ABB and Elster to Introduce Joint Solutions for AMI and Distribution Automation Convergence

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ABB (NYSE: ABB), the leading power and automation group, and Elster (NYSE: ELT), a global leader in smart grid systems and solutions, today announced the integration of Elster's ALPHA-based medium voltage (MV) AGI node monitoring and communications platform with ABB's new SCC-125 split-core combination voltage and current sensor. The integrated product will provide remote wireless feeder monitoring at the medium voltage level.

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This new product offering is another example of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Distribution Automation (DA) convergence solutions: Utilities will not only realize the ease of installation and metering-class accuracy offered by ABB's SCC-125, but will also realize the significant benefits from Elster's field-proven EnergyAxis®-enabled ALPHA metering platform with its flexible integrated communication options. Data gathered from medium voltage sensing points can now be combined and time-synchronized with other system-level data allowing utilities to more efficiently monitor and operate their distribution network. In the past, utilities have not had access to real-time power measurement data on distribution feeders due to the lack of cost-effective, field-proven technology.

"Elster's introduction of AMI-DA convergence solutions for utilities, including this combined system with ABB, is indicative of our commitment to developing and enhancing our initiatives in Advanced Grid Infrastructure," said Mark Munday, president and chief executive officer of Elster Solutions.

"ABB's history of innovation in utility-grade technology coupled with our field-proven solutions in AMI-DA convergence give utilities the missing elements that will enable a host of critical applications, including adaptive voltage conservation, load control and transformer monitoring," Munday added.

This offering provides utilities with a cost-effective solution for plug-and-play metering of overhead medium voltage feeders. It can either be integrated into existing SCADA infrastructure or into Elster's EnergyAxis® communications system.

"At ABB, we have a long history of developing and deploying medium voltage sensing technology to utility customers throughout the world.  This gives us the unique ability to work with Elster to provide reliable and accurate solutions that meet the high demands of electric utilities," said Jon Rennie, vice president and general manager of distribution components for ABB.

"Working with Elster, we are committed to delivering field-proven technology that utilities can use for smarter grid management," Rennie added.

This announcement was made in San Diego at the DistribuTECH Conference and Exhibition, a leading annual smart grid and transmission-and-distribution event.

About ABB

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people. The company's North American operations, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, employ about 12,000 people in 20 manufacturing and other major facilities.

About Elster

Elster (NYSE: ELT) is one of the world's largest electricity, gas and water measurement and control providers. Its offerings include distribution monitoring and control, advanced smart metering, demand response, networking and software solutions, and numerous related communications and services – key components for enabling consumer choice, operational efficiency and conservation. Its products and solutions are widely used by utilities in the traditional and emerging Smart Grid markets.  

Elster has one of the most extensive installed revenue measurement bases in the world, with more than 200 million metering modules deployed over the course of the last 10 years. It sells its products and services in more than 130 countries across electricity, gas, water and multi-utility applications for residential, commercial and industrial, and transmission and distribution applications.

For more information about Elster, please visit www.elster.com.

SOURCE Elster