To help European distribution system operators (DSOs) unlock low-voltage network capacity and meet stringent digital grid regulations, international non-profit association Meters and More AISBL has expanded its technology scope beyond smart metering to include broadband over power lines (BPL) and edge intelligence.
In the interview it’s outlined how the integration of Corinex’s BPL communications, Grid Intelligence Node (GIN), and GridValue™ software transforms legacy power lines into real-time digital communication channels. Backed by deployments with major utilities like E.ON and Iberdrola, the partnership addresses regulatory mandates such as Germany’s §14a and §14d EnWG and Spain’s TIEPI service continuity indicators. By validating BPL interoperability with smart meter gateway providers like EMH metering, Meters and More and Corinex enable utilities to measure 17 real-time grid parameters and optimize capacity before committing to expensive physical infrastructure.
Interview with Carlo Maria Drago, General Manager, Meters and More AISBL & Leana Yang, Senior Director of Marketing, Corinex.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Carlo Maria Drago & Leana Yang: Meters and More AISBL is an international non-profit association that promotes the standardization of energy data communication as a pillar of new energy systems based on distributed generation. The association’s first achievement was a European standard for smart metering (based on PLC – Power Line Communication) that benefits distribution companies. In 2016, a second wave of metering technology introduced a new PLC communication channel that provides end customers with real-time digital information on energy parameters recorded by their meters. Today, this is an Italian standard available on 30 million meters deployed in the country.
Meters and More is now focusing on the broader integration of key components driving the energy transition: LV network management, smart metering, and customers’ physical and virtual electricity networks. The association therefore welcomes contributions from new stakeholders able to support an expanded technology landscape. Corinex is one of our new members that best represents our willingness to move in this direction.
Corinex advances real-time grid visibility, distributed intelligence and network management. Its BPL communications, grid-edge sensing and software enable connectivity, monitoring and control across low- and medium-voltage networks.
E.ON and Iberdrola deployments show how Corinex helps DSOs identify constraints, uncover capacity and support digital twins and flexibility.
Corinex advances standards and interoperability. CEO Peter Sobotka serves on the Meters and More Board, chairs its BPL Working Group, and is Secretary of its Strategic Committee for Requirements (SCR), supporting the association’s evolution beyond smart metering toward grid visibility and intelligence.
“The future of smart metering lies in extending its value beyond data collection to support more intelligent electricity networks and the orchestration of customer distributed energy resources. Corinex brings valuable industry experience and technical expertise to this evolution, and Peter Sobotka’s appointment strengthens our ability to advance technologies that will shape the next generation of grid infrastructure.” – Carlo Maria Drago, General Manager, Meters and More AISBL
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
C.M.D & L.Y: Corinex supports Meters and More’s expanding mission through BPL connectivity and grid intelligence. Its BPL technology connects smart meters, gateways and grid devices over power lines, while GIN monitors voltage, current, power flows and network conditions. Its software supports capacity optimization, local control and flexibility. Collaboration with utilities, Meters and More and PRIME Alliance advances interoperability and open standards.
What’s the news about new products/services?
C.M.D & L.Y: Corinex Grid Intelligence Node (GIN): Measures 17 grid parameters at one-minute intervals, including voltage, current, power flows and power quality. This gives utilities detailed, near-real-time visibility into low-voltage network conditions.
Corinex Headend + LTE Router: Combines BPL network management with LTE backhaul at secondary substations. Its IP67-rated design supports reliable connectivity while reducing separate communications equipment. ENGINEERING THE FUTURE
Smart Meter Gateway Interoperability: Corinex and EMH metering validated interoperability between the Corinex 1T BPL modem and EMH’s CASA Smart Meter Gateway. Work with EFR and Theben supports integration with Germany’s smart metering infrastructure.
What are the ranges of products/services?
C.M.D & L.Y: Corinex offers five key areas of products and services:
- BPL Communications: Headends, repeaters, and modems connect devices over power lines.
- Grid Sensing and Monitoring: The Grid Intelligence Node measures real-time network conditions.
- Network Management Software: GridValue™ manages BPL networks, connected devices and performance at scale.
- Grid Control and Flexibility: GridFlex™ supports local control, demand management and distributed energy resources.
- Engineering and Integration Services: System design, deployment, interoperability testing and integration with existing systems.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
C.M.D & L.Y: European DSOs face increasing pressure to accommodate electrification, renewable generation and distributed resources while improving reliability, expanding network capacity and controlling infrastructure costs.
Germany illustrates how regulation is driving grid visibility, operational intelligence and transparency:
- §14a EnWG: Establishes the legal framework for grid-oriented control and more precise network monitoring and digitalization.
- BNetzA BK6-22-300: Defines the operational requirements under §14a, including real-time grid-state determination, justified control measures and transparency through VNBdigital.
- §14d EnWG: Requires applicable DSOs to identify bottlenecks, plan network development through 2045 and assess the capacity impact of proposed measures.
Spain highlights network reliability and modernization. TIEPI indicators emphasize service continuity, fault detection and restoration, while renewables and bidirectional power flows increase the need for grid visibility and capacity management.
What can you tell us about market trends?
C.M.D & L.Y: Grid modernization serves energy security, industrial competitiveness and affordability alongside decarbonization.
The 2026 ETIP SNET agenda notes that grid infrastructure can take 5–15 years to plan, permit and complete, while demand and renewables grow faster.
Four trends are shaping the market:
- Maximizing Existing Grid Capacity: Measurement-based assessments and targeted reinforcement.
- Real-Time Grid Intelligence: Sensing, distributed processing and analytics for operational decisions.
- Digital Twins and Predictive Operations: Data-driven models for forecasting, constraints and investment planning.
- Flexibility and Decentralized Control: Demand management and distributed resources complement reinforcement.
Networks must be managed intelligently, not only expanded.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
C.M.D & L.Y: The Grid Intelligence Node (GIN) extends detailed measurements beyond substations and smart meters to feeder and lateral levels, revealing network conditions that traditional monitoring may miss. This helps utilities identify potential overloads, assess constraints and make informed decisions about available capacity.
Combined with Corinex’s utility-controlled BPL communications and GridValue™ network management software, these measurements travel over existing power lines without requiring a separate communications network at each location.
Together, these capabilities support evidence-based grid control, regulatory transparency and targeted infrastructure investment, helping DSOs use existing capacity before costly reinforcement.
What estimations do you have for the second half of 2026?
C.M.D & L.Y: Energy security and rising demand drive investment in European digital grids.
The European Commission estimates that electricity grids will require €1.2 trillion by 2040, including €730 billion for distribution. Investment must expand infrastructure while making better use of existing capacity.
Key developments include:
- Germany: Under §14d EnWG, applicable DSOs face a 31 October 2026 deadline for network development plans, emphasizing evidence-based planning.
- Spain: CNMC’s distribution remuneration framework for 2026–2031 emphasizes investment efficiency, reliability and service quality.
- United Kingdom: Clean Power 2030 and grid connection reforms focus on capacity, flexibility and low-carbon integration.
