Elster Electricity Solutions selected for ERDF's Linky project phase one, a deployment of three million smart meters.

Mainz-Kastel, Germany, 18 September 2014 — Elster has been handpicked by ERDF, the public electricity distribution network for 95% of continental France, to provide its customers with new smart meters running the world's most advanced solution. Known as ‘Linky', ERDF's smart metering project is one of the largest planned rollout of PLC technology in the world and confirms Elster's position as the partner of choice for grid companies and utilities delivering new technologies on a large scale.

Elster will supply ERDF with its Linky meter, with G3 PLC technology, which is based on international standards and provides a robust and scalable solution meeting the privacy, security and data protection requirements of ERDF and its customers. The Linky project will create a smart metering and communications network replacing 35 million meters in total, improving the distribution of electricity and cementing Elster's position as a leading provider of smart metering solutions in France and worldwide.

"The award of the Linky contracts marks an important step for ERDF and launches the industrial phase of the Linky Program. Its success is based on ERDF partnership with all involved industrial players. With these smart meters, ERDF enters the digital revolution and supports the deployment of smart grids in France," says Bernard Lassus, Director of ERDF Linky Program.

The delivery of ERDF's solution will be supported by the development of a new manufacturing facility in France. The new manufacturing facility will develop meters for ERDF's Linky project throughout the mass delivery in 2016 and 2017, and until 2021, when the second phase of the project completes.

"We are thrilled to have successfully completed ERDF's sophisticated selection process to design and deliver our world-class products and solutions for its smart meter rollout," said Frank Hyldmar, CEO of Elster. "Our Linky G3 solution is top of its class, and will support ERDF in its mission to increase energy efficiency while meeting new expectations and growing demand from all network users – including residential customers, producers, suppliers, professionals and businesses."

About Elster
Elster delivers complete Smart Grid and Energy Management Solutions that drive energy efficiency, operational improvements and cost savings for utilities, commercial and industrial customers and consumers. Elster uses its speed and agility to drive interoperability and open standards and strategically collaborates with customers and partners.

Its end-to-end electricity, water and gas offerings include advanced meters/sensors, secure communications, and data collection, management and analytics. Elster is dedicated to customer success in more than 130 countries through Elster's professional integration services, technical support and training.

For more information about Elster, please visit www.elster.com and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Elster_Global.

Media
Jan Verplancke, Marketing & Communications Manager EMEA-APAC
+32 56 245 690, jan.verplancke@elster.com