Following a successful pilot program, the French government has
extended the Linky project to 35 million homes across France, creating
the world's largest smart metering project
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) is pleased to support the French government's
decision to roll out smart meters, generally referred to as "Linky"
meters, to all French consumers. If selected, Itron is ready to meet the
challenges of such a massive installation in France following its
successful participation in the pilot project conducted by ERDF, the
largest French Distribution System Operator, in 2010 and in 2011. During
the pilot project, Itron delivered 100,000 meters and 3,500
concentrators.
"This decision, which was made public on September 28, 2011, by the
French Minister for Industry, Energy and Digital Economy Eric Besson,
shows the determination of the French government to respond to the
challenges of energy control and management. It reflects the fact that
France has embarked on an ambitious project of modernisation of its
electric distribution network, which requires the implementation of
smart meters," stated Remy Brill, Itron Regional VP and Managing
Director, EMEA Energy.
According to the Minister, 7 million Linky meters will initially be
deployed in France between 2013 and 2014, followed by an additional 28
million between 2015 and 2018. Itron, a leading global provider of smart
metering solutions, has long prepared for this project. As part of the
pilot project conducted by ERDF, Itron made significant
investments—amounting to 8 million euros—in its research, development
and manufacturing facilities.
"We are now preparing to strengthen and adapt our industrial base to be
able to meet the volume required for country-wide deployment, if we are
selected during the tender that ERDF will be launching," added William
Hosono, Itron Managing Director Electricity France.
The deployment of smart meters is an indispensable component in forming
an electric smart grid. As such, the Linky meter will make it possible
for consumers to gain a better understanding of their actual consumption
in a simplified manner, and will also allow ERDF to more effectively
manage the French electricity network.
Itron, Inc.
Barbara Doyle
Vice President, Investor
Relations
+1 509-891-3243
barbara.doyle@itron.com
or
Isabelle
Sèvegrand
Director, EMEA Communications
+33 5 49 62 70 44
isabelle.sevegrand@itron.com
or
Sharelynn
Moore
Senior Director, Itron Marketing & Communications
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
+1
509-891-3524
www.itron.com
Source: Itron, Inc.
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