ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwire) -- 02/11/10 -- Landis+Gyr announced the release of the Gridstream™ PLC (TS2) module for the FOCUS® AX advanced meter. This new module for PLC networks allows utilities to select optional features such as ZigBee® RF to communicate with home area network devices.

The Gridstream PLC module for the single-phase AX also allows utilities to take advantage of the FOCUS AX-SD with integrated service disconnect. This combination provides a cost-effective option for remote service disconnects. The Gridstream PLC module enables remote scheduling of time-of-use rates and demand resets, voltage reporting of minimum, maximum and average values, and user-defined sustained outage count.

"The addition of the Gridstream PLC module for the FOCUS AX provides customers with the option to choose the most advanced residential meter with features to support home area networking, prepay programs, peak pricing programs, and other means of promoting efficiency and service," said Jeff Carkhuff, General Manager of Middle Market Systems at Landis+Gyr.

With the optional ZigBee communications module, utilities can communicate with certified devices inside the home, such as in-home energy monitors like the Landis+Gyr ecoMeter, to display consumption and pricing information for consumers.

Woodruff Electric Cooperative, an Arkansas utility which recently received a $2.3 million grant to deploy smart grid technology, will be the first Landis+Gyr customer to deploy the new endpoints. According to Billy C. Martin III, president and chief executive officer of Woodruff Electric, the utility plans to install the Gridstream PLC FOCUS AX-SD at all of its single phase accounts.

"We chose the Gridstream PLC network because of options the system provided for managing smart grid communications now and in the future. As a result, it puts us in a position to offer more choices to our customers and reward energy efficiency," Martin said. "Our members will experience enhanced power quality and more efficient outage restoration, while the savings of man-hours will help control costs."

Orders for Gridstream PLC FOCUS AX/AX-SD modules are now being accepted. For more information, contact your Landis+Gyr sales representative.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is the leading provider of integrated energy management solutions tailored to energy company needs. With a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation, Landis+Gyr is unique in its ability to deliver true end-to-end advanced metering solutions. Today, the Company offers the broadest portfolio of products and services in the electricity metering industry, and is paving the way for the next generation of smart grid. With annualized sales of more than US$1.25 billion, Landis+Gyr operates in over 30 countries across five continents, and employs over 5,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better. More information is available at landisgyr.com.