Trilliant Will Provide Smart Communications for British Gas Metering Project

Trilliant Inc. will supply its enterprise communications management software to British Gas for the first phase of the utility's smart metering project. The project is part of the British government's plans to upgrade its energy infrastructure with Smart Grid technologies.

British Gas, as part of Centrica plc, is the largest domestic gas supplier in the United Kingdom.

"We are proud to be selected by one of the largest utilities in the world, said Andy White, Trilliant president and CEO."This continues our market expansion in Europe and we look forward to expanding our role in the United Kingdom where the government plans to replace 47 million existing domestic gas and electric meters with smart meters by 2020.

British Gas will incorporate UnitySuiteâ„¢, Trilliant's enterprise communications management software, for smart electricity and gas meters, home energy displays, thermostats, and other energy management equipment. The deployment for the utility is expected to start in December 2009.

The UK electric grid is antiquated and plagued with problems, including reliability issues. Also, the British government has ambitious plans for an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050—so Trilliant couldn't be in a more advantageous position to be a major player in what is sure to be a rapidly expanding market.

"Europe will be one of the fastest-growing Smart Grid markets over the next several years," according to Clint Wheelock, managing director at Pike Research. "The competitive landscape for Smart Grid technology providers in Europe is still very fluid, so this win represents an important early foothold in the region for Trilliant."

UnitySuiteâ„¢ is capable of providing a flexible and scalable platform that can support a variety of devices and networks simultaneously.

Trilliant, based in Redwood City, California, recently announced the deployment of Smart Grid technology jointly developed with Cooper Power Systems for Hydro One, Canada's largest transmission and distribution company.

   Quick Take: Quite a score for Trilliant. Europe is a growing market for Smart Grid technologies and all indications are that its growth will only accelerate. Once considered a dark horse, Trilliant really couldn't be in a better position at this early stage in the UK's Smart Grid development.

   Trilliant news release

   Trilliant commentary on SGN