
	May 2008

Itron Signs 10 Distribution Design Contracts with Utilities from Across North America

Itron recently signed 10 new contracts with utilities throughout North America to deliver Distribution Design Studio, or associated enhancement modules for current customers.

Distribution Design Studio (DDS) is a modular, comprehensive software solution that addresses the line design challenges faced by cooperative, municipal and investor-owned utilities. The software offers utilities flexible, cost-effective design solutions to maintain

and extend their overhead and underground infrastructure as their service territories and customer bases grow.

The adaptability and ease-of-use inherent to DDS is ultimately what led Inland Power and Light Company of Spokane, Wash., to purchase the suite. Says IPLC IT manager John Francisco, "We didn't have to revolutionize any of our internal processes to accommodate the product. DDS offers us multiple design scenarios, scalability in the field and the ability to easily change drawings."

Itron also signed contracts for Distribution Design Studio at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, Virginia; Tri-County Electric Cooperative, South Carolina; Appalachian Electric Cooperative, Tennessee; Lebanon Utilities, Indiana; Kaukauna Utilities, Wisconsin; Yampa Valley Electric Association, Colorado; and Okanogan County Electric Cooperative, also in Washington state.

Hendricks Power Cooperative in Indiana purchased the GPS Module to better utilize global positioning technology and boost the accuracy and efficiency of its utility line design process. East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative selected the WMS/MMS/CIS Integration Module to meet its WMS integration goals. The module also enables them to automatically receive material, labor and work order updates from its customer information system and seamlessly upload design information.

"We are gratified to see the remarkable momentum of our products in recent months," said Mike Penberthy, director for Itron distribution design solutions. "For an increasing number of utilities, putting DDS into place is a vital first step in accommodating the inevitable changes to workflows and design objectives."

Said Penberthy, "We see this expansion in the marketplace as a strong affirmation that the advanced design functionality and modular architecture of DDS is helping our customers to create cost-effective, state-of-the-art design environments."

For more information on Itron Distribution Design solutions, click here.

Putting Utility Asset and Land Base Information Within Reach

Part of Distribution Design Studio (DDS), the Mobile Asset View Module provides seamless integration between DDS and utility geographic information (GIS) and mapping systems. Mobile Asset View gives designers using DDS full access to utility asset and land base information directly in the design application whether working connected or disconnected in the field. Upon completion of new designs or maintenance work, the new information is updated back to the utility GIS to keep the system model current and accurate.

Using DDS and the Mobile Asset View Module, utility designers can:

Share information between designers and utility GIS and mapping systems

Easily take utility asset and infrastructure information into the field and synchronize it later back at the office

Increase design efficiency by using existing facility models directly in Distribution Design Studio

Update utility GIS and mapping systems with as-built design information to keep the utility systems up to date

Features
The Mobile Asset View Module integrates the following features into Distribution Design Studio:

Automatic creation of mobile version GIS and mapping information

Right click attribute display

Configurable search capabilities

Built-in asset navigation

Ability to designate design area polygon

Multiple translation options:

Translate all facilities and land base into a template image to use for design reference

Translate GIS/mapping model into interactive design assets and land base

Automated update of design information to a GIS system based on utility workflow

Benefits
A utility designer equipped with Distribution Design Studio and the Mobile Asset View Module can directly access and interact with the utility's GIS or mapping information during the design process.

Using the Mobile Asset View, utilities and distribution designers can:

Increase design efficiency by providing GIS and/or mapping information to designers directly in the design application.

Eliminate the need to manually exchange data between utility systems.

Increase design accuracy by utilizing utility infrastructure information.

Shorten the end-to-end design process.

Reduce new design backlog to update utility GIS and mapping systems.

Eliminate duplicate efforts across multiple utility systems.

Increase field design efficiency by providing designers with the most recent land base and asset information in the field.

For more information on Itron Distribution Design solutions, click here.

Smart Grid Drivers and Benefits

The North American power transmission and distribution system—"The Grid"—is considered the largest machine in the history of mankind. Unfortunately, this machine has not received serious investment or enhancement in nearly 50 years. Now, the power industry buzzes with talk of the Smart Grid, a new vision of what the grid can and should be in the digital age. Presidential candidates even mention the Smart Grid in policy statements and speeches. What are some of the forces driving all this interest in a previously invisible infrastructure, and can the Smart Grid live up to the hype?

Probably the strongest driving force behind the Smart Grid moving forward is also the industry's perennial top responsibility: reliable power. Above all, we expect the power to always be on. Recent large-scale failures of the power system, including the California rolling blackouts of 2001 and Mid-West blackout of August 2003, have highlighted vulnerabilities in our power system. Our 21st century economy demands always-on power.

A need for efficiency also drives the Smart Grid. As communities continue to consume energy but battle over where to site needed generation and transmission, we have a need to make the most efficient use of the power distribution system we currently have. Plus, a more efficient power system would save us from needing additional power plants.

Security in the age of global terrorism compels us to build a smarter grid. Our power grid is vital to our economy, our communications and our national defense. We need a grid that resists physical and cyber attack, and recovers easily and quickly if and when attacks happen.

Technology is another force behind the Smart Grid. This isn't just our continuing love of large-screen TVs and wine refrigerators. Advances in digital and communications technologies make it possible to achieve new levels of sophistication and automation in the design, operation and maintenance of the power grid.

Upgrading the power grid, making it smart, will happen project by project, layer by layer, over the next 20-30 years. Cost estimates to complete all the projected Smart Grid enhancements equal or exceed the book value of all the electricity utilities in the country. Will the investment and the effort be worth it? A more reliable power supply will keep our economy thriving. A more efficient distribution system can save us vast amounts of power, the equivalent of dozens of new power plants. Saving power will save us money, and will also reduce our emissions from burning fossil fuels for generation.

Generations before us bequeathed to us the gift of reliable electric power. It's our turn to leave the same legacy for future generations.

Distribution Design Solutions Take Their Show on the Road

For more than 20 years, Itron has been crafting the most advanced software tools available for distribution system design, analysis and optimization.

Itron was a key participant at two recent tradeshows, NWPPA Engineering and Operations Conference and IEEE/PES Transmission and Distribution Conference, where they were able to feature Distribution Design Studio, Itron's modular comprehensive software solution that addresses the line design challenges facing many utilities.

Were you not able to get to these shows and still want to see these tools firsthand?

Itron is a key participant in many upcoming trade shows and conferences where utilities are invited to ask questions about our distribution products and services, and participate in relevant demonstrations. Come see how our extensive experience and advanced design applications have made utility engineering teams across North America more productive.

SEE Conference
June 25 - 27, 2008
Sheraton New Orleans, New Orleans, LA

Our group will feature DDS and LD-Pro at this conference.

Interested in demonstrations of these products a little closer to home or can't make it to the above mentioned conference? Itron will be happy to host a roadshow in your area, where these solutions are on display and available for demonstration, eliminating the need for you to travel long distances. To express interest in being part of the Itron road show, or if an online demo fits into your schedule better, contact Jarod Tait (509) 891-3543 or jarod.tait@itron.com.