Cuculus GmbH has been selected to supply its ZONOS platform to Eandis and Infrax’s for their roll-out of 61,000 meters in Belgium.

Eandis is a Belgium-based operator of grids for the supply of electricity and natural gas. It is headquartered in Melle and has more than 4,000 employees. Infrax is an operator of utility infrastructure including gas piping, electricity and cable networks and the sewer systems.

Eandis and Infrax undertook a joint tender process for the procurement of Advanced Metering Management systems. The competitive tender relates to a Phase Two pilot that is expected to lead to a roll-out across the networks of both companies. The pilot will see Eandis roll-out up to 51,000 meters with Infrax installing 10,000 smart meters. Eandis has 4 million meters, and Infrax has one million meters already installed in the Belgian market.

Under the terms of the contract Cuculus will implement its ZONOS platform with Advanced Metering Management (AMM) functionality. The Eandis installation is based on its patented Power Line Communication concept in combination with among others broadband and GPRS communication , while Infrax’ installation will communicate over Infrax’s cable network in combination with GPRS.

The ZONOS platform is a comprehensive Advanced Metering Management and Meter Data Management system that makes it easy for utilities to implement and operate smart metering while also providing the functionality to set-up and provide attractive end-customer services based on smart metering data. The system is open and works within the existing system infrastructure of a utility.

Both installations will manage and communicate with multi-utility controllers as well as meters from various manufacturers. Advanced functionality, such as remote meter firmware upgrades is included in the agreement. Meter readings and communication will take place at 15-minute intervals. Scalability, security and interoperability were key factors in the tender process. Eandis and Infrax also require that all systems are fully scalable in order that their chosen partner is able to roll-out across their networks, subject to a successful Phase Two pilot.