Itron's Work Order Configuration Tool for use with Service Link. This software enables a utility company to rapidly create and modify work orders for different types of service. You can select which fields will appear in what sequence and customize parameters for those fields. You can quickly create or modify workorder forms, and completion detail forms for dispatchers and mobile users. Service-Link's program logic immediately adapts to process the new or changed work Orders and completion forms that you create using Adapta-Link.

digital telephone technology that transmits at speeds up to 1.544 Mbps

A high frequency, low amplitude, vertical resonant motion usually caused by steady, laminar cross winds at speeds between two and 15 mph. With this type of vibration, the tendency to vibrate increases as conductor tension increases, often resulting in an inability to take full advantage of a conductor’s tensile strength. Dampers installed on conductors can control this vibration.

A company that is controlled by another or that has the same owner as another company, such as a utility and a non-regulated energy services company owned by the same holding company.

Organizing small groups of commercial or residential customers into a single, larger group that provides a more effective bargaining unit that strengthens purchasing power with utilities. Aggregation can also mean aggregating the billing for multiple customers or accounts within a single customer.

An entity in the energy marketplace that organizes residential or business customers into a buying group for the purchase of energy. Depending upon the status of deregulation in a given state, an investor-owned utility, public power company or rural electric cooperative may perform this function in today's energy market. Other entities such as buyer cooperatives or brokers may perform this function in a restructured energy market.

The span measured between a given structure and the structure beyond it, based on the beginning station as a reference.

An Itron software product that provides a set of programming interfaces that allows multiple entities or departments to subscribe to and get access to collected data.

Alarm messages that are sent via an automatic data collection system. Alarms are primarily associated with metering applications such as abnormal usage, meter tamper status and power outages.

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps.

Electric current that flows in both directions.

The current carrying capacity of a conductor (expressed in amperes) under stated thermal conditions. Different materials have a different limit of ampacity depending upon the operating temperature. Those limits are set by the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Automating the meter reading process by equipping an electric, gas or water meter with a meter module and reading that module with a collection system rather than reading it visually by a meter reader. AMR applies to a number of systems in Itron’s product line, including Off-site Meter Reading, Mobile AMR, Fixed Network AMR, MicroNetwork AMR, Telephone-base AMR and MV-90 advanced meter data collection.

Piece of equipment that is installed into the ground to transfer the unbalanced force on a pole or structure to the earth without intermediate supports.

Overheating of a conductor, causing it to expand, sag, weaken, and sometimes break. Usually caused by a combination of too much current passed through the conductor and high temperatures in the air surrounding the conductor.

The standards body that determines electric metering standards.

A software specification and interface to a specific software application. This allows programmers to interface to a software application through a common interface.

Used for very short-term forecasting.

Protective devices for limiting surge voltages on equipment by discharging or bypassing surge current. They serve as completely automatic surge diverters which function to discharge line overvoltages resulting from lightning strokes, switching surges, or other system disturbances.

When you are logged in to Service-Link as a dispatcher, the data displayed in summary windows that are left open is automatically refreshed at pre-set intervals (to display changes that have occurred since the window opened). If you select any records in the summary listing, auto-refresh of the listing stops. De-select any selected records to resume auto-refreshing of the summary. Except for the Messaging Inbox and Assign Shifts, Manager summary windows do not auto-refresh. To manually refresh any window, click the Refresh button.

Angular direction of the line as measured from north, normally in a clockwise direction.

Retrospective forecasting using actual weather and calendar conditions.

An extension attached to the top of a pole, extending upward to connect another cable. Used in joint use applications for attaching fiber optic line and cable TV to the pole.

A measure of a particular type of soil’s strength capability measured in pounds per square foot.

Angular direction measured from north to south with respect to the east or west, normally not greater than 90 degrees.

The number of days covered by a metering period.

An imaginary line that bisects the line angle at a structure. On a tangent structure, the bisector is perpendicular to the line.

A power outage or loss that affects many electricity consumers over a large geographical area for a significant period of time.

Demand measures the rate of electric usage. Demand is expressed in terms of kilowatts (kW) for electric devices and cubic foot (CF) increments for gas devices.

A piece of equipment used solely for additional support to another piece of equipment, such as a crossarm or transformer.

A retail agent who purchases and sells power. The broker may also aggregate customer for combine’s power purchases and arrange for transmission or other services as needed.

A controlled power reduction performed by the utility where the utility decreases the voltage on the power lines, so customers receive weaker electric current. Brownouts are typically used to reduce load if the total power demand exceeds the maximum available supply at particular time.

The inelastic bending of a pole caused by excessive vertical force, which may or may not cause pole failure. The taller an unguyed pole is the less vertical force may be applied to it without causing buckling.

An open source bug tracking system, developed by the Mozilla Organization, that eMobile Data currently uses to track bugs.

Wholesale purchases and sales of electricity.

A separate organizational unit of a utility, typically based on function (gas, electric, water, cable) or geographic location. Service-Link supports order type definitions, dispatcher functions, and manager functions by business unit.

The C&I Network is a flexible, drop-in radio communications network to read solid-state commercial and industrial meters and deliver the data to a host processor. The C&I Network uses advanced, peer-to-peer radio communications to transport metering data from solid-state electric meters equipped with Itron External Meter Modems (EMMs). The data travels from the EMMs, through a system of radio relays, to a hub, which then routes the data using a single dedicated phone line to an Itron MV-90 host processor. There the data can be used for a variety of billing, load forecasting, marketing, load research and system engineering applications.

Underground conductors used in cases when overhead construction becomes impracticable.

Computer Aided Dispatch

The average time to restore service (power) to customers.

In the Itron Telephone AMR software system, call frequency refers to the period of time between the scheduled AMR call to the Master Station host processor by the Siris or Metscan telephone

AMR meter modules.

A load applied to an object that is supported only at one end. The wind load on a conductor places a cantilever load on a pin insulator.

A system of conductors and di-electrics so arranged that a large electrical charge is stored in a small volume. A capacitor is also used as a method of correction, when an inductive load is put into a system, such as a motor; the voltage and current are separated in phase causing a large energy loss. Once that happens a capacitor is added to the system to get the current and voltage back in phase. There are two types: electrostatic and electrolytic.

The maximum load a piece of equipment in the electric system is rated for.

The shape of a completely flexible cable, with constant weight per unit length, suspended between two supports. This is the approximated curve of line conductor, and can be simplified as the horizontal tension of the conductor divided by its weight per unit length. Although a catenary may be more accurate for longer spans, a parabola is more commonly used in most sag and tension calculations. (See Parabola)

In the Itron radio-based fixed network system, Cell Control Units (CCUs) are neighborhood concentrators that collect meter reading information, provide advanced metering functions and send metering data to the host processor via a wide area communications network.

A type of digital transmission over the cellular network, it transmits at 19.2 Kbps, and is used by most large phone companies.

In the Itron radio-based fixed network system, Cell Control Units (CCUs) are neighborhood concentrators that collect meter reading information, provide advanced metering functions and send metering data to the host processor via a wide area communications network.

The relative ground elevation in feet at a particular point on the centerline of a line route.

Utility's computer system for recording information about customers, including a history of work done for each customer.

The software system that stores files of customer data on the utility or other market participants’ mainframe computer or host computer system.

Clear space between the surface of the conductor and any other surface. Different conductors (depending on voltage) need different clearances as determined by NESC codes.

A U-shaped attaching piece used to attach equipment to a pole, such as a neutral spool.

A telephone-based AMR device that fits on commercial gas meters and records meter data and communicates with a host processor.

Producing heat energy, electrical energy or mechanical power from the same fuel in the same facility. For example, a cogeneration facility may produce electricity and steam from the same facility.

Two or more demands that occur at the same time or coincidentally.

Communications port (RS-232C serial port) on a computer. It is used for attaching modems or other serial interface peripheral devices. An Intelâ compatible PC may have up to 4 comm. ports (COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4). Serial ports have a transmission rate of 115 kbits/sec.

A force that increased the pressure on an object. The compression load on a pin insulator is the vertical load that results from a conductor strung between poles.

The Concentrator Unit is a communications node in the MicroNetwork system. Using RF communications technology, Concentrator Units automatically gather consumption information from electric, gas or water meters equipped with ERT meter modules. Concentrators gather information directly from ERT meter modules, or through a series of Repeater Concentrators when direct communications to a particular ERT is difficult.

A material, usually in the form of a wire, cable, or bus bar, suitable for carrying an electric current.

AAC: All Aluminum Conductor

AAAC: All Aluminum Alloy Conductor

ACSR: Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced

ACAR: Aluminum Conductor Aluminum Alloy Reinforced

A type of insulation that protects a conductor during an underground installation. Usually PVC piping is used.

Reducing electric, gas or water usage for the purpose of saving natural or scarce resources. Conservation limits peak usage or demand in order to ultimately reduce the capacity requirements for infrastructure and equipment.

The amount of electricity, gas or water used by a customer during a specified period. Electric consumption is usually expressed in kilowatt-hours, gas in cubic feet or therms, and water in cubic feet.

In Itron’s Telephone AMR Solutions, the telephone-based meter module reports when consumption has exceeded a preset limit within a preset time interval.

An AIB product that allows a utility to set high and low thresholds to monitor usage at a device. If the usage falls below or above the thresholds, a consumption alarm is generated.

An AIB interface that allows a utility to set high and low thresholds to monitor usage at a device. If the usage falls below or above the thresholds, a consumption alarm is generated.

The total amount of electricity being used at a given point in time by all consumers in a utility's service territory.

Water that is lost in transit from a pipe by leakage or evaporation.

A measure of the need for air conditioning (cooling) based on temperature and humidity.

Non-elastic elongation of an aluminum conductor under tension, which has its length suspended between two points. Most creep will occur during the first two months after stringing, and all creep will have occurred within 10 years. Other materials have not been found to creep.

A support member attached to a pole horizontally for the purpose of supporting equipment or conductors. Crossarms have typical dimensions (5’ to 10’ in length) and standard sizes (3.75” x 4.75” to 5.75” x 5.75”). In many cases more than one crossarm is used on a pole. Crossarms used to support cutouts are referred to as cutout arms. One ended crossarms are referred to as alley arms. (See Framing)

The CSR enters customer service requests into the CIS (or directly into Service-Link).

A charge typically placed on distribution services to recover the utility costs incurred as a result of energy industry restructuring. These are stranded costs - usually associated with generation facilities and services - and not recoverable in other ways.

A unit of measure for gas consumption or water consumption.

Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom are not closely bonded to the nucleus of that atom. Therefore they will detach and move in random directions, but when an electric pressure is applied to those electrons they give up that random motion and begin to flow in common direction. When the electrons are flowing in that common direction it is known as current.

The current dial reading from electric, gas or water meter.

A reduction in the scheduled capacity or energy delivery to a customer, usually due to unusually high demand or peak load.

curtailment

A utility may work with large companies to curtail or reduce their loads during peak times. Companies that participate in curtailment programs are typically given a predetermined amount of notice prior to the curtailment period and the duration is for a limited amount of time.

In deregulated energy markets, customer choice allows customers to choose their own energy supplier, instead of requiring them to purchase from a designated supplier.(Sometimes also referred to as "retail choice.")

The differentiation between users of energy or water. The class is determined by usage patterns, usage levels, type of customer (commercial vs. residential), or the conditions of service. Classes are usually categorized by customer activity (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, etc.).

A record in the utility Customer Information System (CIS) that contains pertinent customer account information such as name, address, billing address, telephone number, meter ID, etc.

A cutout provides protection to the lines of the system and the various apparatus on those lines such as transformers and capacitor banks.

A single day, as defined by the utility, for which meter data is collected and processed.

Any number of cycle days, which is determined by the utility.

The maximum amount of energy or service demanded in one day from a company or utility service.

In deregulated energy markets, where customers have a choice among energy providers, a special final reading is required when the customer switches energy suppliers. This reading determines the final consumption and billing from the previous supplier before switching to the new supplier. This is commonly referred to as a Direct Access Service Request (DASR.)

A handheld data collection device with labeled keys and a display that is used by meter readers in the field. The DataCap H (DCH) stores route files in its internal memory while readings are collected. The DCH was Itron’s handheld computer that was used

Used in Itron’s Mobile AMR systems, the DCU is radio transceiver hardware and associated software mounted in a vehicle that requests, receives and stores consumption and tamper status data from radio-based ERT meter modules.

Used in Itron’s Mobile AMR systems, the DataPac is a portable, mobile acquisition system which requests, receives and stores consumption and tamper status data from radio-based ERT meter modules.

The company that Itron purchased that produced power quality and power outage detection modules. The devices are now referred to as Itron Siris devices and provide automatic meter reading (AMR) and power outage detection capability.

Used in Itron’s Mobile AMR systems, the DCU is radio transceiver hardware and associated software mounted in a vehicle that requests, receives and stores consumption and tamper status data from radio-based ERT meter modules.

The rate at which electric energy is delivered or used at a given time or over a designated period of time.

The charge that a large electricity user pays for their required capacity. This may be based on the customer's peak demand during the contract year, a previous maximum or on an agreed minimum.

The sum to be paid by a large electricity consumer for its peak usage level.

A meter that measures peak demand over a period of time, and changes based on when and where the peak demand occurred.

The elimination of regulation from a previously regulated industry or sector of an industry.

Used in the Itron Fixed Network System, the daily freeze time is the specific time each day that demand, TOU and consumption data is recorded and retained. This freeze time is often required in deregulated energy markets where specific periods of time separate readings – such as one time per day at 9 a.m. for gas reads or one time per day at midnight for electric reads.

Dialogic cards are a part of each Itron Telephone Solutions Master Station. The Dialogic card “answers the phone” when the Siris device calls and takes the DTMF tones that are sent by the device over the phone line and communicates them in a way that the computer software can interpret. The software then uses the dialogic board to send its commands back to the device (in the form of tones).

The ability for a retail customer to purchase electricity directly from the wholesale market rather than through a local distribution utility.

Current that only flows in one direction.

Person who dispatches orders to technicians, and manages field resources for the completion of service orders.

A distributed generation system involves small amounts of generation or pieces of generation equipment applied to a utility's distribution system for the purpose of meeting local peak loads and/or displacing the need to build additional (or upgrade) local distribution lines and infrastructure. Distributed generation may be in the form of gas or propane generators, fuel cells, etc.

Smaller-scale electricity generation located close to the load it serves.

The part of a power system that carries the lower, safer voltages, usually around 13-7 kV. This system runs from the substation to customers’ homes. When the voltage is needed to provide service to a residence another transformer is needed to convert the voltage into 120/240V so appliances in the home can function properly. (See Transmission)

This is a line or system for distributing power from a transmission system to a customer.

A utility’s system that delivers power or water to the end customers. In electric utilities, this consists of wires, switches, and transformers that serve neighborhoods and business. The distribution system reduces or “downgrades” power from high-voltage transmission lines to a level that can be used in homes or businesses. For gas and water utilities, the distribution system consists of the pipes used to deliver water or gas to the end customer.

DOE announces energy policies and acts as a principal advisor to the President on energy matters. The DOE also manages programs of research, development programs and the commercialization for various energy technologies, and associated environmental, regulatory and defense programs.

An industry term that refers to controlling energy usage on the customer/demand side of the meter. Demand side management can include a broad array of systems and programs used by utilities to control a customer’s energy consumption, i.e., low-flow showerheads, fluorescent lighting, load control and “smart” thermostats.

A type of processor chip used in the Portable Network (PN) radio card. This is the brain of the PN Card radio. The software that resides on the DSP chip is called the DSP code.

Used in Itron’s Telephone AMR communications, this is a common tone-signaling method used to transmit address information (dialing) and other information (data) over voice frequency transmission facilities (the telephone system). A DTMF signal consists of two simultaneous sinusoidal signals; one signal is selected from four high-group frequencies and one signal is selected from four low-group frequencies. This is also referred to as touch-tone.

econometrics

Application of mathematical and statistical techniques to economics in the study of problems,

the analysis of data, and the development and testing of theories and models.

The ability to absorb or emit heat, amount of heat transfer.

A device in the C&I Network, the External Meter Modem (EMM) is a complete radio modem that is mounted external to the high functionality meter. It interfaces with the meter through an external data port and forwards meter data via two-way radio communications to the host processor. Any data that is gathered and stored by the meter can be communicated via the EMM. Each EMM is capable of relaying upstream and downstream messages to other EMMs or to Relays or Hubs.

Electronic Meter Reading is a method of manually collecting, entering and storing meter reading data into a handheld computer.

Encoded registers contain counting wheels, which are the physical "dials" on the meter. The dials represent the total amount of water that has gone through that meter at that point in time. The register reports the position of the counting wheel only when interrogated by a remote device such, as an ERT. There is no calculation involved at the register.

end use

Refers to an energy-using piece of equipment or appliance.

A program, generally managed by a large investor-owned utility, designed to encourage things like energy conservation. Encouraging customers to turn off items that use energy, or convert to newer technologies that require less energy are examples of energy efficiency programs.

Technology or programs that reduce, limit or shift peak load from on peak to off-peak time periods. It includes technologies that shift all or part of a load from one time-of-day to another or may have an impact on energy consumption. Examples include load limiting devices or programs that aggressively promote time-of-use (TOU) rates, real time pricing or other innovative rates intended to reduce consumer bills and shift hours of operation of equipment from on peak to off-peak periods.

An AMR supplier acquired by Itron in 1992. The ERT meter module was developed and originally manufactured by EnScan.

ERTs are radio-based modules that fit on electric, gas or water meters. The ERTs encode consumption and tamper information from the meters and communicate the data via radio to Itron radio data collection systems including Handheld, Mobile AMR and Fixed Networks.

ERT Install is a software package for programming ERT modules, primarily at a meter manufacturer or a utility’s meter shop. It is used for large-scale programming of ERTs prior to the meter being installed in the field.

A non-utility supplier or provider of electricity to a competitive energy marketplace.

Estimated time it will take to complete an order.

Univariate approach to forecasting.

The federal governing body that issues radio frequency usage licenses. Additionally, the FCC certifies radio and other equipment against certain standards of operation and performance.

An electrical supply line in the electric utility distribution system, either overhead or underground, which carries power from the substation, through various paths, ending at the transformers.

The regulatory agency, in the U.S. Department of Energy, that has jurisdiction over interstate electricity sales, wholesale rates, etc. FERC regulates the price, terms and conditions of power sold in interstate commerce and regulates the price, terms and conditions of all transmission services. FERC is the federal counterpart to state utility regulatory commissions.

This refers to the state of conductor in service for generally more than 10 years, or one that has experienced maximum zone loading at its maximum working tension. It is assumed that the conductor has been fully stressed and has crept to its full extent. This is typically where maximum sag of the conductor is found for a given loading combination.

Power or power-producing capacity that is guaranteed or covered by a commitment to be available at all times during the period.

Gas sold on a continuous and generally long-term contract.

A fixed radio-based communication network that gathers and transports data between radio-based meter modules and a host-processing computer.

Percent of voltage change that occurs from a steady state voltage from an input of a high load. An equation is used to find the percent flicker.

An outage that occurs during emergency conditions and requires a component or device to be taken out of service automatically. The forced outage can be caused by improper operation of equipment or by human error. The outage becomes a scheduled outage if it is possible to defer the outage.

The predicted or anticipated demand for electricity or gas. A forecast may be short-term (e.g., 15 minutes) for system operation purposes or real-time pricing, long-term (e.g., five to 20 years) for generation planning purposes, or for any range in between. Forecasting is the basis on which power purchases are made. A forecast may include peak demand, energy, reactive power, or demand profile. A forecast may be made for total system demand, transmission loading, substation/feeder loading, individual customer demand, or appliance demand.

The process of calculating or estimating something in advance; predicting the future.

Selection of the correct crossarm/support, brackets and insulator configuration. It is usually determined by the intended user, wire size, span length, and line angle on the insulator.

Electromagnetic waves used to carry information over radio. For example, the selected radio station in your car is a frequency, which brings in the information you want.

Field service representative (a technician).

An advanced energy conversion device that converts fuels to power very efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. Fuel cells are a form of distributed generation that may be applied to the electric distribution to reduce peak load.

An enhanced G5 handheld computer equipped with a high performance radio transmitter/receiver for remote collection of meter readings. Used in Off-site Meter Reading (OMR) systems

A low frequency, high amplitude oscillation of the conductor which usually occurs when ice-covered conductors are exposed to cross winds between 10 and 45 mph. This type of movement is not as sensitive to conductor tension.

A period of twenty-four (24) consecutive hours beginning at a specified hour on a given calendar day and ending at the same specified hour on the next calendar day.

When producer or pipeline delivers or receives a volume of gas that is higher or lower than the volume planned or contracted for.

The process of producing electricity or energy by transforming other forms of energy.

A regulated or non-regulated entity (depending upon the energy industry structure) that operates and maintains existing generating plants and produces or generates power.

A device or machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Different levels of construction that will help alleviate the probability that the conductor will fall to the ground.

An effective grounding system is necessary (a) to avoid having dangerous potentials on non-current carrying equipment during electrical faults (b) to ensure fast operation of electrical protective equipment under fault conditions and (c) to dissipate electrical charges caused by atmospheric conditions.

A brace or cable fastened to the pole to strengthen it and keep it in position. Guys are used wherever the wires tend to pull the pole out of its normal position.

One billion watt hours.

A handheld computer that is used to collect meter reading and other pertinent field data. Itron’s handheld computers include DataCap H, FS/2, FS3, GPC (international), TRx (Japan) and G5.

Two adjacent spans are measured and then that distance is divided by two

Measuring and recording a customer's consumption every hour during specific periods of time that can be tied to the price of energy.

A combination of a horizontal span and angle (bearing) in which the load trees are generated for the structure.

In the C&I Network, a Hub is a regional concentrator that is used to manage all communications for a geographic region of commercial metering points. Each HUB consists of a radio, to communicate with EMMs and Relays, and a telephone modem to communicate to the host processor. Hubs can be pole or building mounted.

Hertz, a measure of frequency, one cycle per second.

A solid-state electronic device that measures consumption among high-usage commercial and industrial accounts. The information collected is used by a utility to determine peak demand times and adjust its distribution system accordingly.

A front-end processor for Itron systems that acts as a concentrator, file server and, in some cases, database.

A condition where the forecasted demand for power does not match the power generated. In a deregulated market, there are often penalties for imbalances.

Penalties that apply when forecasted demand for power does not match the actual usage of power.

An approximation that measures whether a program had an effect on behavior and led to a change in usage.

Can be referred to as resistance. It is the inability of the current to flow through a conductor.

A rebate or payment used to encourage people to implement demand-side management (DSM) technology. Incentives might also be used by the Public Utility Commission to encourage the utility to perform to certain standards or measures under Performance-based Ratemaking.

Device for attaching conductors to poles or structures while maintaining electrical isolation between the conductor and the pole, or between conductors. Higher voltage lines require longer insulators to prevent arcing between the conductor and the pole or other conductors. Insulators must be strong enough to withstand the loads presented by the conductors under extreme environmental conditions.

Integrator is a mainframe-based handheld electronic meter-reading system. This is the only mainframe-based meter reading system available in the world. Integrator is compatible with FS/2 and FS3 handhelds and operates under any mainframe operating system.

Gas sold to customers with a provision that permits curtailment or cessation of gas service at the discretion of the utility distribution company based upon certain circumstances that are specified in the service contract between the distribution company and customer.

Energy loads that can be interrupted in the event of capacity or energy deficiencies on the supplying system.

Power that can be interrupted or curtailed by the supplier, usually under the guidelines of some sort of agreement by the parties involved.

Interruptible rates provide power at a reduced rate to large industrial and commercial customers who agree to reduce their energy use in times of peak demand.

Interval reads measure and store deltas of energy usage in regularly measured 15, 30, 60, or 120-minute interval time periods. This interval data can then be used to determine block demand or load profile data.

An IOU is a form of electric or gas utility owned by a group of investors whose shares of stock are traded on public stock markets.

The Internet Protocol connects is the global system of interconnecting computers to each other. Most often this is simply called simply "the Internet."

Private entities or entrepreneurs that develop, own or operate electric power plants fueled by alternative energy sources such as small hydro, wind facilities, cogeneration, or waste-energy facilities.

A database that is used to share information between the Service-Link database and the database of the CIS.

In a deregulated marketplace, an ISO is the entity responsible for the reliable operation of the transmission grid and the provision of open transmission access to all market participants on a non-discriminatory basis.

Kilohertz, a measure of frequency, 1,000 cycles per second.

Apparent power used for engineering design criteria because equipment must be designed according to maximum voltage and