Smart Metering Implementation for Gas Utilities

This case study outlines the implementation of smart metering technology by Vestitel, a subsidiary of Overgas, Bulgaria's largest private natural gas company. The objective is to replace over 100,000 analog gas meters with smart meters powered by Semtech’s LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN standard. The project aims to enhance the reliability of natural gas supply, improve safety, and optimize billing accuracy through a nationwide low-power IoT network. The deployment includes a comprehensive upgrade of gas delivery and billing systems, allowing for remote monitoring of gas meters across 40 cities. The integration of smart metering technology is expected to increase visibility of energy systems, reduce household energy consumption, and ensure better management of gas infrastructure. The case study details the challenges faced, the selected solutions, and the anticipated benefits of this digital transformation in the gas utility sector, emphasizing the role of IoT in modernizing utility operations.