Vorarlberger Energy Networks GmbH
Vorarlberger Energienetze GmbH?
Vorarlberg's electricity grid is one of the most reliable in all of Europe. Vorarlberger Energienetze GmbH (vorarlberg netz for short) is a subsidiary of illwerke vkw AG and is responsible for operating the electricity and natural gas grids. Vorarlberg netz is an efficient distribution network operator and offers its customers high supply reliability and excellent service quality.
Business Challenge
vorarlberg netz is focusing on the further digitization of its products and services. This includes a focus on smart meter solutions, which are gradually replacing the previous electricity meters. Over the next few years, nearly 200,000 devices will be replaced throughout Vorarlberg. The legal basis is the framework conditions for supporting a smart meter system in Austria, defined by the representative of the interests of the domestic energy industry, "Oesterreichs Energie". The focus here is primarily on system and data security.
Solution
- Meter Data Management System (SEM.MDM)
- Head-End System (SEM.HES) for DLMS meters
- Key Management Systems (SEM.KMS), based on DLMS Security Suite 1 with end-to-end encryption via hardware security module and certificate-based authentication via PKI
Value
- The solution fulfills the use cases required by "Oesterreichs Energie"
- Guaranteed data security at the currently highest possible level
- Support for the integration of decentralized generation plants
- Reliability and fail-safe operation including outage management
- Increased efficiency in grid operation, especially in time-consuming operations such as meter reading and billing
- Improvements in network monitoring and control
- One contact partner with industry experience
- Overall responsibility in one hand