Prepaid accounts provide customers with tools to manage costs and
conserve energy
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. & DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) and Exceleron Software, LLC announced
today that they are delivering a smart payment solution to Jefferson
Energy Cooperative, a member-owned energy cooperative with more than
30,000 customers in 11 Georgia counties. Jefferson utilizes Itron's
cellular communications with MultiSpeak® interface in
conjunction with Exceleron's MyUsage Prepaid to offer prepaid accounts
to customers throughout its territory. Jefferson also utilizes Itron
Services to manage and maintain the cellular communication solution.
Problems associated with delinquent accounts originally drove Jefferson
to a prepayment solution in the 1990s. After utilizing two earlier
prepayment technologies, Jefferson turned to Itron to conduct a pilot
test using cellular-based technology at locations throughout its service
territory. The test yielded a 100 percent success rate and proved the
Itron technology's ease of installation and operation, leading the
cooperative to proceed with cellular communications.
With smart payment, Jefferson's customers pay in advance for the
electricity they will consume—and can afford. This simplifies the
utility's operations, reduces delinquent account risks and electricity
diversion, and improves cash flow. The solution delivers Jefferson's key
prepayment requirements, including strategic deployment capabilities,
reliable communications to remote areas, and remote disconnect and
reconnect. The solution has increased member satisfaction and encouraged
energy conservation, with an average decrease in consumption of
approximately 13 percent for prepaid accounts. Along with changes in
deposit requirements for standard metering, implementing the prepay
program has provided the utility with a 50 percent reduction in bad debt.
"Thanks to Itron and Exceleron, we have a seamless, scalable method for
offering prepaid accounts to our members," said Dan Fowler, senior vice
president of Energy Services at Jefferson Energy Cooperative. "The
cellular solution is working very well. We have been very pleased with
the performance of the system and the many benefits it has enabled,
including improved member satisfaction and streamlined operations."
"Smart payment is a great way for utilities to take control of energy
management by balancing energy usage with the customer's ability to
pay," said Jeff Carkhuff, vice president of global product management
for electricity at Itron. "Together with Exceleron, we are helping
Jefferson Energy Cooperative deliver a solution that meets customer
needs and ensures energy resources are used, paid for and managed
efficiently."
"More than 80 utilities across the country have selected MyUsage Prepaid
to power their prepaid programs," said Jeff Severs, COO of Exceleron
Software. "Our strategic collaboration with Itron will allow even more
utilities to reap the benefits of prepaid solutions even without full
AMI deployment, just as Jefferson Energy has done."
About Itron
Itron is a global technology company. We build solutions that help
utilities measure, manage and analyze 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.
About Exceleron Software
Exceleron Software is the leading software developer of prepaid account
management solutions for the utility industry. The company's flagship
product, MyUsage Prepaid, is a patented, web-based, hosted solution that
allows utility service providers to launch and manage prepaid accounts
for consumers. Utilities across the United States are using MyUsage to
lower costs, empower consumers, improve customer service, and encourage
conservation. To learn more about MyUsage and how prepaid programs are
superior to traditional billing systems, call 972-852-2711 or visit www.exceleron.com.
Itron, Inc.
Sharelynn Moore, 509-891-3524
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
Vice
President, Corporate Marketing and Public Affairs
or
Exceleron
Software, LLC
Bob Finley, 972-852-2711
bfinley@exceleron.com
Director
of Sales
Source: Itron, Inc.
News Provided by Acquire Media
