CenterPoint Energy Selects eMeter Power Information Platform for Intelligent Grid Technology

Feb. 8, 2006
CenterPoint Energy Inc.'s electric utility in Houston, has licensed eMeter's Power Information Platform by eMeter software to interface the utility's information systems in its recently announced intelligent grid limited deployment effort using BPL technology.

CenterPoint Energy Inc.'s electric utility in Houston, has licensed eMeter's Power Information Platform by eMeter (PIPe) software to interface the utility's information systems in its recently announced intelligent grid limited deployment effort using BPL technology.

"We are thrilled to be a part of CenterPoint Energy's Intelligent Grid initiative, which is focused on demonstrating the benefits of utility applications that can be enabled by BPL," said Larsh Johnson, eMeter's president and chief technical officer. "CenterPoint Energy's use of the PIPe software ensures their ability to interface with multiple applications and to upgrade and add new meter or other automation communications technologies as they become available."

The PIPe will interface with CenterPoint Energy's customer information systems (CIS) for both electric and gas meters. The PIPe software will also be used to collect and process meter readings, operate remote connects/disconnects, and display outage and restoration events. CenterPoint Energy also plans to leverage the PIPe's deployment planning and support tools to assist in the installation, activation and provisioning of advanced meters.

eMeter's PIPe is an enterprise-class application that supports and maintains advanced metering information with a sophisticated data model and automated support for advanced metering business processes. The PIPe incorporates all the functionality required to deliver accurate and reliable data to utility applications. It is web-based, enabling desktop access to utility employees, business partners, and customers. The PIPe architecture can scale from thousands to millions of on-line meters and includes a high-capacity messaging backbone and distributed application servers. Intelligent interface adapters integrate with utility and client legacy systems with minimal disruption to existing billing, outage, and distribution management systems. The PIPe's meter and communications independence ensures support of new technologies as they emerge, making a utility client's infrastructure as "future proof" as possible.

The CenterPoint Energy contract is eMeter's second major sale in Texas, following TXU Electric Delivery's recent purchase of eMeter's software for use with its nearly three million electric customers.

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