Vorarlberger Energienetze GmbH
Vorarlberger Energienetze GmbH?
Vorarlberg's electricity grid is one of the most reliable in Europe. Vorarlberger Energienetze GmbH (vorarlberg netz for short) is a subsidiary of illwerke vkw AG and is responsible for operating the electricity and natural gas grids. Vorarlberg netz is an efficient distribution system operator and offers its customers a high level of supply reliability and excellent service quality.
CANCOM Austria emerged from K-Businesscom (formerly Kapsch BusinessCom) at the beginning of 2024. The following case study was written before that and therefore the text was left in the original version.
Business Challenge
Vorarlberger Energienetze GmbH is the central electricity grid operator in Vorarlberg and is one of the most reliable energy suppliers in Europe. With the increasing demand for energy, the requirements of e-mobility and the growing number of decentralized energy producers, especially photovoltaic systems, the company is facing major challenges. To meet these challenges, Vorarlberg Netze is relying on innovative digital solutions in collaboration with K-Businesscom (KBC).
Solution
A key digitalization project is the nationwide introduction of smart meters to replace conventional electricity meters. By 2025, 190,000 smart meters will be installed throughout Vorarlberg. This large-scale project was put out to public tender and KBC was awarded the contract due to its extensive experience and technological expertise.
K-Businesscom is providing the complete infrastructure for the smart meter system and is responsible for delivery, implementation and maintenance. The solution includes:
- Smart Energy Management (SEM) solution:
- Meter Data Management System (SEM.MDM) for the efficient processing of metering data
- Head-end system (SEM.HES) for DLMS meters
- Key Management System (SEM.KMS) with end-to-end encryption via Hardware Security Module (HSM) and PKI-based authentication
Value
- Increased security of supply through intelligent grid control
- Increased efficiency in grid operation, especially in meter reading and billing
- Optimized grid monitoring and control
- Support for the integration of decentralized generation systems
- Reliability and reliability, including effective outage management
- Investment security thanks to future-proof technology
Conclusion
The digitalization of the energy sector is a decisive step towards ensuring a sustainable and efficient electricity supply. By implementing modern smart meter technology, Vorarlberg Netze is setting the course for a future-proof energy infrastructure and improving the quality of service for consumers at the same time. The partnership with K-Businesscom enables a holistic, secure and sustainable implementation of this innovative project.