EMETRION IQ receives stamp of approval in Switzerland - [15.08.2008]

Koblenz: The IP-based electricity meter EMETRION IQ has obtained approval from METAS – the national metrology institute in Switzerland. At the same time the intelligent transformer meter has been granted further approval by the PTB (Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt) in Germany.

The new firmware version V01.01.01 necessitated the request at the PTB in Braunschweig. The functionality of the latest meter from GÖRLITZ has been extended considerably and adapted to the demands of the Swiss utilities.

The device now possesses automatic display stepping due to the rolling display. The instantaneous value for the real power can also be requested via the LC display. The pulse output to transmit the measuring data remotely can now be parameterised and in addition, the device will also have a switching output in the future.

"The first impression has been that C&I customers have quickly learned to value the EMETRION IQ", reported Dr. Michael Krumpholz, CEO at GÖRLITZ AG. The exact measuring of energy flow is supported in the same manner as the IP based remote reading. Dr. Krumpholz continued, "The additional functions in EMETRION IQ will assist the energy utilities to promote process integration."

Additional function for the parameterisation of the SKALAR - [08.08.2008]

Koblenz: The DeviceBuilder, with help of which the communication platform SKALAR is put into operation and administrated, has been upgraded by some important features.

Equipped with modern IP-technology and loadable software modules, the SKALAR by GÖRLITZ belongs to an innovative device generation, that delivers energy data to any destination system. The tool for the parameterisation of this communication platform, the DeviceBuilder, has been upgraded with additional features in the OS V2.12. version.

That way the SKALAR is not only able to pass SMS-messages flexibly, but also to react to received SMS-messages. The files with the meter data can be encoded by the new application Skalar.tools2 with AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). In addition the IP-options have been improved. Thus a URL can be assigned with NTP-synchronisation (Network Time Protocol), instead of entering an IP-address as previously.

The scope of operation of the device series SKALAR for the Least-Cost-Metering-service has been enlarged by the new LCMpackage in the version V2.00.00. The smart communication technology at the metering point thereby provides the steady data transfer in optimized Push-operation to the control centre via an FTP-server. Customized options are available. "This method of decentralized communication is in the light of increasing data volumes and faster data provision in mass application, more efficient and cost-effective than the classic Pull-operation, whereby the metering points are retrieved in sequence," states product manager Peter Desing.

Communication platforms of the type SKALAR are in use within a national energy data collection system, that is currently being implemented in Turkey for the grid operator TEIAS by the GÖRLITZ Austria GmbH. Further details here.

EDW3000 interface certified by SAP - [17.07.2008]

Koblenz: EDW.SAPcontact, the module for controlled data communication between the EDW3000 Metering System and the leading branch software SAP for Utilities, has been granted certification by SAP.

"Energy suppliers and grid operators are assured that both systems interact smoothly", emphasised Dr. Michael Krumpholz, CEO at GÖRLITZ AG. The EDW3000 Metering System maps the entire process chain from measuring to the SAP System. SAPcontact provides the seamless connection to the software component SAP-EDM. The plausible load profile data from the EDW3000 are written via the BAPI interface (Business Application Programming Interface) in the SAP-EDM, conveyed to the SAP database system and can be directly processed. In this way both market leading systems are optimally linked for a greater performance.

"File based interfaces with SAP systems have long been a feature of GÖRLITZ systems to transfer electronically retrieved and processed energy data to billing systems", explained Dr. Krumpholz. "The latest innovation is the direction connection of the system at API level." The close cooperation with the software company in Walldorf is the perfect partnership in which to develop the basis for a universal business process in the liberalised energy market.

Modem-Info-Tag a huge success - [03.07.2008]

The Modem-Info-Tag held its ground once again this year with over 250 attendees. In light of forthcoming legislation "Communication in the home" was the theme and twelve leading manufacturers as well as the BDEW presented their concepts and solutions for intelligent measurement and communication technology for residential customers.

Practically in tandem with the exhibition the Federal Government had issued directives regarding the climate packet and the opening of metering and grid operations which lent an added spark to the debates.

A river cruise was organised for the evening whereby the discussions continued amiably on the upper deck. Public viewing of the European Cup on the lower deck, where the guests enjoyed a regional buffet rounded off the evening perfectly.

The exhibitors, organisers and presentators would like to express their thanks for the excellent turnout and look forward to the next Modem-Info-Tag in 2010.

For further information and photos visit the website at www.modem-info-tag.de.

LUKIA-GÖRLITZ in EL & TEKNIK 2008 - [02.07.2008]

Odense: With 171 exhibitors and 8,780 visitors EL & TEKNIK 2008 set a new record. Visitors came from Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia to the exhibition in Odense during the three days.

The next EL & TEKNIK exhibition will be held on 18 - 20 May 2010.

9th "Metering live" a hit - [18.06.2008]

Koblenz: 110 visitors and a variety of lectures and debates contributed to the huge success of the 9th "Metering live" in the VELTINS-Arena auf Schalke in Gelsenkirchen. The subject was "New demands of the gas market – practical solutions from GÖRLITZ"

The highlight was a speech from Dr. Chris Mögelin of the German Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway). The expert explained in detail the BNetzA directives for a change of supplier. The subject is the cause of much heated discussion in the market; the publication of "GeLi-Gas" on 20.08.2007 and the associated regulations in the Network Access Ordinance on Gas (Gas NZV) defines for the first time the collection of consumption data, energy data management and the data exchange between market partners in the gas market.

"GeLI-Gas" which comes into force on 1st August 2008, analog to the existing "GPKE" for the electricity market, calls for the provision of uniform business processes and data formats between the market partners in the gas market.

Further debates addressed other fascinating topics such as intelligent measuring point technology for gas or the use of digital signatures for calibrated data exchange. A guided tour of the arena, which is considered one of the most modern football stadiums in the world, completed the day.

"Such an event is essential, especially today to keep abreast of the constantly changing technical and administrative landscape for Smart Metering. The audience turnout attests to this", enthused Dr. Michael Krumpholz, CEO of GÖRLITZ AG. Another meeting in the "Metering live" series is already scheduled for the autumn.

GÖRLITZ Austria GmbH participates at "IIR: Smart Metering 2008" - [17.06.2008]

Koblenz: More than 60 guests representing the energy industry, attended the convention "IIR: Smart Metering 2008" earlier this month in Vienna to discuss new legislative proposals concerning "Smart Metering in Austria and the EU". GÖRLITZ Austria GmbH was also present demonstrating the latest products and solutions. "As partner to more than 800 European customers the GÖRLITZ Group is excellently prepared to cope with the demands of the liberalised electricity market", assured Dipl. Ing. Helmut Ratzenhofer, CEO of GÖRLITZ Austria.

A wide array of subjects was addressed during the two day event; discussions were held about the legal and calibration directives and different companies presented their products. GöRLITZ Austria in a lighter moment, catered to the guests' tastebuds and served the famous Sachertorte.

GÖRLITZ AG successful at Powertage 2008 - [13.06.2008]

Koblenz: 139 exhibitors from the energy industry sector assembled at the third "Powertage" in Zürich on June 03-05 to discuss the opening of the European electricity market and to forge contacts. GÖRLITZ Schweiz AG also attended as exhibitor and presented the company’s solutions to the new demands arising from the forthcoming deregulation of the Swiss electricity market.

"Our stand was well frequented and visitors displayed great interest in the EMETRION IQ our innovative electricity meter and in the software module, EDW.message used for data communication in conformance with SDAT. It was a strong affirmation of our product strategy for the liberalised Swiss market", stated Dr. Michael Krumpholz, CEO of GÖRLITZ AG and president of the supervisory board of GÖRLITZ Schweiz AG.

The topics "Power trading" and "Distribution" headed the agenda throughout the 3-day event, a wise choice which was welcomed by the predominantly Swiss and German energy traders. The 2,055 visitors, 14% plus in contrast to previous events, substantiated the rapid dynamic of the market and the urgent demand for discussions. For instance controversy abounded when discussing what impact the forthcoming liberalisation would have on the Swiss energy politic. The interest expressed by the market participants about the chances and risks to accompany the liberalisation was a positive statement and confirmed the "Powertage" as an important market platform in Switzerland.

The "Powertage Forum" sponsored by the Trade Federation, could also declare an increase in attendance with over 900 guests. "From the federation’s point of view the forum was a great success, the up-to-date topics and the large audience at the debates are testimony", resumed Beat Müller from ETG ((Energietechnische Gesellschaft). "Particularly on the first day of the event, Journée Romande, more visitors from French-speaking Switzerland were welcomed this year than on the preceding ones."

The next Powertage is already scheduled for June 01-03 2010 in the Messezentrum Zürich.

GÖRLITZ AG supports Solar Boat Cup - [26.05.2008]

Koblenz: The Rhenania rowing club in Koblenz is once again the venue for the third "Solarboot-Cup Rheinland-Pfalz" on June 14th 2008. With almost 500 entrants participating, thousands of visitors are expected to attend the event which receives technical and financial support from the GÖRLITZ AG. The remarkable about the Solar Boat Cup is, as the name suggests, that only solar powered boats are permitted, batteries or motors are prohibited.

The regatta, initiated and sponsored by the Martin Görlitz Stiftung, has gone from strength to strength over the past three years and the number of competitors this year has exceeded all expectations. Around 70 boats, of which 10 are from Luxembourg, will compete in diverse categories. The first round of the German Solar Boat Championships will be held parallel to the regatta, around 20 teams from various parts of the country have enrolled to compete for the "alternative" title. On a lighter note in contrast, the Hydro Solar Race is also planned, whereby the rowing experts from Rhenania test their prowess with water bikes from the University of Duisburg and solar boats from the German championship classes.

Dr. Michael Krumpholz, CEO of GÖRLITZ AG enthusiastically supports the company’s social commitment. "Our aim is to increase the environmental awareness of children and youth, to motivate them to think in terms of sustainability and how to apply technology under consideration of the ecological and economical aspects."

EuroDCS increases turnover by 50% - [09.05.2008]

Koblenz: The financial statements for 2007 were presented and approved at the annual general meeting of EuroDCS Energiedaten AG. The energy data management company increased its business and operative turnover by 50% in the past year. It is positive confirmation of the foresight three years ago to restructure the market segment service providers for meter processes. The supervisory board thanked Ralf Hoffmann and Olaf Siegel, both members of the executive board, for their successful activities. Due to the ongoing cost pressure on utilities’ operations similar projects are in the loop for 2008.

New ENZ2000 release V3.18.06.01 integrates driver for Actaris Corus PTZ - [06.05.2008]

Using the latest version of the ENZ2000, the V3.18.06.01, it is now possible to read the gas volume converter Actaris Corus PTZ via the SAM protocol (Single Adress Mode). Development engineers at GÖRLITZ AG have integrated a separate driver in the AMR system ENZ2000. The Corus PTZ has up to now been read via the Actaris SEVC-D compatible mode iFLAG.

Please contact our sales representative in your area for details about the latest ENZ2000 release.

GÖRLITZ AG founding member of Agentur für Messwertqualität und Innovation e.V. - [29.04.2008]

Koblenz: The aim of the Agentur für Messwertqualität und Innovation e.V. is to strengthen consumer protection and to promote fair trading conditions for energy and water. GÖRLITZ AG is one of the original members of the non-profit association which was founded in February 2008.

Around 40 members convene under the cloak of the association; regional energy suppliers and concerns, municipal organisations, service providers and producers of metering systems - basically a cross-section of the energy sector in Germany. That action is necessary is underlined by the liberalisation of the European energy market which for instance, saw the abolishment of initial obligatory calibration for new measuring devices in 2007 which resulted in the forfeit of quality.

The list of members also includes citizens who wish to collaborate on the drafting of the corresponding legal directives and to coordinate the respective directives with the European conformance test system. Other areas supported by the association are research and development, standardisation, conferences with experts and consumer protection groups, consultations for conformance test queries and for the implementation of quality management systems, all have a common goal, namely correct metering for protection of the consumer.

GÖRLITZ selected for 170,000 smart metering project in Denmark - [24.04.2008]

Koblenz: The Danish utility company EnergiMidt has ordered 170,000 smart metering meters to furnish its supply area with the intelligent measuring technology. The control software is designed and produced by GÖRLITZ AG. Automatic acquisition, plausibility check, distribution of the metering data; all is undertaken by the EDW3000 Metering System.

"The energy utility supplier in Denmark has already commenced with the mass rollout of smart metering systems", reported Dr. Michael Krumpholz, CEO of the Koblenz based GÖRLITZ AG. "As the supplier, we are fully aware of the responsibility entailed in an operation of such dimensions." This is the second large smart metering project in Denmark for GÖRLITZ, the first was acquired recently from the utility supplier ELRO.

The consortium with the companies Echelon, Eltel and GÖRLITZ will be headed by Eltel Networks OY. In addition to the overall responsibiilty, the Finnish enterprise will also supervise the rollout and installation of the meter technology during the next three years.

GÖRLITZ AG addresses IQPC conference IS-U Unbundling - [21.04.2008]

Koblenz: The prestigious annual IQPC conference with the title IS-U Unbundling took place last week in Berlin.

GÖRLITZ AG in the role of sponsor and exhibitor, presented its solutions and products for the acquisition of energy data in the accompanying exhibition.

In regard to the fully-automated processing decreed by GPKE and GeLi, efficient integration and combination of system components for AMR, EDM and Billing are crucial aspects of project planning and for the ensuing smooth operating flow. A series of lectures on the subjects of billing, mass-compatible processes and smart metering was held by Detlef Schneider from GÖRLITZ AG.

Arena AufSchalke to host „Metering live“ - [18.04.2008]

Koblenz: "New requirements in gas market - practical solutions from GÖRLITZ". This is the theme for the ninth presentation in the series "Metering live" to be held on June 5th 2008 in the VELTINS ARENA AufSchalke. The event is staged to introduce and display new products and applications that are already obtainable. Based on state-of-the-art communication and system technology they are chiefly used to implement the new standards in the gas market.

The resolution "GeLi-Gas" passed by the Bundesnetzagentur (BnetzA) and the associated regulations in the Network Access Ordinance on Gas (Gas NZV) stipulate the conditions for the collection of consumption data, energy data management and the data exchange between the market partners in the gas market. "GeLI-Gas" which will become effective on 1st August 2008, analog to the existing "GPKE" for the electricity market, calls for the provision of uniform business processes and data formats between the market partners in the gas market.

Admission to the event is free of charge. The closing date is May 23rd 2008. Please visit the website to enrol and for further details.

RollOutLP_Gas: Forecast gas consumption for SLP customers - [17.04.2008]

Koblenz: The RollOutLP_Gas is a new program designed by GÖRLITZ AG which will enable the grid operator to compute a detailed forecast of gas consumption. A daily forecast for the gas consumption at feed-in and connection points is required in order to meet the legal stipulations. To comply with §27 of the directive implemented for access to gas supply networks (GASNZV), a transport customer must notifiy the gas grid operator by 14:00 hours on the previous day of his use of the supply and discharge capacities for the following day.

So-called standard load profiles are used to put into effect these regulations for non-power measured (SLP) customers. They establish the consumption behaviour of different consumption groups depending on outdoor temperatures for one day. A reliable forecast for gas consumption can be made by calculating the standard load profile, consumption and ambient data for a defined period and the temperature forecast for the following day.

The new software RollOutLP-Gas is directly linked with the EDW3000, it can calculate forecasts for SLP customers on the basis of named input variables and can write the results directly in EDW3000 as a calculated load profile. This enables grid operators quick and easy access to the EDW3000 functions to generate sums for instance or to trigger exports.

The program uses normal load profiles created in 2006 by the Technical University in Munich on behalf of the BGW and VKU as a base and resorts to ambient data which were forecast by the German meterological service. Manual calculations are possible with the separate user interface which, after it has been configured, also enables automated calculations to be triggered by the EDW3000.

Standard load profiles for the gas sector can now be processesed by EDW3000 thanks to the program RollOutLP_Gas. The RollOutLP for the electricity sector has been available on the market for some time.

Modem-Info-Tag 2008 in Frankfurt am Main - [11.04.2008]

Koblenz: After its success in 2005 and 2006 the comprehensive manufacturer forum Modem-Info-Tag is being held once again on the 18th and 19th of June. The venue is Frankfurt/Main and the topic this year is "Communication for the home". Reputable manufacturers such as GÖRLITZ AG will present solution scenarios and new technology on the subject "Smart Metering". The forum is the perfect opportunity for colleagues and market partners to exchange views and ideas.

Will meter values be retrieved every month in households? What will actually be read? Which techniques shall be used? How shall we prepare ourselves? What can be recommended, what still remains unclear? These are just some of the issues expected to be in the forefront. They are primarily important as a wrong decision can have depressing consequences.

Visit the website for further details: www.modem-info-tag.de.

Executive board restructured at Berg GmbH - [10.04.2008]

Koblenz: Berg Energiekontrollsysteme GmbH in Munich, the GÖRLITZ subsidiary which provides energy management solutions and systems for the industrial sector, has reorganised its management structure. The reason for this is to accommodate the rapid growth in industrial business.

Dipl.-Ing. Thomas Schedl who supervised operations up to now, has been appointed as chief executive officer while Dr. Peter Günther has been appointed as chief technical officer. Dr. Günther founded the Heppenheim-based company EBF-Energiecontrolling GmbH, which was taken over by Berg earlier this year. Ludwig Alles, office sales manager and Thomas Stengl, technical manager, have been granted powers of attorney.

The growth in Berg's turnover has been consistent, it was incorporated in the GÖRLITZ Group in 1980 and the development of sales has increased continually in the past few years. This upward trend is demonstrated by the €3.8 mil. trading volume declared for 2005 and the €4.6 mil. which was declared for 2007, the company has forecast a 20% increase in sales for the current year.

GÖRLITZ in Scandinavia - [07.03.2008]

Stockholm: With over 150 participants gathering from around the world, the organiser SYNERGY managed to set up a first platform for smart metering experts in one of the world's most advanced and developed smart metering regions, Scandinavia.

The event took place in Stockholm and attracted speakers and visitors, eager to exchange their experiences in smart metering. For the first time GÖRLITZ Lukia A/S presented its solutions to such broad industry and public.

With Scandinavia as a leading example, companies all over Europe are looking to identify and turn smart metering into a valuable customer and service centric business. Due to this, the event is sure to be repeated and GÖRLITZ Lukia A/S from Denmark will become a steady participant, exhibiting smart metering solutions for Scandinavia.

For further information please visit www.goerlitz.com or www.lukia.dk.

GÖRLITZ selected for nationwide metering system in Turkey - [06.03.2008]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ Austria GmbH has been contracted to install a nationwide meter data monitoring system in Turkey. The GÖRLITZ subsidiary will set up metering points and carry out the necessary installations for the Turkish high-voltage grid operator TEIAS.

Energy delivery and supply points; sub-stations in the grid; high-voltage customers; all are to be read with the data collection system. The primary focus is on municipal energy utility companies.

The technology from GÖRLITZ will not only log data at the metering points but will automatically prepare a data packet which is transmitted to the control station via the Internet. The data transmission will be undertaken by the Skalar, an intelligent communication platform developed by GÖRLITZ. The latest version of the energy data management system EDW3000 together with the module EDW.collector, will be employed at the control station.

A redundant system will also be implemented due to the sensitivity of the data and their validity for the management of the Turkish energy market. The plans are to commence with the first installation in late spring and to complete the project at the end of 2008.

GÖRLITZ Group and EBF-Energiecontrolling: Strategic merger for efficient energy management in industry - [27.02.2008]

Koblenz: Berg Energiekontrollsysteme GmbH, a member of the GÖRLITZ Group which provides energy management solutions and systems to industry, has taken over EBF Energiecontrolling GmbH in Heppenheim.

Both parties will profit from the fusion. Berg GmbH has suspended further development of the software system EnerGO and instead will distribute the web-based software forn energy data management from EBF under the name of EnerGO plus. "This is an excellent chance to increase the prospects of our successful self-developed technology in the German and European markets", stated Dr. Peter Gunther with enthusiasm. Dr. Günther founded EBF Energiecontrolling GmbH in 2002.

EnerGO plus is an EDM system with state-of-the-art technology, it possesses the characteristics required by industrial customers to retrieve, evaluate and bill their energy flow punctually. The software is multidisplinary oriented and extends business and technical interfaces to existing systems, such as for facililty management and project software. Innovative modules and standardised interfaces guarantee complete integration in the existing or planned IT landscape. The load profile data can be accessed anytime via Internet, this ensures that energy consumption is always traceable. EnerGO plus is already available in Germany and will be distributed throughout Europe in the near future.

Communicators from the energy industry convene in Berlin - [26.02.2008]

Koblenz: The subject of public relations was on the agenda of representatives from the energy industry at the BDEW-Kommunikationstag in Berlin on February 14th and 15th.

The debate was prompted by the dramatic changes in the energy branch and the consensus was that a new approach is required, and not just from the economical point of view. "Other forms and ways of communication to the media, the public and to the employees must be found", stated Ralf Hoffmann, who represented GÖRLITZ AG together with Detlef Schneider, marketing manager. "It was extremely positive for all, notes were compared and experiences were shared", concluded Mr. Hoffmann, Chief Strategy Officer at GÖRLITZ.

The event was hosted by the Bundesverband der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW) and stems from the "PR forum for the energy and water industry" and the "VDEW Communication Day".

For further information visit the website at: http://www.bgw-kongress.de/pdf_veranst/kommunikationstag.pdf

Dr. Michael Krumpholz nominated as CEO at GÖRLITZ AG - [25.01.2008]

Koblenz: After three years of successful collaboration with the long-standing executive board of GÖRLITZ AG Dr. Michael Krumpholz has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the company. The founder Martin Görlitz will remain on the board to concentrate on mergers and acquisitions and increase his activities alongside in the Martin Görlitz Foundation.

Dr. Krumpholz, with vast experience in both large corporations and medium-sized businesses, is extremely enthusiastic about the assignment: "To head a dynamic enterprise in a dynamic market, with a corporate culture that places great value on a sustainable economic development, was always my goal."

The number of concurring market drivers means significant opportunities and tasks for which GÖRLITZ must prepare with an excellently qualified management. The re-appointment of Ralf Hoffmann is the first step, the second is Dr. Krumpholz assuming leadership of the company, summarised Mr. Görlitz. He himself is happy to pass over the reins after 30 years to the capable Dr. Krumpholz.

Mr. Görlitz intends to dedicate more time to the foundation. "My role as chairman of the board meant that the GÖRLITZ foundation unfortunately had often to take second place. We have been intensively occupied with projects since 2005 and to which I can now devote myself unsparingly." The foundation is committed to youth work in the fields of energy, environment and sustainability.

GÖRLITZ AG and HYDROMETER partner in smart metering - [21.01.2008]

Koblenz/Ansbach: The Koblenz company GÖRLITZ AG and Hydrometer GmbH in Ansbach have signed a strategical partnership in smart metering applications and solutions. The aim of the strategical partnership is to develop a high-performance system for the automated collection of metering data from energy meters in all sectors. Such a system will provide investment security for customers, who comprise primarily of energy utility companies.

"The market is currently inundated with an assortment of requirements, stipulations and partial solutions. An optimal orientation for a standardised system has not been offered to date, and we have set out to do this together", declared Thorsten Causemann, Manager of Smart Metering at GÖRLITZ. GÖRLITZ is responsible for the development of the central software and data concentrators, HYDROMETER for the development of communication gateways and data concentrators, based on radio and M-Bus technology.

The proposed system will automatically record meters of all types of energy, such as electricity, gas, heat, cooling energy and water, so that single devices can be added or exchanged. Cable connected routes and public lines and networks or services will be implemented for the remote communication needed to transmit the data from the control station to the meter. The wireless M-Bus communication standard has been selected for the local communication of the various meters on site.

GÖRLITZ nominated as finalist in technology competition - [18.01.2008]

Koblenz, 18.01.08 – GÖRLITZ AG has advanced to the finals in the technology competition "E-Energy" organised by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi)in Germany. The company, as member of a consortium, is one of the twelve finalists in the competition with the leitmotif "E-Energy: ICT-based energy system of the future".

The fundamental idea of deCide is to create greater transparency for carbon emissions in Germany. A communication structure for the energy grid must be developed to inform consumers about their energy consumption and the ensuing CO2 emissions. "It would expedite the liberalisation in the electricity market, generate new energy products and tariff structures, reinforce the position of the individual market players and ultimately lead to saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions", stated Ralf Hoffman, member of the board at GÖRLITZ AG.

Five other parties participated with GÖRLITZ in the deCide project, Siemens, in.power, Vodafone Group R&D and TU Dresden. The DREWAG - Stadtwerke Dresden GmbH assumed the role of project coordinator for the consortium. The federal ministry plans with "E-Energy" to sponsor selected R&D activities in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT).

The final date of application was October 5th 2007 and around 30 contestants, in the form of consortiums, submitted proposals. From the twelve finalists nominated, maximum five will be chosen for sponsoring over a period of 4 years with funds of up to €40 mil. The winners will be announced at the CEBIT 2008 in Hannover on March 4th by Michael Glos, Minister for Economics and Technology.

Event catalogue 2008: extended training program for the metering business - [18.01.2008]

Koblenz: 16.01.2008 With its new catalogue GÖRLITZ AG acknowledges the increased demand for advanced training and qualifications.

The proven mix of hardware, software and metering training courses, along with seminars on legal and security topics; the new program caters to the requirements for further education in the energy branch. "We detected a growing demand for advanced training during the courses we held for the energy data management system EDW3000 in 2007", commented Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO at GÖRLITZ AG. "As a result we have increased the number of courses by 20% for 2008". The planned events also reflect the huge interest displayed in the EDW.mobile and gas market.

The catalogue lists all relevant dates for the metering branch in the coming year, from exhibitions and congresses to special presentations. These include among others our own congress Smart Metering, produced jointly with the VWEW Energieverlag GmbH. Another is our roadshow "Metering live" with venues in Koblenz, Berlin, Stuttgart and Düsseldorf to convey background information on current topics and activities in the liberalised energy market. The catalogue also notes the Solar Boat Cup Rheinland_Pfalz sponsored by the Martin Görlitz Foundation (previously eus).

The event catalogue 2008 can be downloaded here.

EDW.mobile implemented as workforce solution by DREWAG - [14.01.2008]

Dresden: One of the largest municipal utilities in Germany has extended its EDW3000 system with additional functionalities to deal with the liberalisation of metering and grid operations.

DREWAG Stadtwerke Dresden GmbH possesses an IT environment for metering and billing which up to now was unique in Germany, the two-mandator solution features separate process functions for the grid and for distribution. The metering system EDW3000 utilises the innovative model as a central data platform. The module EDW.mobile, already used in mobile data collection (MDC), has been extended to the residential customer sector and guarantees considerable savings. The basis for this is the interplay between EDW3000 and EDW.mobile which undertakes both the schedule and management of jobs relevant to energy data readings for residential customers.

The EDW3000 accumulates and administrates midway readings and available measuring data acquired by customer self-readings and mobile data collection. When the billing system requested a reading, the EDW3000 generated for the remainder external jobs to be executed by third-parties. Taking the different types of energy into consideration this means it is no longer necessary to outsource tens of thousands of readings every year. The system is amortised in just two short years after implementation due to the resulting reduction of costs.

MDC is already in use for a section of the 2,500 customers with special electricity contracts and plans for the near future are to expand the use of the module to include all types of energy and customers. A step further will see the mobile retrieval of cycle changes / meter changes. The great advantage to this is it can be performed on site together with the mobile collection of the register values. This opportunity enables data electronically acquired on site to be registered and processed in the central billing system. Consequently the necessity of a service provider is eliminated. "The ensuing financial benefits by completing these jobs in a single work step will be immediately obvious to the utilities", stated Roland Kühn, sales engineer at GÖRLITZ AG.

GÖRLITZ furnishes residential customers with intelligent electricity meters - [21.12.2007]

Koblenz: The energy supplier Vattenfall in cooperation with GÖRLITZ AG is currently installing web-based electricity meters in 500 households in Berlin and Hamburg respectively.

The profi-meter as it is referred to, maps the consumption curve of a household over a specific time range. The information is relayed in real time to the consumer’s home computer. "The intelligent technology will increase consumers’ awareness of their consumption patterns and will ultimately lead to a more efficient use of energy", stated Vattenfall CEO Manfred Wohler with conviction.

The technology can in turn help energy suppliers to simplify and accelerate reading processes. The devices installed in Hamburg and Berlin are distributed in Germany under the name of Echelon by GÖRLITZ AG. "Echelon technology is the number one in Europe for Smart Metering projects", expressed Thorsten Causemann, who supervises the Smart Metering field at GÖRLITZ. "It is a valuable tool for energy utilities, it allows them to establish a sustainable link to their private customers important in times of progressive competition."

Executive board of GÖRLITZ AG welcomes back Ralf Hoffmann - [17.12.2007]

Koblenz: Another strategic thinker on the GÖRLITZ AG executive board to assist in meeting the demands of the growing metering market in Germany. Ralf Hoffmann will resume his place in the board of directors on January 1st 2008 and will be responsible for the business development and strategy of the Koblenz company. Ralf Hoffmann is one of the founding members of GORLITZ AG and has remained active for the past 20 years. He was appointed to the board in 1998 where he continued to consolidate GÖRLITZ’s position but unfortunately, due to ill-health, he was forced to take extended leave.

"The signs indicate massive growth, the branch is booming", enthused Mr. Hoffmann. Key factors contributing to the expansion of the Görlitz group are the liberalisation of metering and grid operations in Germany, energy-efficiency projects with Smart Metering solutions in Europe and an increased awareness of energy in commerce and industry. The current products consisting of metering systems, electricity and gas meters and IP-based meter communication are a testimony to the expert solutions provided by GÖRLITZ. "The outcome is that the grid operator who faces the challenges of incentive based regulation, will benefit as well as the independent metering service provider", forecasts Ralf Hoffmann about the approaching environment.

SAS 70 certification for EuroDCS Energiedaten AG computing centre - [03.12.2007]

"Energy utilities, industry or metering service providers; the SAS 70 certificataion is a source of valuable information to those contemplating outsourcing", explained Olaf Siegel, CEO of EuroDCS Energiedaten AG. The US standard corresponds to the German standard IDW EPS 951 and to comply with the criteria, a critical analysis of the computing centre for the outsourced functions is performed by independent auditors. Organisation, application development, maintenance, logical security and access authorisation, data processing and company continuity, everything is closely examined and appraised.

EuroDCS customers now have independent documented evidence that their computing centre has the necessary security precautions and also applies them. "Energy utilities wishing to outsource their EDW3000 systems to our computing centre are assured of nothing but the best", vouched Herr Siegel.

Seminar: Smart Metering and liberalisation of grid operation - [15.11.2007]

Koblenz: "Metering and grid operations in respect to regulation, innovation and legal certainty"; a fascinating contemporary theme. To discuss it in depth GÖRLITZ AG and the renowned legal practise Becker Büttner Held, specialists in the infrastructure of the energy market, are holding seminars in Koblenz and Berlin.

The seminars are composed as a forum in which practical solutions to the current legal requirements and the resulting need for action by grid operators will be proposed. Despite the enforcement of the Energy Industry Act and the ensuing liberalisation of grid operations, virtually nothing has happened to date. The federal government has plans to open up "grid operations" – namely meter readings – for the competition and third-party providers. Plans are also in the pipeline to promote and establish innovative meter techniques in Germany, this in turn indicates a promising future for Smart Metering technology.

Select the date and venue which suits you best, December 4th in Berlin and December 5th in Koblenz. We look forward to welcoming you. Visit our website for further details and your registration form.

Get going in the gas market - [12.11.2007]

Koblenz: Under this motto GÖRLITZ AG will present its extended product portfolio at gat 2007 - the largest convention in the German gas industry which is being held this year in Karlsruhe.

For the past eight years the company’s products to collect and process consumption data for the gas sector have been consistently enhanced. "We are perfectly equipped to meet the constantly rising demands of the utility industry", Dr. Michael Krumpholz COO at GÖRLITZ AG, declared with confidence.

An example is the new compact volume converter Uniflo 1200, a battery-backed measuring and recording device. The modular device from the Danish company Flonidan is tailored to the needs of the German market and was granted PTB approval in May 2007. It has now been launched on a wide scale in the German energy market as a recording gas volume converter with maximum load display.

The data are read via the module EDW.collector which uses a driver to couple it to the EDW3000 system. An advantage of the driver connection is the almost routine creation of the data structure in the EDW system. The imported data are processed by the software module EDW.gas, which can be configured and activated as an option to the base system EDW3000. "Due to systemic integration in the proven energy data system EDW3000 the complete process chain from the meter to provision of verifiable data is mapped", concluded Dr. Krumpholz

We look forward to greeting you on the 13th and 14th at our stand C11 in Hall 1 in Karlsruhe.

Visit the following websites for further information: www.goerlitz.ag/termine and www.gat-dvgw.de

Now possible to integrate EMETRION IQ in control stations from ITF-EDV Fröschl - [29.10.2007]

Koblenz: A driver is now available to implement the intelligent electricity meter EMETRION IQ from GÖRLITZ AG in the energy data processing systems from the software provider ITF-EDV Fröschl.

"An innovative meter concept is only successful if it can be seamlessly integrated in an existing control station system", expressed Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO at GÖRLITZ AG. Excellent prospects therefore for the EMETRION IQ which with the appropriate driver, can be integrated not only in the energy data management system EDW3000 from GÖRLITZ, but also in the platform ZFA/200-F from ITF-EDV.

It is irrelevant if the electricity meter is transparently read in the classic "Pull" operation via a dialling connection or if the energy data are transmitted via GPRS by IP Telemetry. Mobile data collection can be executed with Bluetooth® technology enabling energy data to be requested via PDAs with the operating systems PC2002 and PC2003.

Register values, load profiles and logbooks; all can be read thanks to the functionality of the device driver. The date and time are not only read, but can also be set. Local communication via Bluetooth® is child's play with the new tool IQ.viewer for notebooks. Moreover the data are always concisely displayed in user-friendly fashion. "GÖRLITZ AG has honoured its claim again to design process-oriented products and solutions that are multi-vendor capable", concluded Dr. Krumpholz.

GÖRLITZ team grows - [23.10.2007]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ AG recently welcomed the latest additions to the team, thereby totalling 23 new members of staff this year.

Twelve new colleagues are now a part of R&D, three were engaged in the hardware department and twelve in the software department. Two apprentices have been taken on to train as IT application development specialists. Other departments in the company have also been expanded; the commercial area, DTP, production and project planning.

"By engaging new personnel we have reinforced our resources particularly in the departments responsible for the further development and quality assurance of our systems", stated Norbert Bartsch, CTO at GÖRLITZ AG. "We are now excellently positioned to face the challenges of a liberalised energy market".

New software update for the successful AMR control station ENZ2000 - [22.10.2007]

Koblenz: The lastest version V3.18.04.02 is now obtainable for the control station ENZ2000. The update is initially available in German, English and Italian. Other languages will follow.

"The release is a reason to provide our customers with new functionality", pointed out Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO at GÖRLITZ AG. One example is the improvemed load profile evaluation of the volume converter EK260 from Elster. For instance values deviating from the end of the measurement period caused by setting the clock are no longer a probem, they are now accepted. New advanced commands have been integrated for the CEWE Prometer, an IEC 62056-21 meter which is installed mainly in southern Europe.

The DIN 870-5 standard response behaviour which is also used by SAE AMR devices among others, can be controlled over the relevant settings. The new option of deactivating the search list update enables the client performance to be increased.

Contact the following address for further information about the ENZ200 V3.18.04.02. [Sales@goerlitz.com]

Metering live guides through maze of regulations - [08.10.2007]

Hamburg/Frankfurt (DeSc): Numerous customers and interested parties were welcomed by Detlef Schneider, the general sales manager at GÖRLITZ AG to this year`s roadshow with the topic Metering live. "Enthusiasm for the subject was immediately evident in that both events were booked out well in advance by members of the energy branch", reported Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO at GÖRLITZ AG.

Dr. Jost Eder from the law practise Becker Büttner Held gave an account of current projects and future schemes. The product managers from GÖRLITZ AG presented solutions afterwards to deal with the demands for the collection and processing of energy data. Rüdiger Hehner, the product manager for software elaborated on the performance and punctual transfer of energy consumption data using the energy management data system EDW3000. The C&I meter EMETRION IQ which was recently launched on the market is also designed for a future-oriented landscape and was presented by Peter Desing, the product manager for hardware.

Other external speakers contributed to a lively day with discussions on strategy, concepts and system solutions for tomorrow`s energy market. They pinpointed various aspects and cited examples ranging from portfolio management and acquisition optimisation, consulting and services to complete outsourcing as an application service provider.

The initial response of the attendees proved that the agenda with a mix of regulatory stipulations and potential solution scenarios and their practical realisation was successful and had hit the nail on the head. The series will undoubtedly be continued in 2008.

Metering Europe 2007: Vienna plays host to the energy branch - [21.09.2007]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ AG will be naturally represented at the most prestigious European metering congress for the international energy branch when it is hosted in the Austrian capital.

The renowned Metering Europe 2007 will be held in the Reed Messe Wien Congress Center on October 2nd – 4th. The turnout of 1,500 participants at the congress last year in Copenhagen bears witness to the significance of this top-ranking event. GÖRLITZ AG welcomes this enthusiasm as it has actively supported the congress since its commencement in 1998.

In its role as sponsor the company will enhance this year’s event with numerous innovations. The intelligent IP-based transformer meter EMETRION IQ will be presented in addition to the energy data management system EDW3000. Mr. Ralf Hoffmann, VP for business development at GÖRLITZ AG, will hold a lecture on the subject "EMETRION IQ - cutting edge technology for automatic meter reading" on October 3rd at 13:00 hours.

Lively debates are promised with the metering specialists from GÖRLITZ; the general managers from the subsidiaries in Denmark, Italy and Austria, the product managers from the head office in Koblenz and the head of Smart Metering Mr. Thorsten Causemann, all are present and ready to welcome you. "Metering Europe is an exceptionally communicative and informative exhibition to which we have remained loyal from the start", emphasised Dr. Michael Krumpholz, CEO and vice-chairman at GÖRLITZ AG.

www.metering-europe.com

ERP system successfully implemented - [21.09.2007]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ AG has completed implementing the new ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning). Purchasing, production planning and control, sales; all parts and devices can be traced in minute detail.

It is a valuable component in the company’s quality management. "This signifies to our customers another step in the direction of comprehensive quality", stated board member Norbert Bartsch.

EDW.message module launched - [30.07.2007]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ AG reacted promptly to a resolution passed by the Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA) and has incorporated the module EDW.message with the EDW3000 version 4.0. The resolution states that, effective from 01.08.2007, the EDIFACT standard must be implemented for the exchange of energy data between market partners. EDIFACT is a recognised international standard for the electronic interchange of data in a wide range of commercial and non-commercial sectors. The module EDW.message is a valuable tool to enable an automated EDI in compliance with the EDIFACT standard.

Messages communicating the energy values are transmitted in EDIFACT-MSCONS format by the module EDW.message. The transmission initiates a process which includes monitoring and logging the expected acknowledgements. Absent acknowledgements trigger a system alarm. The syntax and content of incoming energy data messages are validated and the sender receives an acknowledgement with the formats APERAK and CONTRL. Using both of these EDIFACT message types guarantees a smooth automated data exchange. In addition to being logged, the messages are archived for historical traceability.

EDW.message supports the EDIFACT messages MSCONS (1.6b, 2.0c, 2.0d), CONTRL (1.3) and APERAK (1.0a).

Approval for the gas volume converter Uniflo 1200 - [11.07.2007]

Koblenz - The gas volume converter Uniflo 1200 has now obtained the second part of approval. This means that the compact measuring and registration device can put immediately to use in Germany.

The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) tested the device from "top to toe" and has granted approval for it to display peak loads and to record consumption. GÖRLITZ AG acts as distributor in Germany for the product from the Danish manufacturer of the same name - Flonidan.

"With its modular design and the peak load display, the cost-efficient device is superbly adapted to the requirements of our gas market", stated Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO and vice chairman of GÖRLITZ AG. The Uniflo 1200 is a top-quality product, which can be fitted to meet concrete requirements. This in turn yields a perfect cost-value-ratio.

Quick and easy installation is only one of the advantages. The consumed gas quantities can be collected continually and logged hourly. The Uniflo 1200 features an integrated modem for the data communication via PSTN or using the radio standards GSM and GPRS. The device can be configured flexibly and is simple to integrate in an energy data management system. A wide range of extension modules guarantees the volume converter is ready to meet future requirements.

Combined with the Metering System EDW3000 for the collection of consumption data and the related module EDW.gas, GÖRLITZ AG offers a solution tailored specifically for the gas market.

In recent months the Uniflo 1200 has been on constant show to our customers, all of whom have displayed great interest. "Now that the approval process has been successfully concluded, the Uniflo 1200 can take its rightful place on the market", declared Dr. Krumpholz.

EDW3000 and EMETRION IQ support IP Telemetry (IPT) - [09.07.2007]

Koblenz: Electricity meters are now accessible online 24/7 with the IPT server as a component of the EDW3000.

Classic automatic meter reading (AMR) using a telephone line and transmission technology using Internet protocols (IP) are two operational spheres in which to relay information. Whereas with the conventional AMR method the control station calls the meter modem, the meter initiates the communication for a packet-oriented data transmission via GPRS. Communication in IP based GPRS networks has been standardised to comply with the IP-standard DIN 43863-4, which the energy data mangement system EDW3000 from GÖRLITZ AG now supports.

"We have developed an IPT server specifically for the EDW3000 to insure the electricity meters are always accessible online", explained Thorsten Causemann, the product manager for hardware. The meter modems or meters with integrated communication establish a connection via GPRS to the IPT server where they log on and remain online due to the transmission of so-called "keep alive packets". The server functions thus as a switching centre between the classic AMR systems and the IP world (GPRS); the AMR Software "dials" virtually the server via the network and is connected with the GPRS end device. This communication tunnel through the "new" IP world enables the "old" protocols for automatic meter reading to be transferred. The method allows GPRS to be seamlessly integrated in existing system environments.

The EMETRION IQ – the intelligent polyphase meter for application by special contact customers – is the perfect complement to the IPT server. "Speedy data transmissions and minimised communication costs are the results of the direct meter link via IPT with the OBEX protocol which is tailored for IP operations", said Mr. Causemann, listing further advantages.

Approval for EMETRION IQ - [14.06.2007]

Koblenz: As the first device from the next generation of IP-based real time meters the EMETRION IQ has been granted approval by the Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt (PTB).

It was worth waiting for. Over 2 years were spent in its development and then the lengthy approval process, the PTB seal of approval is the fitting conclusion. "It is the first metering device on the market to combine the exact measuring of energy consumption with IP based remote reading", stated Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO and vice-chairman of the board at GÖRLITZ AG.

In the course of harmonising standards for metering and calibration, the special intelligent meter holds two approvals. Since October 2006 new electricity meters launched on the market are subject not only to German metrological laws, but also to the European Measuring Instruments Directive; consequently the EMETRION IQ possesses the authorisation to measure active energy in compliance with the MID [DE-07-MI003-PTB002]. Moreover the device has also approval to measure reactive energy and record load profile data as stipulated by the national metrological regulations [20.15.06.08].

The metering device is designed for use by customers with special contracts. "Energy utilities can be assured that the design and construction of the EMETRION IQ conform to the national metrological regulations and the European directives", stated a visibly pleased Dr. Krumpholz.

ZMP 2007: Metering technology for tomorrow - [01.06.2007]

Koblenz: As extremely successful appraised Dr. Michael Krumpholz, vice president and COO of GÖRLITZ, his company’s engagement at this year’s VDN congress in Nürnberg "Zählen - Messen - Prüfen".

The event was well attended by over 700 persons, the highly-qualified program addressed in detail the perspectives for the liberalised energy markets, the development of metering and grid operations and Smart Metering solutions. Members of the GÖRLITZ AG team, in addition to giving a speech about metering system solutions for the future, were extremely active and welcomed numerous interested visitors to both of the company’s stands.

A particular highlight was the presentation of the innovative technical concept of the new intelligent meter EMETRION IQ for special contract customers, which was publicly demonstrated for the first time on such a scale. The absolutely exact load profile data recording and the application of established and secure IP protocols convinced everyone first and foremost of the advantages of the intelligent multi-functional meter for remote readings.

Another surprise was the brand new concept for Smart Metering which was presented at the ZMP. Dr. Krumpholz on a closing note said, "We have distinguished ourselves once again as a partner for the energy economy through our hardware and software products, these already provide the solutions for liberalised energy markets tomorrow".

Vattenfall Concern opts for EDW3000 - [25.05.2007]

Koblenz: Vattenfall Europe AG has elected to implement the Metering System EDW3000 in the plants in Hamburg and Berlin. From now on German associates in the Vattenfall Group will read approximately 25,000 metering points with the energy data management system from GÖRLITZ.

Vattenfall Europe is the fourth largest electricity generator in Europe and the third largest electricity company in Germany. Last year the holding company WEMAG AG, which is the regional utillity in Mecklenburg and West Prignitz, elected to install the EDW3000 system. The decision of the Vattenfall Concern is an added leverage to reinforce our position as leading provider in the German market.

Dipl.-Ing. Olaf Siegel, Key Account Manager and Chief Negotiator at GÖRLITZ expressed pleasure over the latest development at the signing of the agreement. The partner at Vattenfall had beforehand praised the professionality of the metering system, that it is most suitable as a basis for the forthcoming tasks. The consensus in Hamburg and Berlin is that the system gives the necessary assurance to cope perfectly with future challenges.

The projects director conveyed his thanks to the team for the expert sales and project operations. "We are naturally proud of our achievements, they confirm that we are on the right course with our products", enthused Olaf Siegel.

ZMP 2007: Stable metering processes thanks to innovative technology - [23.05.2007]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ AG presents its new intelligent meter for special contract customers at the prestigious ZMP 2007 – the EMETRION IQ.

"The meter is the answer to problems in automatic meter reading with its state-of-the-art technical concept" stated Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO and vice-chairman of the board at GÖRLITZ AG. As a premier meter of its class the EMETRION IQ is the solution to irregular and incomplete measurement periods. It generates 96 completed values reliably each day. Contemporary TCP/IP protocol, standardised OBIS codes and efficient data protection procedures ensure stable metering processes and low-priced data collection.

"Present VDEW-specification meters function event-oriented and are not necessarily synchronous to the real time used in the energy market as a basis for billing", said Dr. Krumpholz, pointing out a disadvantage of the most-implemented device today. "Consequently a new generation of meters is vital, they must guarantee that the data collected on site are also the billing values for the market." Visitors to the GÖRLITZ stand at the ZMP can view the intelligent meter and get a picture of its functionality and effectiveness.

The EMETRION IQ is the answer to the many questions posed by utilities and grid operators in the face of the challenges rising from the liberalised energy market and the accompanying legislation. For instance the quality guidelines dictated by the Bundesnetzagentur (German Federal Network Agency) compared with the expectations of the regulatory authorities to sink energy and grid costs. New, cost-saving metering technology which at the same time, is less error-prone is an essential resource in the present day.

GÖRLITZ business policy confirmed at AGM - [14.05.2007]

Koblenz (HO): Shareholders at the annual general meeting today of GÖRLITZ AG responded positively to the company’s corporate policy. A dividend of 0.10 cents was paid for each share and the board of directors and the supervisory board were granted discharge for the fiscal year 2006.

An increase in the turnover against the previous year showed that the gross yield had risen by 5.8%. The rise in our software quota contributed considerably to the turnover. The company announced an increased trading result of 28% for the fiscal year 2006, this was due to reduced personnel costs and other expenditure.

From a total revenue of almost 17 million euro, practically 50 percent was generated in the German core market, namely the energy industry. 8 million euro were accounted for by the foreign subsidiaries and the industrial market which is catered to by Berg GmbH. The GÖRLITZ Group has set a target of 20 million euro for the forthcoming business year.

The company anticipates greater challenges to the customers with the regulation of the energy market and the consequent unbundling obligations, which can be fulfilled with the newly integrated Metering System EDW3000. GÖRLITZ customers are currently caught in a conflict, on one side intense cost pressures and on the other, meeting the expectations of the regulators by sinking energy and grid costs. This calls for innovation in metering solutions, for a cost-efficient technology which can be easily implemented. GÖRLITZ has these solutions already. One example is the new electricity meter EMETRION IQ with integrated IP based communication, it is expected to substantially boost the company’s share of the market for hardware.

ZMP 2007: Demonstration with systems - [09.05.2007]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ AG will present its product portfolio which has been vastly extended in the area of meter technology at the forthcoming exhibition ZMP 2007. The company from Koblenz is distinguished as a provider of complete solutions for requirements in the metering field.

Metering is attaining key function status among the various market parties. At the same time liberalisation of the energy markets is causing demands for energy data collection and processing to progress at breath-taking speed. The subject Smart Metering – the intelligent meter for residential use – is coming more and more to the fore due to the Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive implemented in the EU.

These developments necessitate innovative concepts. "A few short years ago the quality of a meter was primarily assessed on the precision and life-cycle of its mechanism, whereas today the system aspect, namely the integration of all components in an intelligent complete system, is gaining significance", proclaimed Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO at GÖRLITZ AG.

GÖRLITZ, in the role of main sponsor, is featured prominently at the event with two theme stands. One is dedicated exclusively to the EMETRION IQ - the intelligent meter for special customers. The other stand is devoted to products in the system area. This is initially the software system EDW3000 in conjunction with the AMM system EMETRION net, a PLC based solution for the extensive collection of consumption values from residential customers. The options for automated disconnection in combination with a billing system will be demonstrated, and in addition, a groundbreaking concept devised by GÖRLITZ for Smart Metering will also be disclosed.

"Our solutions ensure that utilities and grid operators are fully prepared for future challenges", concluded Dr. Krumpholz.

Further details at: www.z-m-p.de

ZMP 2007: GÖRLITZ AG - main sponsor of influential European conference - [03.05.2007]

Koblenz: Once again the Koblenz metering specialists will play an authoritative role at the VDN congress "ZMP 2007" in Nürnberg.

Metering experts from the fields of electricity supply, system manufacture and politics will congregate on May 21-22 for the VDN congress to discuss the theme "Metering - a key function". Adopted or planned legislation, such as the Energy Industry Act or the Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive, necessitate modern meters and integrated cost-efficient communication technology. The technology advances more and more in the direction of interfaces between energy supplier, grid operator and customer.

The ZMP 2007 is dedicated to this development. The topics for discussion span a wide range, from the legal framework and perspectives for the liberalisation of metering and grid operations in Europe to its consequences for the metering point operator, they also include Smart Metering solutions. Ralf Hoffmann, vice president of Business Development at GÖRLITZ AG and Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO, will depict how present-day measuring technology simplifies the business processes cost-efficiently. A conference at the end of the first day will highlight the effects of the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) on the test centres.

Visit the website for the ZMP 2007 program at: http://www.z-m-p.de/treffpunkt_programm23.htm

Wuppertal Municipal Utility: Process optimisation with EDW3000 and Skalar - [02.05.2007]

Koblenz: The Wuppertaler Stadtwerke AG (WSW) has extended its control station system and plan to test IP-based meter reading with EMETRION IQ.

The energy supplier, which also operates the world’s oldest suspended monorail in the city located on the River Wupper in North Rhine Westphalia, supplies over 400,000 inhabitants and commercial customers with electricity, district heating, natural gas and water. The municipal concern, with 2,500 employees and 12 subsidiaries, has given top priority to the optimisation of business processes.

For many years now the WSW has implemented the device series ENC 400 from GÖRLITZ AG, for the automated recording and processing of energy consumption and the related data. The retrieved data are relayed from the higher-level ENZ2000 system. The management resolved in 2006 to purchase two modules of the innovative energy data management system EDW3000 in order to expand the data collection centre. On one side the plausibilty of the load profile and register data is checked and on the other, subsitution values are created for the metered energy data. The specialists at GÖRLITZ developed specific formulas for the WSW which are applied as criteria to check the data. In this way gaps or errors in the data are automatically detected and corrected.

The utility supplier is also eager to pursue new paths for data communication and has implemented several hundred communication platforms of the type Skalar in a LCM operation using GPRS. They retrieve energy data cost-effectively every day from multiple metering points and relay them parallel. "The Skalar operates excellently, and we are extremely interested in innovative technology in order to press ahead with the integration of our business processes", explained Bernd Forner, department head at WSW.

The company will start shortly a test run with the EMETRION IQ from GÖRLITZ. The intelligent, real-time synchronous multi-function meter supports Internet protocol standards for remote reading. It can be adapted to any existing infrastructure because of the open interfaces which are used for the data ouput.

GÖRLITZ Austria: Solutions for Advanced Meter Management (AMM) - [04.04.2007]

Koblenz: A complete system for residential and industrial metering will be presented by GÖRLITZ Austria GmbH at the Smart Metering Conference of the Austrian Association of Electricity Utilites (VEÖ) on April 11th-13th.

The program ranges from subjects on the European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) to the development of metering operations in Germany or Austria and includes a lecture on the observation of standards and economical feasibility of AMM systems. Dipl.-Ing. Helmut Ratzenhofer, CEO of GÖRLITZ Austria GmbH will discuss the integration of AMM solution in the EDW3000 Metering System and the joint usage of metering data at all grid levels and by the consumers. A display of products will also clarify how energy measurement can be integrated in the different network levels.

The Austrian subsidiary of GÖRLITZ has been exclusively engaged for the past 30 years with data collection in the energy segment. The declared goal is to provide energy utilities with a central system for all industrial and residential applications. "However we do not exercise any preference for individual manufacturers, instead we support metering devices which comply with the existing meter park or with the requirements of the user", assured Mr. Ratzenhofer.

Optimised business processes for Swiss energy utility - [29.03.2007]

Koblenz: The GÖRLITZ AG in collaboration with the asem group and GLOBAL + PARTNER has developed an innovative reference model comprising all processes and functions for energy data management. The solution will be presented at the SAP Versorgertag in Baden (CH) on the 4th of April.

Liberalisation is approaching the energy market in the Alpine republic, consequently unbundling is called for to meet the accompanying requirements. This induces a multitude of new procedures and functions particularly in the field of energy data mangement. The jointly developed solution has resulted in a holistic system which fulfills perfectly the demands of the various parties in the process chain, including generation, retail, distribution and metering. Existing systems are upgraded in such a way that the supplier can dispense with the implementation of a separate system to manage the energy data.

"Each data communication requires enormous technical expenditure; interface costs, loss of time and data redundancy, not to mention administrative costs", acknowledges Dr. Michael Krumpholz, COO at GÖRLITZ AG. Absent data transparency and lack of efficient procedures are also factors. On top of this each system added to the metering environment in a utility company incurs maintenance, training and personnel costs.

The reference model and its conversion depends of course on the specifications of the utilities’ customers. The EDW3000 from GÖRLITZ is the variant oriented towards the entire procedure and undertakes the daily time critical metering process. The system collects, verifies and aggregates the energy data and exports them to the SAP system. The components SAP IS-U and SAP EDM process higher-level, time-uncritical operations related to contracts, change, workflow management, billing and payment. "Therefore the installation of a separate EDM system is superfluous and eliminiates the need for a vast number of interfaces", stressed Dr. Krumpholz. "Along with the cost-saving factor the quality of business procedures is greatly increased. Our solution enables the energy sectors gas, water and heat to be also integrated".

Head start in Smart Metering with GÖRLITZ technology - [21.03.2007]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ customers profit from the experience gained in recent projects in Germany and its neighbouring countries in which the metering specialists installed Smart Metering solutions. The result of the 25 projects of varying dimensions was a vast repository of knowledge which has been incorporated in the current products.

The phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" proves the truth of the argument that solutions for Smart Metering differ from country to country. The solutions range from innovative tariff and service products, remote cut-off and power restriction to prevention of theft.

The EMETRION net (Echelon) deploys sophisticated meter technology from GÖRLITZ and is ideally equipped for different requirements. The new function ATM - Automated Topology Management - permits its use in network circuits. Independent to grid-related switchings, the Echelon meter dynamically locates the route to the EDW3000 Metering System. "This is an unparalleled solution in the current market and is an absolute must-have, particularly for western European grids", stated Thorsten Causemann, head of Smart Metering at GÖRLITZ AG.

The latest version of the data concentrator DC-1000/SL is also immediately available for delivery. The new housing layout gives the meter the edge; the data concentrator can now be fitted directly "under" the meter. In this way the meter and concentrator are physically linked and can be installed at any point in the distribution network.

While energy utilities in central and western Europe are arranging pilot projects in readiness for Smart Metering, GÖRLITZ AG is consistently expanding this range and, together with the Metering System EDW3000 and the meter technology EMETRION net, offers functional turnkey products - today.

Smart Metering in Germany - [16.03.2007]

Koblenz: The VWEW Conference "Smart Metering in Germany" took place on 5/6 March in the Hilton Hotel in Düsseldorf. Over 100 participants attended, they included prominent names from the Federal Ministry of Economics and the Federal Network Agency, the various associations and utilities as well as system suppliers were also extremely well represented.

Hosting the conference was Mr. Ralf Hoffmann who is responsible for International Business Development at GÖRLITZ AG, the main sponsor. He compared the situation of the electronic residential meter eHZ - a precursor to Smart Metering - with a well-known comic figure. Smart Metering is spreading rapidly throughout Europe, but a small Germanic tribe are attempting to defend themselves with a weapon called Ferrarix.

The subject was accelerated not only by remote switching and prepayment options but also by the Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive (2006/32/EG), which is to be enacted as national law in May 2008. The goal is to reduce energy consumption annually by 1 percent in the EU through increased awareness of consumption patterns and more efficient use of energy. To enable household customers to rethink old habits, they should be informed regularly about their energy consumption and the related costs.

This can only be achieved with modern meters and integrated cost-efficient communication technology. Smart Metering uses PLC technology for data transmission to central concentrators, consequently a multitude of metering points is accessed over a nodal point. The experience gained from pilot projects in Germany has demonstrated that even in the electricity field this technology is competitive for classic metering. The enormous potential is its economic feasability for use by grid operators, metering point operators and customers.

There is currently great incentive for the application and further development of Smart Metering in the Netherlands. Regulations there stipulate that the sectors electricity, gas and heat should complete installation of this technology between 2008-2013.

EDW3000 effectively implemented in Swiss SIG - [08.03.2007]

Geneva, Switzerland: The energy service provider SIG (Services industriels de Genève) is equipped with the energy data management system EDW3000 from GÖRLITZ AG to cope with the increasing demands of the market.

The liberalisation of the Swiss electricity market prompted those responsible at SIG to reflect on the necessity to adapt metering data management to the new stipulations. The company is a partner of Swisspower, the collective service provider which caters tor 21 Swiss municipal works. SIG supplies the canton of Geneva with water, gas, electricity and heat and places great value on customer proximity, innovative products and service.

In close cooperation with the metering specialists from GÖRLITZ the processes to manage metering data were adapted and optimised with the system EDW3000. The collection, verification and distribution of the energy data is now extensively automated and at the same time, the Metering Code criteria for billing network usage and energy consumption are also fulfilled. By implementing the EDW3000, SIG has the prerequisite for future demands generated by the liberalisation.

Plans are already under way to continue with the successful cooperation; the system is to be extended with the module EDW.message which enables data communication in MSCONS format.

Thüga endorses GÖRLITZ products and extends basic agreement - [01.03.2007]

Koblenz: Thüga AG has extended its basic agreement for AMR systems with the Koblenz based metering specialists. The group is located in Munich and is the largest regional energy group in Germany with 120 companies.

Over the past decade GÖRLITZ and Thüga have enjoyed a successful business relationship; a contract was concluded in 1996, it defines the acquisition of metering systems such as the EDW3000, single software components, modules and tools as well as control station technology and converters. Thüga is a minority shareholder in the associated companies of which around 100 are energy utilities and advises them on all corporate matters. The basic agreement enables the associates to procure advantageous conditions and a cost-beneficial framework for individual purchasing. For instance they receive a rebate when systems are changed from an old to a new GÖRLITZ one, they also profit from the maintenance contracts which exist between the two companies. These guarantee an all-round support which not only includes the maintenance of components and systems, but also an update and hotline service.

GÖRLITZ presents new generation of meters at the E-world 2007 - [13.02.2007]

The leading trade fair for the energy and water sector "E-world energy & water" in Essen was the platform on which GÖRLITZ AG presented the new meter generation EMETRION IQ. The company from Koblenz contributed to the international event with a large exhibition and also delivered a specialised lecture.

The multi-function meter EMETRION IQ is currently undergoing PTB approval tests, as a Class 1, 4-quadrant meter it features an extensive range of functions designed to meet the demands of special contract customers. A unique feature of the meter is the concept for an IP-based data exchange in conjunction with the integrated communication module. A further attraction is the potential cost-saving due to automated processes in the start-up phase enabled by connection to a control station system.

An ideal integration solution for the meter is the metering system EDW3000 from GÖRLITZ AG. Visitors to the exhibition were convinced of the cutting-edge abilities of the products by live demonstrations of the EDW3000 and EMETRION IQ at the company’s stand.

In tandem with the EMETRION IQ presentation, Mr. Ralf Hoffman who heads the Business Development Department at GÖRLITZ, was invited to lecture on the properties of the new metering system. As part of a series of lectures with “Information Technology” as the topic, Mr. Hoffmann depicted the interplay between calibration laws and market data communication. He also described the prominent role which the EMETRION IQ assumes as the solution to existing conflict between recording values on site and the central evaluation.

e.dat GmbH (Vattenfall Group): Cost-effective data retrieval daily with EDW3000 and Skalar - [09.02.2007]

Schwerin: The service provider e.dat GmbH which caters to regional utility companies, is changing over to the energy data management system EDW3000 from GÖRLITZ AG. This move guarantees transparency and plausibility for the entire process chain from measuring to billing.

A subsidiary of WEMAG – regional energy supplier in Mecklenburg and West Prignitz and also an associate of the Vattenfall Group – the company is extremely active in the fields of energy data management, the collection of metering values and billing among other things. Europe’s most widely-used AMR system ENZ2000, also from GÖRLITZ, was in full force handling the increasing data traffic. To comply with new developments in the market and stipulations from the Federal Network Agency, the management has selected the EDW3000 Metering System an enhancement based upon the experiences of the previously used system.

Energy data are collected correctly and reliably, checked, administrated and distributed to the relevant parties. The solution includes modules for the automatic substitution of metering and energy data as well as for automatic plausibility checks of load profile and register data.

In addition the e.dat GmbH is converting around 1,000 Skalar communication platforms from a GSM transparent operation to a LCM operation via GPRS. This insures in the future that energy data will be remotely collected quickly and securely from any number of metering points and simulataneously transmitted – at considerably less cost.

GÖRLITZ AG expands to Denmark - [02.02.2007]

Koblenz(HO) GÖRLITZ AG has extended its operations to Scandinavia. The Koblenz company overtook the Danish metering specialist LUKIA AB and as majority shareholder, will develop it as a sales office for the southern Scandinavian area.

The relevant contracts were signed by both companies at the end of 2006. The general manager of LUKIA AB, Jannik Munk, spoke of "a decisive step for his company" and forsees excellent chances for the joint product in Denmark. LUKIA is already familiar to the majority of Danish utility companies with its AMR software MAC2000.

"Our European operations will be considerably enhanced by our presence in Denmark", prophesised Ralf Hoffmann, VP Business Development, when explaining the reason behind the acquisition. "The range of products from GÖRLITZ and the expertise it has demonstrated for solutions in central and southern European countries are the base for the expansion of the success into the Scandinavian markets. There is currently great activity here in the area of SMART Metering. The new GÖRLITZ products EDW3000, EMETRION IQ und the AMM System EMETRION NET will be the essential milestones in the next few years in the Danish market", stated Mr. Hoffmann.

EuroDCS operate Metering System for E.ON Mitte AG - [31.01.2007]

Koblenz: EuroDCS Energiedaten AG assumed complete responsibility for the operation of the EDW3000 Metering System at E.ON Mitte AG at the start of the new year.

Today’s metering operation requires a constantly available system to meet the demands of the market. It comprises not only of efficient metering software but also of an extensive hardware system. The modern IT environment is earmarked by stringent conditions in regard to security (firewalls). There are scenarios which need sophisticated backup and breakdown solutions; the contemporary IT service provider must guarantee more than 98% availability of the entire system.

The resourceful solution frees E.ON Mitte AG not only from the problems of installation and the necessary system hardware, but also from the organisation of the data backup and server capacity. EuroDCS relieves the user of responsibility and provides a complete fully-operational system. The system is accessed through secure VPN connections.

The EDW3000 system is used by E.ON Mitte AG, the service provider EuroDCS is responsible for the operational security and system availability. A redundant system springs fully-automatically into action in the event of failure of the main system. The IT landscape is installed in two locations and consequently guarantees the highest security and availability

First-class training with excellent prospects - [26.01.2007]

Koblenz: Young people who are vocationally trained at GÖRLITZ AG have a huge advantage in their future career. In a special tribute the Industry and Chamber of Trade (IHK) in Koblenz complimented the company on its high achievement record and in particular for the outstanding success rate of its apprentices.

Engagement for the youth is a long-standing tradition in GÖRLITZ where specialists in metering and communication technology impart their knowledge. In recent years the number of trainees have increased, they are fully integrated in the workforce which currently consists of 150 employees. „We are not only meeting our social responsibilities today but are also contributing to tomorrow’s world”, expressed Dr. Michael Krumpholz, vice chairman of the board.

Those taking the first steps of their career at GÖRLITZ AG can only benefit from the company’s role model as leading provider of metering systems. They are closely supervised by experienced and competent colleagues who are only too willing to provide support and advice. The trainee positions for Electronic technician for devices and systems, IT specialist for application management, Office administration and Industrial management are currently occupied.

Smart Metering in the Czech Republic - [18.01.2007]

Koblenz: The energy supplier E.ON Tschechien has placed a contract for metering technology from GÖRLITZ Austria for its launch in the world of Smart Metering. This thereby eliminates any obstacles to the remote reading of 1,800 residential meters.

The order was the culmination of a successful pilot project. In August 2006, the Czech energy utility company commenced tests jointly with GÖRLITZ Austria for the remote reading of residential meters. The metering technology in an entire village was converted; 65 standard electricity meters were replaced with Smart Meters and the substation which supplied the locality was adapted accordingly. A meter was installed to record the power output, a GPRS wireless communication enabled the values to be read in a control station which was provided by GÖRLITZ Austria as a service.

E.ON personnel can view the meter data anytime with a server accessible via Internet. A VPN connection between the utility company and GÖRLITZ Austria safeguards access for authorised personnel to the complete system. “The success of the project is a prime example of its intended purpose, namely that our metering systems are fully equal to the task of automatic meter data logging in the domestic sector”, commented the vice executive officer Dr. Michael Krumpholz.

Solutions for Unbundling and Business Processes - [16.01.2007]

Frankfurt: GÖRLITZ AG demonstrated its newest solutions for metering in the liberalised energy market during a two-day symposium on the topic of unbundling and process efficiency which was held by the Everest Conference GmbH in the Steigenberger Hotel in Frankfurt. Prominent in the foreground with its range of services was EuroDCS AG, a subsidiary of GÖRLITZ AG.

Representatives from municipal utility companies throughout the country and other service providers listened attentively as Ralf Hoffmann, CEO of EuroDCS, delivered the solution for the metering system operation currently implemented by E.ON Mitte AG.

Around 80 visitors attended the event and in addition to the lecture, were able to view the cutting-edge developments in the field of Smart Metering for residential customers at the GÖRLITZ stand.

Optimisation in project management - [11.01.2007]

Koblenz: GÖRLITZ AG has skilfully prepared for the challenges of the liberalised energy market. The extended project management team and administrative changes guarantee superior service quality and conscientious project planning in 2007.

Today over 800 satisfied customers throughout the European industrial and energy economy use the metering systems from Koblenz and their number is steadily increasing. „The demands calling for solutions are becoming more and more complex each day”, declared the vice executive officer Dr. Michael Krumpholz. To stay abreast of these changes GÖRLITZ has not only introduced new products but has also increased its manpower. Four new employees commenced in 2006 to support the project management team and further positions will be filled in the coming year.

The organisational structure has also been altered to optimise the project management. Andreas Pfüller, Dipl.-Ing. was appointed to head the department Product and Project Management (PPM) from which all projects will be supervised. This enables interfaces to the R&D Department and Project Management to be so proficient that update requirements will be executed quickly and efficiently. A work group solution with online/offline functions has also been created to assist the project management.

EDW.collector ready for production; transparent process for the energy economy - [03.01.2007]

Koblenz: The ENZ2000, the proven control station system for energy data has a worthy successor, namely the EDW.collector. GÖRLITZ AG will now commence series production of the online meter reading component for the modular metering system EDW3000.

The vast experience acquired over the years with the ENZ2000 has been the inspiration for the module which was developed for the heterogeneous European energy market. The EDW.collector features an OME driver concept which includes all device-specific properties and information for the respective end device thereby qualifying it for future tasks. Moreover components can be implemented such as an ISDN router from Cisco or online readings can be directly integrated using the uniform IPT standard.

Pilot installations which ran parallel to ENZ2000 operations in 2005 were extremely successful and plans have been made to replace ENZ systems in 30 projects by the end of the first quarter of 2007. These pioneer users now reap the rewards as the first GÖRLITZ customers from the direct integration of the EDW.collector in the EDW3000 system; standardised data collection and processing, no redundant data management, minimised administration and automated subsequent reading for incomplete or implausible data. Above all transparency is won for the entire process, from retrieval of the data to distribution to the respective market parties.

Dr. Michael Krumpholz, vice-chairman of GÖRLITZ AG summed up the advantages succinctly: ”The EDW.collector enables our Metering System to combine device management, workforce management and automatic meter reading, this results in optimised processes and lower costs in metering and grid operations”.