Landis+Gyr has announced a major contract with Hydro-Quebec, one of North America's largest utilities, to deploy its next-generation digital smart meter network. This project will assist Hydro-Quebec to improve grid reliability and bring utility operational efficiencies.
Under the agreement, valued at C$350 million, Landis+Gyr's Gridstream RF two-way communications infrastructure will be installed, allowing Hydro-Quebec to collect usage, voltage and power quality data, and eventually allow consumers to monitor energy consumption in real time. Landis+Gyr will supply FOCUS AX meters for 80 percent of the 3.75 million meters deployed by Hydro-Quebec. Landis+Gyr will also provide a data management system, associated software, service and support. The deployment is set to begin with a nearly 30,000 smart meter pilot project in parts of Montreal, Boucherville and Magog later this year, before the remaining smart meters are installed between 2012 and 2017.
The smart meter deployment, the largest in Canada and one of the biggest in North America, will allow Hydro-Quebec to capture key voltage and power quality data to enhance grid reliability. The project will also open the way to an energy-efficient smart grid distribution network needed to secure, protect and conserve the power supply.
Landis+Gyr will establish a Center of Excellence to support the mass deployment phase of the Hydro-Quebec project. Testing, calibration, inspection, meter assembly and network management are just some of the activities envisioned for the Center, which could grow to employ up to 75 locally. Beyond this, the Center of Excellence can serve as a platform for future growth as business expands across Canada, potentially providing local employment for up to 200.
The timing of recruitment and hiring will coincide with and support the overall project plan. Initial deployment will require limited new labor resources, with larger support required once mass deployment begins.
