Landis+Gyr supplies neighbouring countries with advanced meter testing equipment

In separate contracts worth over a million rand, Landis+Gyr (Pty) Ltd has provided the latest meter test consoles for the national utilities of Zambia (ZESCO) and Malawi (ESCOM). The ZESCO console was supplied via Siemens in South Africa, as part of their Lusaka Rehabilitation Project.

The test consoles manufactured by MTE Meter Test Equipment AG (MTE) offer completely automated testing of 10 or 20 meters at a time, with test results archived onto a computer. The system is flexible enough to handle electro-mechanical and electronic meters, including prepayment meters.

“MTE is a world leader in test equipment and Landis+Gyr in South Africa supplies and supports MTE’S equipment in Southern, Central and Eastern Africa,” says Rob Williamson, business development manager at Landis+Gyr (Pty) Ltd.

“Essential forward planning for utilities has to include testing of their metering equipment. This equipment is really the mainstay of their revenue streams and, for historical reasons, is often a mix of recent and older technology. The other aspect is that any new meters which are to be installed should be tested and calibrated before deployment in the field.

“This explains the critical need addressed by the MTE systems we supply. In the case of both ZESCO and ESCOM, three other factors played a deciding role: quality, reliability and access to local technical support. The MTE equipment more than meets the need for quality and reliability, while the resources of the local Landis+Gyr operation and the expertise of its staff comfortably meet any support requirements.

“The automated test consoles enable both utilities to ensure that the key elements of their distribution revenue streams are maintained. In terms of productivity for the test engineers and assurance of accurate charging of customers, the system offers a definite return on investment,” concludes Williamson.

For further details, please contact Rob Williamson, Business Development Manager, Landis+Gyr (Pty) Ltd phone +27 11 921 7986, fax +27 11 921 7977, e-mail: robw@cashpower.co.za