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

02/17/2009

New York, NY – February 17, 2009 – Landis+Gyr today welcomed the signing into law of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and its ambitious pro-visions 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.