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- Uniting global standards to power the future of smart prepayment.
STS and DLMS UA Unite Global Standards for Smart Metering
The STS Association has signed a Liaison Agreement with the DLMS User Association (DLMS UA), marking a major milestone in the evolution of secure, interoperable, and future-ready smart prepayment metering systems.
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The collaboration brings together two of the most widely adopted global standards in utility metering—STS token technology and the DLMS/COSEM data model—with a shared goal of strengthening interoperability and unlocking new value across the global metering ecosystem.
Strengthening Interoperability and Secure Data Exchange
DLMS UA is globally recognised for enabling interoperable and secure data exchange in energy and water management through its DLMS/COSEM protocol and data model, which are widely supported by international standardisation bodies.
Through the new liaison, both organisations will work to ensure that STS tokens can be seamlessly transported using the DLMS/COSEM protocol. This includes developing supporting specifications, mappings, and technical enhancements required to integrate STS token functionality within DLMS Generic Companion Profiles.
Coordinated Roadmaps and Market Education
As part of the agreement, the STS Association and DLMS UA will align their technology roadmaps to ensure that advancements in token technology and data exchange evolve in a coordinated and complementary way.
Joint initiatives will also focus on market education, technical documentation, and awareness campaigns to clearly communicate the benefits of integrating STS prepayment systems with DLMS-based communication frameworks.
Beyond Electricity: Expanding Multi-Utility Applications
While electricity metering remains a primary focus, the collaboration also supports expansion into broader multi-utility use cases, including water, gas, and time metering. This positions both standards as critical enablers of flexible, scalable, and future-ready utility infrastructure in an increasingly digital environment.
Africa Focus: Showcasing at Power & Water Nigeria 2026
The STS Association will showcase this strategic collaboration at Power & Water Nigeria 2026, scheduled to hold from April 28–30 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos.
The event will serve as a platform to engage utilities and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, demonstrating how the integration of STS and DLMS/COSEM standards is shaping the future of smart metering and offering practical insights into implementation and deployment.
Advancing Open Standards and Digital Utilities
The liaison agreement reinforces a shared commitment to open standards, long-term sustainability, and the delivery of secure, interoperable solutions that support utilities and consumers worldwide.
As digital transformation accelerates across the utilities sector, the STS–DLMS partnership positions both organisations at the forefront of next-generation smart prepayment and connected infrastructure.
