Alabama Gas Corporation to Automate 500,000 Meters Utilizing Itron Technology
Use of 100G Datalogging Gas ERT® Modules to Improve Customer Focus, Bottom Line
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — November 17, 2009 — Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that Alabama’s largest distributor of natural gas, Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco), has signed a contract for deployment of Itron’s mobile automated meter reading (AMR) to 500,000 gas meters. Over the next three years, Alagasco expects data gathering, reliability and accuracy to all improve with deployment of the system.
The AMR project includes Itron’s newest generation, higher-powered gas module, the 100G Datalogging Gas ERT, which allows Alagasco to capture 40 days of daily reads to better analyze customer usage patterns and develop future products and services. Part of the Itron ChoiceConnect™ suite of data collection systems, the module provides a seamless pathway from mobile to fixed network AMR.
“This project represents another important step in our effort to strategically deploy the right technology to improve our overall competitiveness and enhance our customer service,” said Dudley Reynolds, Alagasco president and chief operating officer. “We also realize the full transition to Itron’s AMR solution positions us well for future opportunities if business conditions or regulatory requirements change.”
The module has also been proven to reduce the number of monthly re-reads, minimize in-the-field high/low readings, and efficiently gather move-in and move-out reads. It also has the potential to decrease work orders and improve customer service and revenue protection.
Alagasco considered a number of technologies before choosing an Itron system. Operational efficiencies, product quality, system upgradeability, technical support and a proven reputation were the primary drivers for automating its territories with Itron’s solution.
“We are delighted that Alagasco has put its trust in Itron to deliver our next-generation AMR system,” said Ron Renzini, vice president, Itron North America sales. “With ChoiceConnect, Alagasco now joins the ranks of many other utilities that have discovered the financial, operational and customer service benefits of our proven industry-leading technology.”
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