The two companies join forces to demonstrate multi-application
capabilities of the Itron solution including distribution automation and
consumer energy management
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. & WESTBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) and National Grid announced today that they
are collaborating on a project to build and evaluate an advanced smart
grid in Massachusetts utilizing a new generation of standards-based
network technology.
The two companies will collaborate to field test the multi-application
capabilities of the new Itron-Cisco IPv6 based smart grid solution,
including advanced metering, home area networking (HAN) and distribution
automation (DA). By leveraging the Cisco GridBlocks™ Architecture, the
solution will deliver these applications over a common network
infrastructure designed to eliminate the need for proprietary or
vendor-specific integration of applications and devices.
As part of the project, Itron and National Grid will thoroughly test
system functionality and demonstrate the interoperability advantages of
the Itron-Cisco IPv6 based solution by working in concert with
third-party HAN and DA devices. National Grid will utilize the system to
evaluate advanced metering; demand response; time-based pricing; in-home
devices and web tools; network monitoring; meter data management and
presentment; and advanced analytics.
"By collaborating with Itron and Cisco, we hope to be able to assess
firsthand the foundational elements of an intelligent grid that can
evolve with us over time," said Cheri Warren, vice president, Asset
Management for National Grid. "We're taking this opportunity to test how
we can build a flexible and intelligent grid that will optimize the flow
of distributed energy resources, enhance the performance of electricity
distribution systems, and provide our customers with choice and control
over how they manage their energy use."
National Grid's involvement with this technology trial also supports
their vision for joining with industry and policy leaders to provide
communities and customers the best options for conservation and energy
management.
"Our collaboration with National Grid represents a significant milestone
in Itron's efforts to evolve smart grid communications from proprietary
systems to true, multi-application networks built on open standards,"
said Russ Vanos, Itron vice president Smart Grid Solutions. "By working
with global leaders such as National Grid and Cisco, we are bringing to
market a solution that will fundamentally transform and simplify the way
utilities execute to their smart grid strategies."
About Itron
Itron is a leading provider of energy and water resource management
solutions for nearly 8,000 utilities around the world. We offer
end-to-end solutions that include electricity, gas, water and heat
measurement and control technology; communications systems; software;
and professional services. With more than 9,000 employees doing business
in more than 130 countries, Itron empowers utilities to responsibly and
efficiently manage energy and water resources. To realize a sustainable
future, start here: www.itron.com.
About National Grid
National Grid (LSE:NG) (NYSE:NGG) is an electricity and gas company that
connects consumers to energy sources through its networks. The company
is at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society -
to create new, sustainable energy solutions for the future and
developing an energy system that underpins economic prosperity in the
21st century. National Grid holds a vital position at the center of the
energy system and it ‘joins everything up'.
In the northeast US, we connect more than seven million gas and electric
customers to vital energy sources, essential for our modern lifestyles.
In Great Britain, we run the gas and electricity systems that our
society is built on, delivering gas and electricity across the country.
National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million
customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. It
manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with
the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and owns over 4,000 megawatts of
contracted electricity generation, providing power to over one million
LIPA customers. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in
northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in New
York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
For more information please visit our website http://www.nationalgridus.com
or Outage Central http://www1.nationalgridus.com/OutageCentral
Friend us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/nationalgrid
Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/nationalgridus
Watch us on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/nationalgrid?gl=GB&user=nationalgrid
Find our photos on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/national_grid/sets/
Itron, Inc.
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Sharelynn
Moore, 509-891-3524
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
or
Vice
President, Investor Relations
Barbara Doyle, 509-891-3443
barbara.doyle@itron.com
Source: Itron, Inc.
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