Alliander Launches 1.5 Million Smart Meter Upgrade Initiative

Alliander, a Netherlands energy utility, has awarded contracts for replacing 1.5 million smart meters in the Liander service area, excluding the Wadden Islands. The replacements are necessary as GPRS technology, currently used for meter data transmission, is being phased out. The project, valued at €275 million over eight years, will involve local companies BAM Energie & Water and Heijmans Infra, responsible for North Holland and South Holland, while Heijmans and Energiewacht will manage the replacements in Gelderland, Flevoland, and Friesland.

The new smart meters will use a future-proof network, allowing automatic meter readings and supporting modern energy contracts. The work will include the replacement of old analogue meters and meters that malfunction or are requested to be changed by customers. Contracts with the current contractors are ending, and the new contractors will start work in July 2025.

The Netherlands is nearing 90% smart meter penetration, and with the upcoming phase out of 2G and 3G networks by telecom operators, other regions using cellular-based meters will also need to replace them. There are already more than 5 million smart meters in Liander’s working area.