2008 Conference Sessions

Advanced Service Switch Justification and Use Cases
Many advanced metering or AMI systems, such as OpenWay® by Itron, support an optional switch in the meter that can connect, limit and disconnect service remotely. Such capabilities have a broad impact on AMI business cases and, ultimately, customer service offerings. This session explores the possibilities and impacts of remote service. E

AMI for Natural Gas
Many people automatically equate advanced metering or AMI with electricity, but the natural gas industry can also benefit from the combination of smart meters and two-way communications to enable efficiency, conservation and smarter distribution. Come learn how AMI takes form in the gas industry. G

Introduction to the Smart Grid
The electricity industry buzzes with talk of the coming Smart Grid. But what we think of as the electrical grid is comprised of several different networks that must interoperate. Learn about the different networks used to deliver power and how information technology is making these networks smart. E

Large-Scale Demand Response with AMI
Demand response—the ability of consumers to change their behavior based on price or system information—is a key energy management service enabled by AMI. Demand response has been in use for decades, but not at the scale envisioned by recent AMI projects. Learn about the future of demand response in managing energy consumption. E

Mobile Networking for AMI
Advanced metering generates massive amounts of data across communication networks. As the networks become more complex, utilities are faced with designing, building, paying for and maintaining the network’s critical infrastructure—something that not every utility is interested in. Using an established network provider can save you time, resources and headaches. Come learn about building versus buying network capabilities for AMI deployments. E, G

OpenWay System Overview
OpenWay is Itron’s advanced metering solution, featuring smart meters and two-way communications to enable operational efficiency, energy conservation and a smart grid. Advanced metering is a key component to delivering better service, higher reliability and lower emissions. This session explains how OpenWay operates and integrates with a utility’s existing infrastructure. E, G

Outage Management with AMI
The smart meters and two-way communications associated with advanced metering or AMI hold great promise for detecting, managing and overcoming power outages. This session explores how AMI can enhance existing utility outage management and offer new levels of outage management services. E

Regulations and Standards for AMI and Smart Grid
Fuel costs, peak energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions—many different issues are driving adoption of advanced metering and smart grid solutions. These issues and solutions have associated regulations and standards designed to ensure interoperability and cost-effectiveness. This session maps issues, regulations and standards into a coherent picture of the marketplace. E, G

Southern California Edison's Smart Grid Vision
Because electricity travels at nearly the speed of light, conditions on the power grid can change at a pace only a microprocessor can match. Southern California Edison is leading the effort to develop a Smart Grid that responds intelligently, quickly, and efficiently to grid condition. In particular, SCE is pursuing three smart grid principles – interoperability, better information and control, and advanced security. One such example of SCE’s work is their new Circuit of the Future, the most advanced neighborhood circuit in the country. Come hear how SCE is bringing customers better service and reliability through modernizing their grid. E, G

The Growing Business Case for AMI (and Migrating AMR to AMI)
AMI, systems can be an expensive undertaking. But because AMI can solve many problems for utilities, there are many different scenarios for justifying the cost of AMI. This session covers the many ways AMI can pencil out for utilities, even those who already use AMR. E, G

The New Frontier for Energy Efficiency: ZigBee®
This session will highlight the impact of present and future energy policy on corporations and consumers, ZigBee’s role in addressing energy efficiency programs for utility companies, and how an open global standard like ZigBee can be the catalyst for change. E, G

Using Mass Communications to Speed AMI Acceptance and Change Energy Consumption
Advanced metering brings new services and new choices to everyday consumers. For all sectors of society to realize the promise of advanced metering, those consumers also need education and communication from utilities, their vendors and regulators. This session explores the role of communications in realizing our energy future. E, G

American Electric Power’s Storm Assessment Program
Come join us to learn how American Electric Power is leveraging technology to create a flexible storm assessment and restoration program. Topics include advantages of different technologies and process options. E

Design Automation and Efficiency Gains Using Distribution Design Studio
Join a panel of creative utilities who have implemented Itron's innovative distribution design application, Distribution Design Studio. Learn how they use its integration technologies and functional enhancement modules to solve individual utility goals while driving process improvements and design efficiency. E

Distribution Asset Analysis Product Overview
Join product experts for a detailed overview and demonstration of Itron's Distribution Asset Analysis program. E

Distribution Asset Analysis Users’ Round Table
Join us for this interactive two-hour session and discover how your peers are using Itron Distribution Asset Analysis tools to tackle distribution system analysis issues. Learn the tips and tricks others are using to maximize the power of these tools. Bring your questions and get ready for some creative solutions. E

Distribution Design Solutions Product Overview
Itron product experts will present product updates, roadmaps, upcoming enhancements and future product directions. Specific product features and benefits will also be reviewed and demonstrated. This session is valuable whether you’re currently using one of Itron’s Distribution Design systems, considering an upgrade or putting together your business case for a new system implementation. Products covered Include: LD-Pro®, Distribution Design Studio and LD-Field™. E, G, W

Distribution Design Solutions—Users’ Forum Round Table
Join us for this interactive two-hour session and discover how your peers are tackling distribution design issues. Learn the tips and tricks others are using to maximize the power of computer-aided design. Bring your questions and get ready for some creative solutions. E, G, W

Improving System Modeling and Asset Information by Leveraging Technology (GIS/GPS Integration with Itron Distribution Design Studio)
Come join Distribution Design Studio users to learn how they are leveraging new GIS integration technologies and embedded GPS functionality to capture more complete and accurate asset and location information as part of their design workflows. E, G, W

Integrating the Utility Work Order Process at Hendricks Power (WMS, GIS, CIS, AMR, OMS, GPS)
Come learn how Hendricks Power Cooperative (HPC) took advantage of a complete analysis of their work order process and systems to drive integration and process improvements at their Utility. HPC recently completed this total integration by linking their Geographic Information System, Customer Information System, Automated Meter Reading Applications, Outage Management System, Work Orders Systems, and Automated Design Application to support their desired work processes. E

System Modeling—DAA Modeling kWh to AMI Data
Hear Itron's architect of modeling and simulation review the DAA modeling process and how it can be used to model kWh to AMI data. Also hear about recent innovations and possibilities for the future. E

Upgrading from LD-Pro to Distribution Design Studio
Learn from Itron product experts how existing LD-Pro users can prepare for their Distribution Design Studio upgrade. Topics will include preparing integration points, options for upgrade training, schedules, and go live considerations. E, G, W

Using Itron Distribution Design Tools to Implement Centralized Design and Regional Standardization
Join us to learn how a leading utility is using Itron Distribution Design tools to solve the challenges and reap the benefits of centralized design and regional standardization. E, G

100G Gas ERT® Module
This presentation shows attendees the full value of Itron's ChoiceConnect™ suite of legacy ERTs and new ERTs. Learn how Itron’s latest gas ERT module can benefit your utility. Programming devices, meter reading devices and software required to read the 100G will also be discussed. G

Advanced Application and Design of Electricity Metering Products
This session is an educational meter school-focused overview that introduces attendees to advanced, more complex applications and designs of electricity metering products. E

AMR—Lessons Learned Post-Implementation
Hear a utility highlight lessons learned, programs to implement and other important things to keep in mind following a large-scale AMR deployment. E

Basic Application and Design of Electricity
This session is an educational meter school-focused overview that introduces attendees to the basics on applications and designs of electricity metering products. E

Bring Your Feedback: Itron Electricity Metering and PC-PRO+® Advanced Electricity Metering Software Customer Focus Group
This is an open forum focused on the customer. Itron listens to your feedback. This opportunity is for customers to openly share with the director of marketing for electricity metering products and team their insight, feedback, troubleshooting issues, changing requirements at respective utilities, and even how PC-PRO+ customers are using the software. E

Buffered Reads for Read Order Completions
This presentation will discuss a process for using off-cycle reads collected from meters in a mobile AMR system to complete customer change orders, and reports on the initial performance of the program. E, G, W

Data Logging Technology and Applications for the Electric, Water, and Gas Markets
Data management in the utility industry is more important now than ever. Attend this session to get informed on the various types of technology in development in the marketplace today. E, G, W

Data Logging Technology and Applications for the Electric, Water, and Gas Markets
Description TBD

Electric Metering Terminology
Attendees are offered an opportunity to become familiar with basic electric metering terminology. E

Electricity Metering Programming Philosophy
Attendees will benefit from attending this session with key takeaways on meter validation processes and specifics on programming meters. E

Electricity Metering Solutions for Single-Phase and Polyphase Markets
This session provides an introduction to the advanced details of applications and designs of electricity metering products using meter school-type content with an educational purpose. E

Electronic Measurement in Gas: Overview of Available Technology and Their Features and Benefits
If you do business in the gas marketplace, then you may be interested to hear about the Actaris product line. Details will include an overview of the newer electronic measurement technologies for natural gas, specifically those used in distribution measurement. Basic technology concepts and the evolution from mechanical to electronic based measurement will be reviewed as well as feature sets and benefits of these newer technologies. G

Endpoint-Link Round Table
Endpoint-Link users can take this time to come, give feedback, and discuss experiences with Endpoint-Link. This session is helpful to utilities that are using Itron Endpoint-Link tools to program and configure electric, gas and water endpoints in the field. E, G, W

ERT Lifecycle Management Round Table - Gas Battery Product
The latest gas module battery field monitoring data will be presented to assist utilities in planning ERT change-outs. Battery change-out versus replacement and ERT disposal will also be discussed in a round table on ERT lifecycle management. G

Eskom’s Online Vending Project – A Case Study
Prepayment electricity is a significant enabler of electrification in South Africa. Prepayment vending systems provide convenient locations where customers can purchase electricity. Eskom’s Online Vending project has employed the most advanced vending technology and has revolutionized Eskom’s provision of prepaid electricity vending services. It is also the first large-scale implementation of the industry standard, XMLVend. Come hear the success story of Eskom’s prepayment solution. E, G

Expanding MV-RS® into ChoiceConnect with Itron's Mobile Collector Lite
Learn how easily it is to move into a mobile AMR solution and how quickly you will see the benefits. By combining your existing MV-RS system with Itron’s ERT Technology and upgrading to a Mobile Collector Lite you will be able to reduce the amount of time it takes to gather all of your meter reads. This will allow you the flexibility to spend more time on other projects and tasks while still gathering all your necessary meter reads. With over 200 customers using the Mobile Collector Lite you will learn how different customers are benefiting from this great mobile solution. E, G, W

Field Collection System Implementation: Lessons Learned
Utilities are replacing their aged meter reading systems and DOS handhelds with Itron’s next generation systems: FCS and FC200s. Listen to what a FCS Implementation team learned during their successful project and how this knowledge can be used by you to shape your future. E, G, W

Field Collection System Round Table
This round table provides FCS users a forum to discuss current needs, troubleshooting challenges and a look at the future of collection systems management. E, G, W

Fixed Network Provides Advanced Metering Functionality for Tucson Electric Power
Attendees can hear first hand how Tucson Electric Power utilizes Itron Fixed Network 2.0 to achieve the benefits of a two-way communications system, with the exception of remote connect/disconnect, at a significantly reduced cost while still meeting all of its core requirements. E

Gas AMR Implementation: Lessons Learned
This presentation will discuss the decisions Southwest Gas made to begin AMR deployment, how the 1,000,000 ERT installation project began, where the project is today, lessons learned and future plans. G

Gas Round Table
This round table will discuss lessons learned, deployment issues and future plans for gas product development as well as tips for utilities wanting to build a business case. G

Itron Fixed Network Solutions Overview
Electric and gas audiences are invited to learn the key features and functionality of Itron Fixed Network 2.0. The various components of this solution and the critical data that it can provide will also be discussed. E, G

Jamaica Public Service Case Study
Jamaica Public Service provides attendees a look at the options to build a business case for AMR versus AMI. Take a look at the economic drivers and metering strategies for AMR around the world, including details about Itron meter deployments. E

Managing Your Meter Reading Workforce
Participate in this panel to discuss quality and performance management tactics and learn how to streamline meter reading operations, improve overall engagement at the manager and employee levels, and effectively pioneer a revolution in managing field service operations. E, G, W

Managing Your Mobile Field Workforce
Come and hear first hand from Intermountain Gas how Service-Link,™ Itron’s mobile workforce automation technology, uses wireless communications and the Internet to provide real-time data to technicians in the field. Learn how your utility can increase employee productivity and improve customer satisfaction by eliminating traditional manual work order processing. E, G, W

Meter Reader Safety Forum
Dog bites, slips, trips and falls—unfortunately they are all too common. Learn how to develop an effective safety program that can help you keep your workers safe and lost time to a minimum. E, G, W

Metering Data Needs for Industrial Extreme High-Voltage Interties
Hear firsthand how utilities handle requirements for complex metering and communication needs for industrial and utility intertie metering sites. The presenter will discuss redundancy needs and requirements for metering and communications based on the type of connections to the grid. E

Metering Distributed Generation at the Cooperative Level
Come hear how Wabash Valley Power Association utilizes today’s metering technology to access real-time generation and load information from various member cooperative delivery points, animal waste digesters, wind and landfill gas generation projects. E, G, W

MV-RS and Handheld - Ask the Itron Expert (Round Table)
Spend some time with your peers and Itron Experts discussing how to enhance your MV-RS system as well as how to get the most out of your handhelds. For example; learn about other user’s experiences as they transition to the FC200 and how they are successfully reading new high power endpoints with MV-RS. This session offers you a chance to discuss your ideas and issues as they relate to MV-RS, handhelds and AMR for meeting your current and future needs. E, G, W

MV-RS Highlights
Itron product experts will review what has been going on since the last User’s Conference as well as present product updates, roadmaps, upcoming enhancements and future product direction. Specific product features and benefits will also be reviewed and discussed. This session is valuable whether you’re running the most current release of MV-RS or considering an upgrade and wondering where you will see benefits. E, G, W

Nelson Hydro Finds Clear Migration Path to AMR Using Itron Technology
Listen to how a Canadian utility, Nelson Hydro, plans a fourto five-year meter change-out program. This 100% conversion includes transitioning all electro mechanical residential and commercial meters to Itron digital units complete with ERT radio read features. Presentation will include details on business case development and implementation planning. E

Panel: Utilizing Fixed Network for Outage/Distribution Benefits
Listen to how utilities are experiencing the benefits of network technology utilizing outage detection and meter data management capabilities. E

Performance Management Ideas for Supervisors
How do you motivate field employees to work more effectively? Southern California Edison uses a variety of methods to motivate meter readers, field service representatives and test personnel. They’ll present several ideas to help front-line supervisors motivate their employees. E, G, W

Premierplus4 Round Table
This extended round table provides Premierplus4 users a forum to offer input on future product direction, discuss enhancements and receive the latest updates on the product. E, G, W

RouteSmart - New Routing Solutions on the Horizon
RouteSmart Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of route-optimization software and logistics professional services for the newspaper, postal, public works and utility meter reading industries. Take a closer look at how Itron's partnership with RouteSmart Technologies proves both are committed to solving the unique complexities of residential and commercial service routing problems. E, G, W

Sarbox Implications to Metering
Attendees will benefit from attending this session with key takeaways on meter validation processes and the impact that Sarbanes-Oxley has on the electricity meter manufacturing process. E

Service-Link System Overview
Learn how Service-Link utilizes wireless, Internet, web-served mobile communications and field service dispatching solutions to help you manage your mobile resources. With every order and every field service representative’s activity captured and presented in multiple screens, supervisors and dispatchers can easily track and analyze pertinent information to ensure service orders are processed in a timely manner and that customers are receiving the desired levels of service E, G, W

Southwest Gas - Arizona Division Presents "Deployment Strategies: Creating a Win-Win Solution"
Attendees can hear firsthand from a director how utilities can develop deployment strategies that combine contractors and existing personnel for deployment in outlying communities and rural areas. This information is useful for utility business case development and justifying implementation costs to create a win-win for the company and its customers. E, G, W

Strategic Deployment and Business Case Development at Gas Utilities
Attendees have an opportunity to hear how AMR has evolved at a primarily gas utility with operations in nine states. Discussion will include AMR opportunities with strategically targeted deployment to address problem meters as well as companywide deployment; additional details will cover key factors in the development of successful business cases. G

Taking Mobile AMR to the Next Level with MC3
MC3 is Itron’s powerful, next generation mobile collection system for electric, gas and water providers. It offers advanced radio technology for unsurpassed performance along with a sophisticated mapping application that provides a visual indication of endpoint locations utilizing GPS technology. The result: greater efficiency in reading routes by optimizing drive time. Come and listen to the benefits experienced by customers utilizing this technology. E, G, W

What's New With Your Itron AMR System - ChoiceConnect
Already an Itron ERT customer? Then you already have part of the ChoiceConnect Suite. Come see what new features ChoiceConnect offers including an overview on the new Eka remote demand reset solution and the Aztech In-Home Display. E, G, W

A Large County’s Energy & Environmental Policy
Los Angeles County has recently adopted an energy and environmental policy to guide the development, implementation, reporting and monitoring of these programs. The speaker will highlight these programs and how EEM Suite and other tools have been integrated into the Policy. E, G

Automation of Data Import/Export to and From External Applications
This session will show how electronic utility bill information can be automatically imported to the Itron EEM database to save input time. It will also demonstrate how Itron data can be used by external applications for custom uses.

Billing and Cost Allocation
Learn how a municipality implemented an internal billing process using EEM. E, G