Landis+Gyr Welcomes Smart Metering Provisions in U.S. Stimulus Law

Deployment will empower consumers to cut energy bills, greenhouse emissions
NEW YORK, Feb. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr, the global leader in energy management offering utilities next generation smart grid solutions, today welcomed the signing into law of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and its ambitious provisions to modernize the U.S. electricity grid.

“This is a huge victory for forward-looking utilities and consumers who want to address U.S. energy independence and global warming,” said Richard Mora, CEO of Landis+Gyr North America. “National demand for electricity is growing three times faster than power resources are being added, making energy conservation critical. The federal government has now joined in the drive to build a smart and dynamic grid infrastructure, exhibiting the same energy and vision as the Eisenhower Administration did in building the national highway system in the 1950s.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains specific provisions for the establishment of a $4.2 billion grant program that will support the rollout of smart grid and smart metering projects across the country. Smart metering solutions provide utilities with a two-way flow of data required to manage energy use, efficiency, demand response and network protection. Consumers benefit from improved usage information and with it, the ability to reduce overall energy costs and carbon footprints.

“Make no mistake. Smart metering will revolutionize energy management and grid reliability across the country,” Mora said. “Landis+Gyr is ready to get to work with its utility partners to roll out smart metering projects throughout the U.S. as soon as possible.”

The potential benefits are enormous. A recent Brattle Group study found that just a five percent drop in peak demand nationally would eliminate the need for installing and running some 625 infrequently used peaking power plants, translating into annual savings of approximately $3 billion. The Department of Energy recently estimated that if the U.S. grid were just five percent more efficient it would be the equivalent of eliminating the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions of 53 million cars.

With over 1,300 employees, Landis+Gyr North America ranks as one of the leading providers of end-to-end smart meter solutions in the U.S., having recently signed major contracts with Texas utility Oncor and California utility PG&E.

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$1.25 billion, Landis+Gyr operates in more than 30 countries across five continents, and employs over 5,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better. For more information about Landis+Gyr, please visit the corporate website at www.landisgyr.com