
	May 2008

Itron Tantalus Partnership Expands CENTRON® Meter Communication

Itron's industry leading CENTRON solid-state residential meters functionality has been recently expanded with the addition of the TuNet® Tantalus communications module. The new offering brings real-time, two-way communications to transform CENTRON meters into wireless communications devices that automatically capture endpoint data - in intervals as low as five minutes - to support dynamic time-of-use, critical peak or real-time pricing. It enables a utility to precisely monitor power quality (voltage blinks, sags, swells)

as well as instantly detect outages and verify restorations. It also allows control center staff to read in/out new customers and troubleshoot problems at the operations center. Reporting parameters can be changed remotely so a utility can tailor performance metrics without a site visit. The result is improved operational performance, minimal off-cycle reads and fast customer service on every front, from clarifying statements to addressing blinking lights and brownout reports.

Choosing the CENTRON solid-state meter with the TUNet module means that a utility can go beyond basic kWh monitoring and implement an advanced metering backbone that supports AMI, demand response and other data-intensive applications. Deployment of TUNet smart meters is not constrained by substation location, which gives a utility the freedom to introduce advanced functionality where the needs are greatest or where the return on investment is most attractive.

TUNet modules fit securely under-the-glass into CENTRON meters. The 900 MHz radio modem delivers the rich data contained in CENTRON meters direct to the utility via TUNet — the Tantalus Utility Network. The TUNet module reads directly from the register, which means there is no chance of a discrepancy between what is displayed on the meter and what is reported to the utility. Better information leads to more accurate billing, greater reliability and faster repairs. Eliminate the need to dispatch field crews to investigate every issue and provide customer service representatives with the ability to respond quickly and knowledgeably to customer inquiries.

"Itron's market leadership in advanced metering technologies is reinforced by the continuous expansion of original equipment manufacturer's communications offerings for our metering product line, which is driven by our commitment to meet customer needs," said Lowell Rust, director of Itron product marketing for electricity metering. "Itron will continue to prioritize building relationships with OEMs to build additional functionality into our metering products that further enhance operational performance for every customer."

Looking to Brush Up on Your Metering Knowledge?

Itron offers on- and off-site comprehensive training courses to our electricity metering customers. Training courses to suit both basic and advanced levels of programming experience take place every quarter in various locations. Most of the training courses offered by the electricity metering group at Itron are hosted 6-8 times per year at the Oconee Electricity Metering Manufacturing Facility located in West Union, S.C.

Basic Electricity Meter and Data Management Software Systems Training
This training class is free to customers on Itron's Electricity Metering Support Program. Individuals who are with utilities that are not on paid support also have the option of paying to attend. Basic courses offer details for meter programming operations for our latest end-to-end solutions in Itron's PC-PRO+® Advanced Meter and Data Management Software. Itron's Electricity Meter and Data Management Systems Training will teach you to create programs, update meters, view data, and set up data acquisition systems to empower users to better serve their customers and protect their bottom line. This class provides all of the details users need to apply these end-to-end meter programming and diagnostic software solutions as a complete support package for the Itron family of metering products including:

PC-PRO+ Advanced

EnergyAudit™

MeterKey ™

Advanced Electricity Meter and Data Management Software Systems Training
This is a free opportunity for customers on Itron's Electricity Metering Support Program. Individuals who are with utilities that are not on paid support also have the option of paying to attend. These courses help customers to expand their programming and meter data management skills with advanced systems training on Itron's meter and data management software. Itron's programming experts give customers the knowledge to empower their utility to better serve its customers and protect its bottom line. Itron teaches all attendees advanced level programming skills required to maximize using the complete support package for the Itron family of metering products including:

Meter configuration and diagnostics

Data acquisition and analysis

Voltage and power quality analysis

In February of 2007, Itron at Oconee unveiled a new state-of-the-art 3,200 square-foot training facility to provide our customers with a variety of hands-on labs, software demonstrations and opportunities to troubleshoot with our expert team of marketing and engineering professionals.

2008 Training Calendar:

May 6-9, 2008 Oconee Training Facility - West Union, S.C.
Registration expires April 28, 2008

June 10-12 Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (L'UQTR)
Registration expires June 3, 2008

August 5-8 Oconee Training Facility - West Union, S.C.
Registration expires July 28, 2008

November 11-14 Oconee Training Facility - West Union, S.C.
Registration expires November 3, 2008

Momentum Growing for Service Switch Meters

In 2004, Chartwell stated in their AMR report that 34% of 119 major utilities were considering deploying remote service switches, devices that can connect, limit, and disconnect service without a visit from a field worker. Based on the increasing interest in improving customer service, deploying advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) systems, addressing concerns from an aging workforce, interest in remote service switches has only increased in recent years.

Significant advancements have been made in network and service switch technology since 2004 that are making evident this technology is likely to become a traditional part of the business case for a two-way network mass deployment. A remote service switch is a versatile device that offers many ways to justify the cost of implementing the devices. Lowering field service costs, enabling prepaid metering, and helping credit management all contribute to the return on investment in remote service switches. Benefits related specifically to AMI and Smart Grid applications include demand side management, direct load control, expedited and more controlled outage recovery and distributed generation.

While the perceived benefits contribute to making a strong case, other marketplace requirements such as security issues and customer service are not as clear. With this functionality comes the ability to shut down every home, which is a top security concern internally and externally to the utility. In the rare and unfortunate cases where a customer's power needs to be limited or disconnect for credit issues, relationships with customers remains a priority; proper business procedures need to be developed and followed to ensure customer safety and utility regulatory compliance.

The OpenWay® CENTRON® meter is available with an optional remote service switch integrated into the base of the meter in a low profile, compact package. This 200-amp switch meets the ANSI C12.20 specification. It's rated for 30,000 mechanical cycles, and 5,000 cycles under full load. The switch can be configured to limit load used below 200 amps. Pressing a button on the front of the meter closes the switch once it has opened.

Given the versatility of remote service switches, utilities will increasingly consider them as part of their overall advanced metering and customer service plans.