LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that it is bringing to market
its next-generation ultrasonic gas meter for residential applications.
This new product, USONIX, is the result of a year-long collaboration
with Panasonic to develop a fully electronic gas meter, meaning the
meter uses ultrasonic sensors for measuring gas volume rather than using
conventional diaphragm technology. This innovative approach provides gas
utilities in Europe with a safe and reliable product to efficiently
measure gas.
"Itron's new USONIX meter is unlike any meter available today," said
Remy Brill, Itron vice president and managing director, EMEA Energy.
"Using Panasonic's field proven sensor technology, USONIX will deliver
true business value to our gas utility customers."
USONIX is highly accurate and meets class 1 accuracy from G1.6 up to G4
meters sizes, thus making it a true multi-range meter. Also, its compact
design provides for easy installation at sites with narrow spaces. Key
features of this meter include enhanced dust protection, which keeps the
meter operating accurately even in harsh conditions; temperature
corrected volume as a basis for fair billing; and the lowest noise
levels especially for in-home installations. Its low pressure drop makes
it the preferred choice in regions with low pressure networks. As
Itron's hybrid smart gas meter, the ultrasonic gas meter's electronic
index supports the latest developments of smart metering communication
technologies. Initially, this product will be available in the UK and
Italy. Itron will expand its availability over time.
In addition, Itron and Panasonic are continuing to collaborate on new
products for gas utilities, including designing a metering product that
will enable utilities to identify compatible gas appliances for their
customers as part of a gas management service.
"Through this close relationship with Itron, we will be able to provide
new business models to energy utilities," said Masanori Iwai, Panasonic
global marketing manager, gas meter devices. "By identifying the
compatible appliances, utilities can offer value-added service to the
end users, and this will be the key solution for them to realize energy
management, which was the missing piece of the industry."
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 Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and
manufacture of electronic products in three business fields, consumer,
components & devices, and solutions. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company
recorded consolidated net sales of 7.85 trillion yen for the year ended
March 31, 2012. Panasonic's stock is listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya
and New York (NYSE:PC) Stock Exchanges. The company has the vision of
becoming the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry
by the 100th year of its founding in 2018.
Panasonic Corporation's Smart Meter Devices Business Unit started the
manufacture and sale of gas equipment devices from 1983 (PCB, shut-off
valves, seismic sensors, ultrasonic transducers, etc.).
In 2009, the company achieved the production of 100 million gas meter
controller units and boasts a sales performance of 3 million automatic
meter reading (AMR) related products.
For more information on Panasonic, its brand and commitment to
sustainability, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/.
Itron, Inc.
Sharelynn Moore
Vice President, Corporate
Communications
509.891.3524
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
or
Panasonic
Teva
Laou-Hap
Business Development Manager
+33 1 60 13 57 68
teva.laou-hap@eu.panasonic.com
Source: Itron, Inc.
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