STS EDITION 2 — The Evolution of STS Into Smart Metering

STSA introduced important updates to the Standard Transfer Specification, enabling smart metering and two-way communication for users.

As the only globally accepted open standard for prepayment systems for over 20 years, STS, or the Standard Transfer Specification, ensures interoperability between system components from different manufacturers of prepayment systems.

The STS Association licenses the application of the technology, allowing the appropriate encryption key management practices to be applied to protect the security of the prepayment transactions of utilities operating STS systems.

In the latest suite of these specifications, the STS EDITION 2 has been updated with state-of-the-art cryptographic algorithms. STS EDITION 2 also introduces brand new features compatible with modern metering technologies, whilst still maintaining backward-looking compatibility with current systems in use, such as:

• Misty 1 Algorithm (128 BIT)
• High Security Key Encryption (192 BIT)
• New Decoder Key Generation Algorithm (DKGA04)
• State of the art Key Management System
• Key Revocation and Key Expiry
• Transfer of SGC via Key change Tokens

Provision for DLMS/ COSEM as a virtual token Carrier type, which allows for two-way communication offering powerful smart meter functionality with an extensive range of valuable benefits for utilities and electricity service providers worldwide.

Currency Transfer Tokens for all utility types

Withdrawal of older Algorithms

The specification suite allows STS-compliant equipment from any number of suppliers to be integrated into an electricity, water or gas sales system. Benefits of this include:

• Security, as the encryption technology used has been proven to be extremely robust
• Extensive support for complementary specifications and standards, for prepayment meters and vending systems
• Compliance, given that it offers a certification scheme to test for IEC 62055–41

STS Edition 2’s upgrades fall in line with the STS Association’s major focus on innovation and its efforts to continuously meet emerging international demands for additional functionality of prepayment systems.

By ensuring that all STS compliant meters are upgraded to STS Edition 2 means that utilities, vendors and all stakeholders can rely on a simple, trusted and secure solution for end-users.

Rest assured, our team at Arctic is dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible for you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this migration, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sts-edition-2-evolution-smart-metering-sts-association/

Credit: STS Association