Columbia Gas of Ohio to Deploy Itron Automated Meter Reading Technology
Five-year strategic partnership will extend automation to other Columbia Gas companies
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — June 2, 2009 — Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) today announced that it has been selected by Columbia Gas of Ohio to install Itron's automated meter reading (AMR) technology on nearly 1.4 million gas meters over the next five years.
"We've experienced success over the years with Itron solutions, and have come to rely on their expertise in the field of automated meter reading," said Columbia Gas of Ohio's director of Customer Programs, Lisa Carmean. "This next step in our collaboration is integral to our strategy to enhance customer service and maximize operating efficiency."
Itron mobile AMR systems, key to its ChoiceConnect™ AMR data collection suite, use a vehicle equipped with a portable radio transceiver and computer to gather consumption and tamper data from water, electricity and gas radio-based endpoints. Columbia will be deploying 40GB Gas ERT modules, and may utilize the 100G-series modules in selected areas. Utilizing 100G modules provides a seamless pathway from mobile to fixed network AMR, which in the future allows Columbia to seek the benefits of more frequent collection of metering data if desired. The strategic partnership also allows for purchase of Itron gas meters, which offer simplified integration into AMR systems for a comprehensive, end-to-end solution.
"Columbia Gas of Ohio is a long-term, valued Itron customer who has seen the value in automation. We are honored to be chosen as their strategic partner in this phase of their upgrade," said Ron Renzini, vice president, Itron North America sales. "Columbia's dedication to its customers is to be commended and we're eager to continue work on this project."
Columbia Gas of Ohio is a subsidiary of NiSource Inc, a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution.
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