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detection
data from the meters. However, according to Carl Porter, Itron
director of product marketing for the gas division, Southwest
Gas deserves a great deal of the credit for the recent success.
"The
people at Southwest Gas are the type who can make anything
happen," says Porter. "The read rates we're seeing
are a statement not only about the quality of Itron's products,
but also about Southwest's commitment to managing its AMR
system."
The two
companies have enjoyed 20 years of collaborating together,
and drew on this shared history to achieve this high level
of performance. Citing increased efficiencies and better utilization
of personnel, the original 2002 contract called for Itron
to supply Southwest with 500,000 of the AMR endpoints for
its meters. A contract extension was signed in 2006 for approximately
1.2 million additional AMR endpoints for Southwest's meters.
Southwest
Gas is one of the fastest-growing utilities in the United
States, and industry leaders predict the company will add
tens of thousands of new customers in the next 10 years. As
meters are changed-out or new connections added, new meters
that utilize Itron ERT technology are installed, further leveraging
the efficiency of its AMR system.
"Southwest's
dedication to its AMR program is evident in the level of performance
they are receiving. Robust solutions are important, but the
personnel behind the systems are key," says Porter.
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