Release Details

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., Jun 02, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) today announced that it has been selected by Columbia Gas of Ohio to install Itron's automated meter reading (AMR) technology on nearly 1.4 million gas meters over the next five years.

"We've experienced success over the years with Itron solutions, and have come to rely on their expertise in the field of automated meter reading," said Columbia Gas of Ohio's director of Customer Programs, Lisa Carmean. "This next step in our collaboration is integral to our strategy to enhance customer service and maximize operating efficiency."

Itron mobile AMR systems, key to its ChoiceConnect(TM) AMR data collection suite, use a vehicle equipped with a portable radio transceiver and computer to gather consumption and tamper data from water, electricity and gas radio-based endpoints. Columbia will be deploying 40GB Gas ERT modules, and may utilize the 100G-series modules in selected areas. Utilizing 100G modules provides a seamless pathway from mobile to fixed network AMR, which in the future allows Columbia to seek the benefits of more frequent collection of metering data if desired. The strategic partnership also allows for purchase of Itron gas meters, which offer simplified integration into AMR systems for a comprehensive, end-to-end solution.

"Columbia Gas of Ohio is a long-term, valued Itron customer who has seen the value in automation. We are honored to be chosen as their strategic partner in this phase of their upgrade," said Ron Renzini, vice president, Itron North America sales. "Columbia's dedication to its customers is to be commended, and we're eager to continue work on this project."

Columbia Gas of Ohio is a subsidiary of NiSource Inc, a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution.

About Itron:

Itron Inc. is a leading technology provider to the global energy and water industries. Our company is the world's leading provider of metering, data collection and utility software solutions, with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our products include electricity, gas and water meters, data collection and communication systems, including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); meter data management and related software applications; as well as project management, installation, and consulting services. To know more, start here: www.itron.com.

About NiSource:

NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), based in Merrillville, Ind., is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high- demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. www.nisource.com.

About Columbia Gas of Ohio:

Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus, is one of the nine energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). Serving approximately 1.4 million customers in 60 of Ohio's 88 counties, it is the largest natural gas utility in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve approximately 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in seven states. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio is available at: http://www.columbiagasohio.com/en/home.aspx.

SOURCE: Itron Inc.

Itron Inc.
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
Deloris Duquette, 509-891-3523
deloris.duquette@itron.com
or
Itron Communications and Marketing
Kim Papich, 509-891-3590
kim.papich@itron.com
or
For Columbia Gas of Ohio
Director, Communications
Steve Jablonski, 614-460-4605
sjablonski@nisource.com

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