STS Association, DLMS UA Sign Pact to Advance Smart Prepayment Metering

The STS Association has signed a liaison agreement with the DLMS User Association to strengthen interoperability and accelerate the development of secure, future-ready smart prepayment metering systems worldwide.

The agreement brings together two widely adopted global standards — STS token technology and the DLMS/COSEM data model — in a move aimed at enhancing smart prepayment capabilities and delivering improved value across the global metering ecosystem.

The DLMS User Association, known for its work in interoperable and secure data exchange, provides a foundation for innovation in energy and water management. Its DLMS/COSEM protocol is widely supported by international standardisation bodies and is a key component of modern smart metering infrastructure.

Under the partnership, both organisations will collaborate to ensure that STS tokens can be seamlessly transported using the DLMS/COSEM protocol and data model. This will involve developing supporting specifications, mappings and technical enhancements to integrate STS token functionality within DLMS Generic Companion Profiles.

The two bodies will also align their development roadmaps to ensure coordinated progress in token technology and data exchange systems. In addition, they plan joint initiatives focused on market education, technical documentation and awareness to promote the benefits of integrating STS prepayment with DLMS-based communication frameworks.

While electricity metering remains the primary focus, the collaboration is expected to extend into broader multi-utility applications, including water, gas and time metering, reflecting growing demand for flexible and scalable utility infrastructure.

The STS Association is expected to showcase the collaboration at the Power & Water Nigeria 2026, scheduled to hold from April 28 to 30 at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.

The event will provide an opportunity to engage utilities and stakeholders across Africa and beyond, demonstrating how the integration of STS and DLMS/COSEM technologies is shaping the future of smart metering and offering practical insights into implementation.

Both organisations said the agreement underscores a shared commitment to open standards, long-term sustainability and the delivery of secure, interoperable solutions for utilities and consumers in an increasingly digital environment.