LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that FortisBC Inc. has
selected Itron's smart grid solution, consisting of advanced metering,
network communications and software systems, to support the utility's
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. The solution will enable
FortisBC, an integrated energy solutions provider serving approximately
162,000 electricity customers in the southern interior of British
Columbia, to modernize its electrical grid to deliver electricity more
efficiently and reliably.
The project, which still requires approval from the British Columbia
Utilities Commission, includes 115,000 Itron advanced meters operated
over a multi-application IPv6 communication network based on Cisco's
GridBlocksTM architecture. In addition, FortisBC will install
Itron's meter data management and data presentment software for the
processing and analysis of meter and other utility-related data,
providing a cost-effective, end-to-end solution from a single supplier.
The contract is worth approximately $21 million and installation is
expected to be complete by the end of 2015.
"At FortisBC, meter reading has largely been a manual process. Itron's
smart grid solution will help us build a more secure and reliable grid,
enabling key programs for consumer engagement and grid efficiency," said
Mark Warren, director of customer service at FortisBC. "In addition, we
see great value in the Itron-Cisco IPv6 architecture and its ability to
adapt to future smart grid requirements."
The smart grid solution is designed to address the challenges utilities
are facing with their existing electrical grids. It will allow FortisBC
to implement consumer engagement programs and give utility customers
greater control of their energy use. Customer services representatives
will have access to granular meter data, enabling them to more quickly
and easily resolve billing disputes and improve customer satisfaction.
Moreover, with capabilities such as outage notification and theft
detection, FortisBC will realize operational savings and greater system
efficiency.
"Itron is helping build the smartest grids in the world. We are excited
to help FortisBC realize the benefits of a more intelligent electrical
grid, ensuring efficient and reliable service to their customers and
building sustainable operations for years to come," said Mark de Vere
White, senior vice president of Itron Energy Group in North America.
About FortisBC
FortisBC is an integrated energy solutions provider focused on providing
safe and reliable energy, including natural gas, electricity, propane
and thermal energy solutions, at the lowest reasonable cost. FortisBC
employs more than 2,300 British Columbians and serves approximately 1.1
million customers in more than 135 B.C. communities. FortisBC is
indirectly wholly owned by Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned
distribution utility in Canada. FortisBC owns and operates four
regulated hydroelectric generating plants, approximately 7,000
kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines and
approximately 47,000 kilometres of natural gas transmission and
distribution pipelines. FortisBC Inc., FortisBC Energy Inc., FortisBC
Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc., and FortisBC Energy (Whistler) Inc. do
business as FortisBC. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock
Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be
accessed at www.fortisinc.com
or www.sedar.com.
About Itron
Itron is a global technology company. We build solutions that help
utilities measure, monitor and manage 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 one hundred 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.
Itron, Inc.
Sharelynn Moore, 509-891-3524
Vice
President, Itron Corporate Communications
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
or
FortisBC
Neal
Pobran, 250-469-8128
Corporate Communications Manager
neal.pobran@fortisbc.com
Source: Itron, Inc.
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