‘Local Content’ in practice: Enea Operator and Apator are jointly developing Polish technology for the energy sector

The innovation partnership between Enea Operator and Apator SA has become a successful example of the implementation of the ‘local content’ concept. The Polish distribution system operator has worked with the Polish technology company to develop a concept for a new, innovative remotely read meter, which is manufactured at Apator’s plant.

Enea Operator and Apator SA are jointly implementing a comprehensive project covering the development, production and supply of a new generation of remote-reading meters equipped with advanced features and modern communication technologies. The value of the contract, concluded as part of an innovation partnership, amounts to approximately PLN 160 million, including the addendum. The innovative devices, which are manufactured in Poland and will be delivered from January 2026, are already being gradually introduced into Enea Operator’s network.

Enea Operator utilises a cooperation model based on an innovation partnership. This is a public procurement procedure designed to facilitate the development of new products not previously available on the market. The innovation partnership model has made it possible to adapt the design and functions of the meter to the specific needs of the operator and the national distribution network. Enea Operator has not merely contented itself with meeting the legal requirements for so-called ‘smart meters’, but has gone one step further. The contract with Apator and the other project partners represents an important step towards building a smart energy infrastructure. By 2030, Enea Operator plans to install around 3 million remotely readable meters.

During a study visit to the headquarters of Apator SA, the management of Enea Operator had the opportunity to tour the production hall where the remotely readable meters are manufactured. The meeting provided an opportunity to highlight an important milestone – the delivery of almost a quarter of a million state-of-the-art metering devices – as well as to familiarise themselves with the technology used in their manufacture.

– “The project, carried out in collaboration with Enea Operator, supports the digitalisation of the energy network whilst strengthening national expertise and production capacities, which form the basis for Poland’s technological independence,” emphasises Maciej Wyczesany, CEO of Apator SA. – “It is extremely important that the technologies used in critical infrastructure come from verified suppliers and that the crucial know-how remains within the country. Reducing dependence on third countries is not a matter of preference, but of responsibility and due diligence. The innovation partnership with Enea Operator is a good example of this,” adds the Chairman of the Management Board of Apator SA.

The new-generation meters are a future-proof solution that is well ahead of users’ needs. The devices are characterised by the use of innovative communication technologies, including integration into the metering system via an eSIM module, which ensures greater reliability, flexibility and security in data transmission. This combination of metering, analysis and communication functions – unique on the market – redefines the role of the meter, transforming it from a mere measuring device into an intelligent component of the energy infrastructure.

The new meters offer energy consumers tangible benefits: real-time billing without estimates or meter reader visits, the option to change tariffs remotely, and faster restoration of the energy supply. Users have constant access to information on energy consumption, enabling more efficient energy management and cost savings. Thanks to the unique PUSH function, the meters automatically send notifications about power cuts, thereby enabling faster detection and resolution of power outages in the relevant region.

– Personalised meters give our customers greater control over their energy consumption and provide real support in managing their household budgets. For us, this innovative partnership with Apator is not only an investment in modern infrastructure, but above all in the future of the Polish energy sector. “We are consistently utilising this cooperation model and developing technologies tailored to the actual needs of our network and our customers,” emphasised Marek Szymankiewicz, CEO of Enea Operator, during the meeting .

The devices function as advanced minicomputers that analyse energy and grid operating parameters. This enables efficient management of energy flows, which is of crucial importance in an era of dynamic development in decentralised energy supply and the growing share of renewable energy sources. As a result, the grid operator can ensure better grid quality parameters and greater security of supply. The system ensures a high level of security for users and infrastructure through encryption and multi-level data protection.