Greentech Lead America: Itron, a provider of smart meter
solutions, announced it has won a major contract from the City of Johannesburg.
The contact, valued approximately $150 million, was
procured with partnership from Edison Power Group.
The engagement will require Itron to supply its latest
generation smart meters and associated smart metering system, tying into the
City of Johannesburg’s stated growth and development strategy to improve
service delivery and efficiency through network automation.
“Itron is proud to support a leading utility like City
Power in making the smart grid a reality. We believe our technology provides
the foundation for engaging customers and complements the city’s demand side
management program,” said Philip Mezey, president and chief operating officer
of Energy for Itron.
Key to the solution will be the empowerment of City
Power’s customers, allowing them to better manage their electricity usage and
take steps to save energy, as well as money on their utility bills. A further
element is the more pervasive application of the city’s demand side management
initiative. Central to the entire project is a significant investment in black
economic empowerment, skills development and expanded localized support
capacity.
“We have established a clear strategy and plan to develop
skills and ensure local sustainability. We are all in this for the long haul,”
said Sindi Mzamo, chief executive officer of Edison Power Group.
“It is our assessment that the consortium offer of Edison
Power and Itron provides the right combination of local empowerment,
world-class technology and proven delivery performance to support the utility’s
future priorities,” said Sicelo Xulu, chief executive officer of City Power.