Landis+Gyr has signed a 13-year contract with utility Evergy for smart grid services in Kansas including advanced meters to update and expand grid management capabilities.

The agreement aligns existing contracts for Evergy utility operating entities until 2034. Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will continue to provide hosting of AMI operating software, field maintenance and monitoring of network equipment. Additionally, Evergy will be installing meters throughout the term of the agreement to update residential and commercial services in areas of its service territory.

“Smart grid technologies have a growing importance for our grid modernisation efforts as we seek to transform our operations to a focus on clean energy,” said Jeff Beasley, vice president at Evergy. “Not only are these initiatives important for increased efficiency, but they are also crucial to maintain a reliable and resilient grid in the future.”

Evergy utilities began deploying Landis+Gyr’s Gridstream AMI network in 2010 and have since begun a process for updating older meters to meet new data and operational requirements.

“Our long-term relationship with Evergy has always been focused on solving operational challenges with technology and teamwork,” said Prasanna Venkatesan, Landis+Gyr’s executive vice president. “We’re excited about the opportunity to work with Evergy on new ways to leverage their AMI technology to improve the customer experience and grid management for the next decade.”

Evergy has deployed Gridstream Connect, an IoT device platform built on a smart grid network that connects intelligent devices, such as meters and sensors, across the utility distribution system. By leveraging hardware, software and application development, Gridstream Connect is flexible for smart grid and utility IoT applications that support clean, reliable and affordable energy delivery, while helping manage a future-ready grid.

Evergy serves around 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. It was formed in 2018 when long-term local energy providers KCP&L and Westar Energy merged. The utility generates nearly half the power it provides to homes and businesses with emission-free sources.

Swiss firm Landis+Gyr provides integrated energy management for the utility sector. With sales of $1.7bn in 2019, it employs 5500 people in more than 30 countries across five continents.