Greentech Lead America: Itron, a provider of energy and
water resource management solutions, has entered into an agreement with
FortisBC, an integrated energy solutions provider, to provide its advanced
metering, network communications and software systems to support the utility’s
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project.
Itron’s solution will enable FortisBC to modernize its
electrical grid to deliver electricity more efficiently and reliably. The
contract is worth approximately $21 million.
FortisBC will deploy 115,000 Itron advanced meters
operated over a multi-application IPv6 communication network based on Cisco’s
GridBlocks architecture. FortisBC will install Itron’s meter data management
and data presentment software for the processing and analysis of meter and
other utility-related data. The installation is scheduled to 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. In addition, we see great value in the Itron-Cisco IPv6
architecture and its ability to adapt to future smart grid requirements,” said
Mark Warren, director of customer service at FortisBC.
Itron’s smart grid solution will allow FortisBC to
implement consumer engagement programs and give utility customers greater
control of their energy use. The granular meter data enables FortisBC 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.
Sydney Water deploys Itron’s water meters
Itron recently announced that Sydney Water, Australia’s
largest water utility, selected Itron’s meters to replace old meters that serve
its residential and commercial customers in Sydney.
editor@greentechlead.com