SmartSynch News
Itron, SmartSynch Provide Xcel Energy With Advanced Metering System to Enhance Customer Security and Improve OperationsSpokane, WA — June 2, 2004 Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today a new contract with Xcel Energy for the purchase of 6,000 advanced solid-state meters equipped with SmartSynch’s SmartMeter® technology. The automated Elster A3 meters, which transmit energy usage data via wireless communications networks, will be installed at hard-to-access and security-sensitive customer locations throughout the Denver area. Itron and SmartSynch will provide Xcel with more robust and flexible meter reading capabilities in secured locations that require more frequent data collection or where manual meter readings are no longer practical. The new technology enables Xcel to avoid on-premise reads and eliminate estimated reads to provide better customer service. Itron is the exclusive distributor of SmartSynch’s SmartMeter System for commercial and industrial metering applications. The SmartMeter system interfaces seamlessly with Itron’s industry-standard MV-90 data collection system. The technology inside the meter monitors in real time and assesses and reacts to alerted conditions as they happen. This provides a flow of timely information that can be analyzed and applied to delivery system efficiency and reliability, while also providing a higher level of service and value to their commercial and industrial customers. “By partnering with Itron to implement the SmartSynch two-way wireless communications to the meter, we are able to avoid any visits by Xcel employees to potentially unsafe or highly secure/inaccessible areas,” said Mike Mossman vice president of customer service at Xcel. “This is especially important to Denver school districts because it eliminates the need to for meter readers to access the school campuses. The technology also eliminates the need to estimate meter reads when we were unable to get reads from these locations.” Russ Vanos, Itron vice president and general manager of Itron’s Energy Market Group, said Xcel’s deployment of SmartSynch technology in the Denver area provides the latest example of Itron’s unrivaled ability to deliver proven metering technology solutions that cover the full spectrum of objectives – both for utilities and their customers. “Xcel Energy is a clear leader in the utility industry when it comes to leveraging the value of meter data collection technology to meet key operational and strategic objectives,” said Vanos. “Xcel has been a pacesetter in the large-scale use of AMR technology, particularly for its residential customers. With the deployment of SmartSynch technology from Itron, Xcel is taking a very innovative approach to address an increasingly important concern for larger commercial and industrial customers – the security of their facilities. ” The SmartMeter System combines public wireless networks, under-glass modules and web-based software for its metering system. SmartSynch’s program enables utilities to quickly implement a cost-effective, real-time metering solution to its largest and most important customers. The plug-and-play nature of SmartMeters results in easy installation and supports a rapid deployment schedule. “We provide technology that enables utilities to gather the advanced data they need and eliminate the need to access meters and premises, as well as estimate customer bills,” added Stephen Johnston, chief executive officer at SmartSynch. “In an increasingly security-conscious world, this technology becomes a real asset for schools, airports, military bases, entertainment venues and the utilities that serve those locations.” About Itron About Xcel Energy About SmartSynch
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