How long has your Company been doing business in the region?
In 2010, Landis+Gyr opened a representative office in Russia. In this respect we are quite new on the market, but, as a world leader in the metering industry, we were supplying our products and systems to Russian customers years prior We were shipping to major Russian utilities since the 1990s and 2000s, so the brand is well established and recognized among specialists in the country’s energy sector.
Do you have a specific target markets in the region?
Our wide product offering covers metering demands across the full energy value chain, starting from power generation companies and ending at the point of delivery to residential consumers. We specifically target high-end metering products and systems needed at power generation, T&D and wholesale applications, as well as modern smart metering systems demanded at the retail market.
What are your key products for the region and what are their benefits?
We offer ZQ meters that feature high precision, exceptional build quality, flexibility and multi-functionality. This product, designed and manufactured in Switzerland, is built on the experience of Landis+Gyr in grid applications. It tops the list of ICG devices that we offer in Russia, the most popular of which are ZD meters that combine exceptional quality and functionality with competitive price. For residential applications, we offer a wide range of modern smart metering technologies based on our global experience. All of our products are united under the Gridstream™ solution which is our platform that offers seamless integration into the Customer’s IT environment.
What potential is there for your products in the market?
The reform of the Russian energy sector that started in 2003 is an ongoing process and we see many positive changes underway. Still, the reform would neither be accomplished nor successful without modern metering in place. Together with recent legislation promoting energy efficiency and, more specifically, development of smart metering technologies in Russia, we see a huge demand for modern, intellectual metering technologies that will drive fast development of the metering market. There will certainly be a place for products that have brand, reputation and quality on the market, and therefore we see a good potential for our company within it.
How do you compare and compete with existing Russian Technology?
Until very recently, the Russian metering market was quite isolated from the international markets and was largely dominated by the local manufacturers. Partly because of that, metering equipment and technologies have not been developing in Russia as fast as in extremely competitive global markets. Therefore, most of the existing metering technologies deployed in Russia are lagging behind. Nevertheless, we see some good examples of Russian technologies being quite innovative and aggressive and it is a privilege for us to compete with them, both locally and globally. But today, it is most important for all of us to realize that the demand for energy efficiency and modernization requires a very fast change of metering practices in Russia. Those suppliers who will be unable to adapt to such a fast changing environment will not be able to survive on this market.
How do you see the market developing over the next 5 years in your industry sector?
As I explained above, there is much to be done within the Russian metering market and I believe that the next five years will bring a quality change to the market environment with a focus on functionality, modernization and value.
Do you have any new products being launched?
Indeed, this is a permanent process. We spend over $100 million a year on R&D, and as a result there is a range of new products every year. Not only are the products becoming more functional, precise and reliable, but they are also becoming more environmentally friendly and efficient. This year we will launch a product that has a focus on smart grid applications and is being designed primarily with the Russian market in mind. It is a new generation of high precision ZQ meters with IEC 61850 interface that we shall supply to the digital substation pilot project of the Federal Grid of Russia.
Do you have any recent regional success stories?
This year we shall participate in one of the first smart metering pilot projects in Russia. It is a big honor for us to offer the best of our knowledge, know-how and practical experience in a massive rollout to our Russian customer.
Any further comments?
Yes! Please visit the Landis+Gyr exhibit at the Smart Utilities Russia conference and exhibition – November 16-17, 2011– in Moscow.
