Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Mon, April 11, 2011
BC Hydro Selects Itron as Supplier of Smart Metering System and Meter Data Management System
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--British Columbiaa™s electricity system is one more major step closer to modernization today with the confirmation of Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) as BC Hydroa™s metering system provider to supply approximately two million new electric meters over the next two years as part of its Smart Metering Program. The Smart Metering Program will keep rates lower than they would have otherwise been in B.C. through savings of about $70 million in the first three years of implementation and a net benefit to customers of over $500 million in the long term.
"Itron is a top tier metering system provider with proven smart meter solutions, extensive utility experience, and a clear commitment to ensuring BC Hydro achieves our Smart Metering objectives"
Itron will provide its OpenWay® smart meters, run over a multi-application communication network powered by Cisco. The associated system software and meter data management system are included in the agreement, providing a cost effective, end-to-end solution. The contract is worth approximately $270 million.
Itron was the successful proponent following a comprehensive and detailed procurement process. aItron is a top tier metering system provider with proven smart meter solutions, extensive utility experience, and a clear commitment to ensuring BC Hydro achieves our Smart Metering objectives,a said Gary Murphy, Chief Project Officer, BC Hydro.
The Smart Metering Program will make BC Hydroa™s grid more reliable; increase public and employee safety; provide immediate savings helping to keep rates low; and cut down on energy theft. Some of the advantages of smart meters over current mechanical meters include:
- Knowledge when a customera™s power is out and when it is has been restored
- Automated meter reading that provides up to date consumption and billing information
- Two way communications between the smart meter and BC Hydro for improved efficiencies
- Capture of voltage and power quality data a" in addition to consumption information a" to optimize the operation of BC Hydroa™s electricity grid
- Automated meter alarms to identify operational problems and some types of theft
aBC Hydroa™s comprehensive program helps to advance the practical evolution of grid modernization in North America,a said Philip Mezey, Itron President and Chief Operating Officer, Energy. aWe are honored to provide a functionally rich and comprehensive solution that will help BC Hydro meet long-term goals, deliver operating benefits, and empower its customers.a
In addition to BC Hydro, several large utilities in North America are deploying Itrona™s OpenWay system, including Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, CenterPoint Energy and Detroit Edison. Itron now has over 16 million OpenWay units under contract.
Itron joins Vancouver-based Corix and international leaders Capgemini as suppliers to BC Hydroa™s Smart Metering Program.
About Itron:
At Itron, wea™re dedicated to delivering end-to-end smart grid and smart distribution solutions to electric, gas and water utilities around the globe. Our company is the worlda™s leading provider of smart metering, data collection and utility software systems, with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our offerings include electricity, gas, water and heat meters; network communication technology; collection systems and related software applications; and professional services. To realize your smarter energy and water future, start here: [ www.itron.com ].
About BC Hydro:
British Columbia is growing, and so is the need for electricity. BC Hydro is dedicated to fulfilling its goal of meeting at least 66 per cent of the provincea™s future electricity needs through conservation by 2020. But in order to meet the remaining demand and continue to ensure a clean, reliable supply of energy, BC Hydro is investing now in the projects that are needed to keep the lights on in BC province for the next 50 years.
