Mannheim / Nuremberg, March 31, 2025: After months of their first joint pilot project, N-ERGIE and Coms4Grid report positive results: Thanks to broadband powerline (BPL) modems, the rollout of smart metering systems is making its way to Nuremberg and Hüttenheim, in both urban and rural areas.
The main goal was—and remains—to achieve a high adoption rate, even in challenging environments with limited wireless coverage. With this step, N-ERGIE demonstrates its consistent commitment to digitizing its grid and preparing its power grid for the smart grid future. As part of the project, 300 PPC smart meter gateways (SMGWs), including the necessary BPL modems, are being installed in a wide variety of locations, ranging from street distribution boxes to transformer stations. The project was divided into two pilot projects, each addressing the specific requirements of urban and rural environments, respectively. This not only enabled the collection of important grid data from the low-voltage grid but also improved rollout planning for future expansion goals.
Coms4Grid, a wholly owned subsidiary of PPC, is supporting the project with its extensive expertise in BPL technology. During an on-site workshop, N-ERGIE’s installers were trained on installation processes and how to overcome technical challenges. In addition to providing BPL technology and connection materials, PPC ensured the data connection to the gateway administrator (GWA) as part of the collaboration, thereby significantly reducing installation efforts. Coms4Grid’s services ensure proper powerline installation to guarantee maximum efficiency and reliability.
“The advantage of WAN-as-a-Service is obvious,” says Roland Klaiber, CEO of Coms4Grid, “Everything comes from a single source here: proven BPL technology, years of experience in rollout implementation, technician training, and the entire IP chain from the smart meter gateway to the GWA, ensuring rapid troubleshooting. This way, everyone involved in the collaboration can focus on their strengths. We at Coms4Grid provide everything needed for a scalable rollout, and N-ERGIE excels as a local network operator with its own network of technicians and resources.”
With this project, N-ERGIE is demonstrating its determination to overcome the challenges posed by both urban and rural installation environments. The findings from the pilot project—such as those regarding modem accessibility in basements—are being used to efficiently continue the rollout and drive the digital transformation of the power grid in a sustainable manner. Three hundred smart meter gateways are just the beginning. Following the successful pilot, Coms4Grid and N-ERGIE are now working to implement the project on an even larger scale for 2025 and 2026.
