FirstEnergy Selects Itron for Grid Modernization Project across Pennsylvania Territory
Itron to deliver interoperable, multi service communications network, software and more than 2 million smart meters
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — March 11, 2014 — Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), a world-leading technology and services company dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water, announced today that FirstEnergy, one of the nation's largest investor-owned utilities, has signed a contract with Itron to deploy Itron's OpenWay® smart grid solution across its four Pennsylvania-based utilities, including Metropolitan Edison, Pennsylvania Electric, Pennsylvania Power and West Penn Power. The contract signing follows approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. The solution, which features Itron and Cisco's jointly-developed IPv6 network architecture, will help modernize FirstEnergy's electricity distribution system and enable advanced capabilities and consumer programs.
The multi-service smart grid network will provide FirstEnergy with flexible infrastructure that supports Act 129 regulatory requirements for smart metering. The system and the data it delivers will help FirstEnergy operate its grid more reliably and efficiently, improve customer service and provide FirstEnergy's customers with access to detailed consumption information so they can better manage their energy usage and costs.
FirstEnergy will install more than 2 million Itron smart meters over the next several years, meeting all the functional and business requirements outlined in Act 129 passed by the Pennsylvania legislature in 2008 to increase energy efficiency in the state. Itron will also implement sophisticated back-office data collection software, including Itron's meter data management, collection engine and reporting software, and Cisco's Connected Grid Network Management System.
"After a rigorous selection process, Itron proved to be the vendor of choice based on its extensive industry experience and leadership, proven smart metering technology and ability to support Act 129 requirements comprehensively," said John Dargie, vice president of energy efficiency at FirstEnergy. "We are excited to realize the potential of this advanced technology that will allow us to modernize our grid today while preparing for smart grid applications of tomorrow."
"Itron looks forward to helping FirstEnergy transform its electrical grid in Pennsylvania and take advantage of seamless, plug-and-play interoperability," said Mark de Vere White, president of Itron's electricity business unit. "In today's resource-constrained world, responsible management of energy and water is more important than ever. With smart technologies, we are helping FirstEnergy solve key business challenges and support a more sustainable and energy-efficient future."
About Itron
Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com.
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