Itron Improves Access to Gas with Smart Payment Solution in Mexico
Gas Natural Fenosa reaches milestone in deployment of Itron technology
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — Feb. 8, 2017 — Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), a world-leading technology and services company dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water, announced today that Gas Natural Fenosa has reached a milestone in the deployment of Itron’s gas smart payment solution, installing more than 100,000 smart payment meters in its Mexico service territory. The utility plans to install an additional 40,000 meters per year for the next five years. With the solution, Gas Natural Fenosa is improving revenue collection and enabling consumers to access natural gas.
Gas Natural Fenosa is a multinational group and pioneer in gas and electricity integration operating in more than 30 countries with over 23 million customers. It is the main gas distribution operator in Mexico and serves eight states, representing 1.6 million customers. Currently, select customers in the cities of Monterrey, Leon, Mexico City and Toluca have received smart payment meters.
Smart payment gives customers of Gas Natural Fenosa the ability to prepay for natural gas, empowering them to manage their usage according to their budget and needs. Consumers have insight into how much money they have spent in a given period and how much they have left, reducing the likelihood of an untimely shut-off. With flexible payment options, consumers can purchase meter credit with a smart card through a variety of vending channels, including ATM and self-service terminals. The solution provides the utility with efficient revenue collection and enhanced data capture and reporting.
“With payment flexibility, Gas Natural Fenosa is allowing more people to be connected to gas and bringing better solutions to our customers. Our customers have more control over their budget thanks to greater awareness of their usage,” said Ricardo Martinez Moreno, collection and credit manager at Gas Natural Fenosa Mexico. “We have been very happy working with Itron, the global smart payment leader, as we help more customers access natural gas.”
“Itron has delivered our smart payment technologies to more than 15 million end-users worldwide. The solution brings strong value to both utilities and their customers. At Gas Natural Fenosa, we are simplifying utility customer service, lowering operational costs and reducing delinquent account risks, while improving cash flow,” said Tony Spiritoso, Itron vice president of sales for Gas in North America and Latin America. “Itron is dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water. We are glad to help Gas Natural Fenosa and its customers use natural gas in a more resourceful way.”
Gas Natural Fenosa is a multinational group and pioneer in gas and electricity integration operating in more than 30 countries with over 23 million customers. It is the main gas distribution operator in Mexico and serves eight states, representing 1.6 million customers. Currently, select customers in the cities of Monterrey, Leon, Mexico City and Toluca have received smart payment meters.
Smart payment gives customers of Gas Natural Fenosa the ability to prepay for natural gas, empowering them to manage their usage according to their budget and needs. Consumers have insight into how much money they have spent in a given period and how much they have left, reducing the likelihood of an untimely shut-off. With flexible payment options, consumers can purchase meter credit with a smart card through a variety of vending channels, including ATM and self-service terminals. The solution provides the utility with efficient revenue collection and enhanced data capture and reporting.
“With payment flexibility, Gas Natural Fenosa is allowing more people to be connected to gas and bringing better solutions to our customers. Our customers have more control over their budget thanks to greater awareness of their usage,” said Ricardo Martinez Moreno, collection and credit manager at Gas Natural Fenosa Mexico. “We have been very happy working with Itron, the global smart payment leader, as we help more customers access natural gas.”
“Itron has delivered our smart payment technologies to more than 15 million end-users worldwide. The solution brings strong value to both utilities and their customers. At Gas Natural Fenosa, we are simplifying utility customer service, lowering operational costs and reducing delinquent account risks, while improving cash flow,” said Tony Spiritoso, Itron vice president of sales for Gas in North America and Latin America. “Itron is dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water. We are glad to help Gas Natural Fenosa and its customers use natural gas in a more resourceful way.”
About Itron
Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com.
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