Landis+Gyr and Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) this week reached agreement on a new contract that expands the utility's smart grid program and paves the way for implementation of new energy management technologies in the future.

The contract includes the addition of 350,000 advanced meters and updated network infrastructure to IPL's existing AMI program. Landis+Gyr will continue to provide network and meter management services, along with software hosting. IPL also utilizes Landis+Gyr's meter data management system, advanced load management system and operating software.

IPL will deploy Gridstream Connect network infrastructure capable of supporting existing metering and load control devices, while enabling new technologies such as Landis+Gyr's Revelo metering platform. This next generation of grid technology is designed to amplify the quality and amount of data available for both distribution management and consumer control of their energy use, providing better integration of renewable resources, low-cost energy management tools for consumers and improved quality of service.

"Our relationship with IPL goes back over 20 years and includes providing managed services for AMI, load management and support for consumer engagement in energy efficiency programs. This new deployment will build on that foundation and help IPL leverage the latest IoT technology for utility applications in the future," said Eric Seiter, Vice President of Customer Delivery at Landis+Gyr.

Landis+Gyr's Gridstream Connect platform features Wi-SUN certified components to enable end-to-end interoperability and IoT capabilities to the grid. Combined with meters, sensors and software applications, the system is designed to allow seamless operation of smart grid and consumer-side energy management programs.