[September 25, 2012]

Itron Launches New Innovative Metering Solution for the Brazilian Market

Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) announced today the availability of OpenWay® AURUM, its newest product tailored to the Brazilian market. This product's modular and flexible design combines Itron's metering and communication technology with unique packaging to help utilities meet business objectives by lowering operational costs, improving service and protecting revenue. The Itron meter is housed in a secure box, which is mounted on a utility pole rather than on a house or business, reducing the possibility of meter tampering. In addition, AURUM takes advantage of Itron's RF mesh network to provide a cost effective solution for advanced metering and smart metering initiatives.

AURUM offers utilities a solid platform on which to build an advanced metering infrastructure that will support their needs today while positioning them for future smart grid applications. This innovative product is capable of providing two-way communication between utilities and connected assets in the field, allowing for remote meter readings, control and monitoring of field components, power outage and restoration notifications, and remote service connection and disconnection. Allof these features improve efficiency and provide cost savings.

"Itron is leveraging its technology and global smart grid expertise to bring a solid solution that meets the unique needs of Brazilian utilities," said Gadner Vieira, general manager of Itron's Energy Group in LAM.

Utilities in Brazil face challenges that significantly impact operating costs. According to the Brazilian regulator Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica's (ANEEL) website, distributors record high annual losses, both technical and non-technical. It is estimated that in Brazil, the losses in the electricity distribution network are responsible for about fifteen percent of the power purchased by distributors.

Vieira continued, "Utilities need sophisticated tools to address the tremendous amount of technical and non-technical losses each year. Itron's new product, AURUM, is the technology that promises to become the principal solution for utilities to deal with these issues while increasing operational efficiency at the same time."

AURUM reduces non-technical losses by allowing utilities to manage hundreds of thousand meters with a single system, providing reliable, synchronized and intelligent real-time information. Most importantly, these meters are installed in a secured box on pole tops, away from the traditional point of use. This greatly limits access to the meter, which in turn significantly reduces the likelihood of diversion and non-technical loss.

About Itron

Itron is a global technology company. We build solutions that help utilities measure, monitor and manage energy and water. Our broad product portfolio includes electricity, gas, water and thermal energy measurement and control technology; communications systems; software; and professional services. With thousands of employees supporting nearly 8,000 utilities in more than 100 countries, Itron empowers utilities to responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. Join us in creating a more resourceful world; start here: www.itron.com.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]