires.

For more information, please contact Sensus, a Xylem brand Lucy Hudson, Marketing Director, EMEA & APAC

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Stuart Adam, Head,
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British High Commission, Chanakyapuri
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Published 9 November 2016