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LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI) announced today it will supply E.ON, one of the largest utility companies in Hungary, with more than 7,600 smart meters for business and residential customers across the country. The deployment will begin later this month and is an expansion of an initial gas and electric meter pilot that is currently underway.

"This pilot GPRS meter installment in Hungary is only the preliminary step in increased efficiency in energy technology across the region."

Its general packet radio service (GPRS) meters allow for automated monitoring and increased communication about energy usage. The meters will be installed at a random selection of E.ONas 2.5 million customers. Over the coming months and years, the Hungarian Energy Office will use the data derived from the smart meters to evaluate consumer energy use and efficiency.

aThe automated monitoring and control will provide a wealth of new information for E.ON about energy usage, thus allowing utilities to more effectively serve their customers,a said Istvn Bir, Itron regional business unit manager. aThis pilot GPRS meter installment in Hungary is only the preliminary step in increased efficiency in energy technology across the region.a

E.ON serves electricity to 60% of the residents and businesses across Hungary and 28% of the country in gas. The company is leading the country in innovation with the largest smart meter pilot program in Hungary.

About Itron

Itron is a leading provider of energy and water resource management solutions for nearly 8,000 utilities around the world. We offer end-to-end solutions that include electricity, gas, water and thermal energy measurement and control technology; communications systems; software; and professional services. With more than 9,000 employees doing business in more than 130 countries, Itron empowers utilities to responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. To realize a sustainable future, start here: [ www.itron.com ].

About E.ON in Hungary:

E.ON is Hungaryas leading energy group and for years has been one of the three largest companies by sales in the country. As a major player in the Hungarian economy, it is active in every area of creating energy value, including power generation, power and natural gas trading and supplying end consumers.

E.ON Hungria Zrt has power supply companies operating in western and eastern Hungary and gas providers in western Hungary. The Group provides nearly two and a half million customers with electricity and supplies gas to over half a million customers. The Group also operates several state-of-the-art, eco-friendly power plants with capacities of less than 100 MW. As a major player in the domestic heat energy market, the company is also the district heating supplier and partner of several cities and companies.

The Group also includes E.ON Fldgz Trade Zrt.