The Itron ChoiceConnect Fixed Network automates meter data collection using wireless communications to collect granular meter data and can leverage existing utility and public communications infrastructure for backhaul communications. Itron electricity, water and gas radio-based endpoints transmit consumption, interval usage and meter tamper data at regular intervals to a network of collectors. Repeaters are used to fill holes in endpoint to collector coverage, further enabling the cost effectiveness of the network. The collectors backhaul the meter data to the Fixed Network collection engine. The collection engine processes, manages and distributes the meter data to billing systems, direct customer access programs and advanced analysis applications.
With the ability to collect meter readings down to 5-minute intervals, Fixed Network is the ideal solution for utilities looking for solutions that require advanced meter data collection. Real time bill reconciliation, customer engagement, off-cycle reads, peak load management, outage detection, accurate forecasting and reliable distribution design and optimization are all possible when you collect and store interval data.
The Itron Fixed Network allows utilities to choose from a number of existing public communications platforms such as GPRS (general packet radio service) networks, Ethernet, and PSTN (public switched telephone networks) to gather energy meter data. Fixed Network is very scalable to grow with a utility’s needs. With its reliance on existing infrastructure for backhaul communications and low-cost neighborhood repeaters to limit the number of required concentrators, Fixed Network is one of the lowest cost networks available.
When you deploy Fixed Network for advanced data collection, you can:
Improve the quality of your billing data by eliminating manual data entry errors, performing off-cycle reads and eliminating estimated readings.
Eliminate the high operational costs associated with hard-to-read meters.
Gather low-cost advanced meter reads (time-of-use, load profile, demand reads).
Manage energy and water resource conservation programs more effectively.
Meet Performance-based Rate (PBR) criteria by improving outage detection and restoration.
Identify energy theft and revenue loss due to meter tamper.
Improve customer satisfaction by eliminating intrusive meter reading visits and providing more accurate and up-to-date billing data.
Increase operational efficiencies by reading more meters in a shorter amount of time.
Improve employee and customer safety.
Improve outage detection and restoration reporting.
Improve load forecasting.
Provide accurate energy balancing and settlements transactions.
Improve distribution system planning and asset management by providing accurate usage data to distribution system stakeholders.
