HPL Expands Smart Meter Business, Partners with Wirepas for Advanced Electric Solutions

HPL Electric
Image Courtesy: HPL Electric

HPL Electric & Power Ltd (HPL), a prominent name in the electric equipment and smart meter sector, has introduced India’s first “Wirepas Certified In-meter Gateway” in collaboration with global IoT connectivity provider, Wirepas. This cutting-edge product incorporates RF mesh technology for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and aims to resolve the limitations of traditional gateways while providing users with uninterrupted access to electricity.

The compact, affordable, and easy-to-install gateway eliminates the need for special installation permits. HPL, which has a manufacturing capacity of 10 million smart meters annually, plans to expand this offering across India before venturing into international markets.

Rishi Seth, Managing Director of HPL, commented, “Integrating a fully certified gateway directly into the smart meter streamlines deployment for utilities facing unreliable cellular coverage. This innovation ensures consistent data collection and reduces overall ownership costs, simplifying rollout and potentially transforming the AMI landscape in India.”

Teppo Hemiä, CEO of Wirepas, added, “Our proven mesh technology combined with HPL’s high-quality meters offers a future-ready, scalable AMI solution that adapts to evolving network demands without the need for expensive, additional hardware.”

With millions of devices already supported globally, including highly reliable smart metering networks, Wirepas’ solution ensures operational excellence. This new offering features dual-radio functionality built into select HPL smart meters. It integrates both 865–868 MHz RF mesh and an LTE modem, enabling the collection of data from up to 300 meters through a multi-hop mesh. The LTE modem transmits the data seamlessly to HPL’s central system, eliminating the need for standalone gateway devices. This not only reduces the need for expensive and complex installations but also cuts maintenance costs for utilities.

HPL, an established player in India’s electric equipment manufacturing industry, offers a diverse portfolio, including advanced metering solutions, switchgear, lighting equipment, wires, and cables. The company holds the largest market share in India’s energy meters market and ranks as the fifth-largest provider of LED lamps, as per a 2016 Frost & Sullivan report. HPL’s strong manufacturing capabilities are complemented by a nationwide sales and distribution network, making it a trusted brand in the electrical equipment sector.