ATC 13 in charge of producing a guide for the use of communications technologies for smart metering devices for use by utilities in African countries met recently through online platform.The title: Guide for Application of Standards for Communications Protocols for Smart Metering Devices In Africa was adopted.
Sharing his thoughts before the meeting, the Group Head, Electrical, Engr Achema Cherry informed the National TC members that a support program for reviewing and ensuring that standards in the all important sector are up to date to meet the challenges of electricity metering was in progress. He mentioned that the meter testing station of Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON is installed and ready for conformity assessment to be supported by these standards.
The ATC 13 chair, Don Taylor (South Africa) made it known that the TC tried to add value to existing guide and also determine the target audience. The scope of the guide covers lower layer protocols in metering devices communication networks in compliance with IEC 62056-1-0 smart metering standardisation framework with particular considerations to BPL, RF, PLC technologies (and GSM technology which is commonly deployed in Nigeria was mentioned).
Documentation outline was drawn to cover Network Architecture and type, Interface profiles and companion specifications, Interoperability and interchangeability, Environmental influence on physical layer (EMC), Spectrum allocation, and Extended national requirements.
John Bature of Nigeria is to serve as Secretary and Jona Hambata replaced Shawn Papi as Project Leader. Engr Tasiu Wudil chair the National TC 13
A project plan was drawn to close out in February 2021.Engineers’ Forum was informed that the ATC 13 members met last year but only kickstarted it activities year.
