KEMA looks to expand energy meter calibration and testing activities

DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability - 12.23.2009

On November 1, KEMA completed the sale of one of its businesses – KEMA Quality B.V. – to the German safety expertise concern DEKRA. The sale, which is entirely in line with the redefined strategy adopted in 2007, will allow KEMA to concentrate firmly on continuing to grow its energy-related core activities.

Test and Calibration Lab remains an integral part of KEMA

KEMA wishes to emphasize that the Meter Test and Calibration Laboratory (known as the ‘C&M Lab’), which used to belong to KEMA Quality BV, was not included in the sale; the C&M Lab remains part of KEMA N.V. The lab was retained because its calibration and testing activities perfectly complement KEMA’s strategy for growth in the energy supply sector.

The lab will continue to focus on the testing of conventional and smart electricity meters, in accordance with the European MID Directive and the IEC standards. Where possible, other test activities will be undertaken, such as the development of tests to determine the life expectancy of relevant equipment. In addition, the lab will remain involved in the calibration of metering equipment – in particular electricity, pressure and temperature meters – both for KEMA and for external clients.

Additional services for smart meters

KEMA aims to take the testing and certification of components of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to a new level, beyond conventional MID testing. In line with this aim, additional services will be offered in the field of smart meters. The plans will be realized by the cooperation of various KEMA units. At our Arnhem site, for example, the Dutch branche organization for network operators Netbeheer Nederland has recently set up a laboratory to test the IT and communication (ICT) components of smart meters. With support from KEMA, the new lab will perform tests that go beyond the standard MID tests. Besides electricity meters, the lab will test ICT components of gas, water and other meters, plus equipment used in the metering infrastructure, such as Data Concentrators and central Data Collection Systems.

The combination of the activities and expertises within KEMA in the field of energy meter calibration and testing will raise the quality of the services. KEMA’s ambition is clearly to continue developing and expanding these activities in the years ahead.

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