Vancouver, BC, Sept. 4, 2008 -- Tantalus Systems Corp. and Itron
Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announce the availability of Itron solid-state
CENTRON(R) meters equipped with Tantalus modules for easy integration
into TUNet(R), the Tantalus Utility Network. Combining Itron's precise
metering technology with Tantalus' versatile data communications network
enables a utility to establish an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
network that delivers the data needed for Smart Grid applications,
energy conservation initiatives, and ongoing operational and business
improvements.
CENTRON meters equipped with TUNet modules collect data efficiently and
economically via Tantalus' two-way, real-time communications network.
This enables a utility to accurately monitor consumption, power quality,
and pinpoint outages by individual meter or in aggregate. Data can be
integrated into backend billing, load forecasting, and other
applications that require a rich stream of data for analytical purposes.
TUNet modules fit securely under the glass of CENTRON meters,
transforming meters into bi-directional communications devices that can
receive commands and issue information such as sag/swell/outage alerts
or time-stamped verification of consumption, load control or
disconnect/reconnect actions. Meters can also communicate with Tantalus'
demand response products to form an end-to-end solution that is ready
for Smart Grid energy efficiency programs such as load control and
in-home display of up-to-the-minute price signals and consumption
status.
Over-the-air programming allows a utility to remotely configure meters,
read in/out new accounts, or shift a customer to a different time-of-use
rate plan without a site visit. Direct register reads ensure that what
is displayed on the meter is the same as what is reported to the
utility.
TUNet-enabled CENTRON meters are assembled either at the Itron factory
or by an approved meter services company. Meters automatically associate
within the network and can interoperate with electricity meters from
other manufacturers as well as TUNet-enabled water and gas meters. This
gives a utility true flexibility in how the AMI network is designed,
deployed, operated, and adapts to future expansion. Future plans include
incorporation and support of TUNet technology in CENTRON Polyphase
meters to better meet the demands of low- to mid-tier commercial and
industrial customers.
"With close to 30 million CENTRON meters in the field, Itron's position
as a leader and innovator in metering technology is clearly
established," said Richard Auerweck, Tantalus product manager. "By
supporting this popular line of meters, we can provide utilities with a
broader range of options to complement the different Smart Grid
solutions available from Tantalus."
"Itron's market leadership in advanced metering technologies is
reinforced by its continuous expansion of communications offerings for
our metering product line, which is driven by our commitment to meet
customer needs," said Lowell Rust, product marketing director for Itron
electricity metering. "Itron will continue to support leading AMI
technologies like TUNet that further enhance operational performance for
every customer."
"The impressive feature set of CENTRON meters combined with the
company's drive for engineering and manufacturing excellence makes this
a natural partnership for Tantalus," added Auerweck. "Smart meters need
smart networks. This technology alliance presents a great opportunity
for both companies to continue to accelerate innovation and help our
customers optimize the delivery and use of energy."
About Tantalus
Tantalus provides two-way, real-time data communications networks to
monitor and control electric, gas and water utilities. TUNet(r) -- the
Tantalus Utility Network -- is an end-to-end communications system that
operates with both RF and IP-based networks including FTTH, Fiber, WiFi,
WiMAX, GPRS/cellular, and 220 MHz either individually or in a
combination network. TUNet is built for the Smart Grid. It unites a
utility's applications, making advanced metering, outage management,
power quality monitoring, load control, and distribution automation
cost-effective and practical throughout both urban and rural service
areas. For more information, please visit http://www.tantalus.com.
Contact:
Richard Auerweck
Product Manager
Tantalus Systems Corp.
Office: 919-629-2550
Mobile: 919-272-0915
About Itron Inc.
Itron Inc. is a leading technology provider to the global energy and
water industries. Itron Inc. consists of Itron in North America and
Actaris outside of North America. Our company is the world's leading
provider of metering, data collection and utility software solutions,
with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to
optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our products include
electricity, gas and water meters; data collection and communication
systems, including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering
infrastructure (AMI); meter data management and related software
applications; project management, installation, and consulting services.
To know more, start here: www.itron.com.
Contact:
Kim Papich
Itron Communications and Marketing
Office: 509-891-3590
Mobile: 509-863-5003
E-mail: [email protected]
