Gas New Jersey Natural Gas Streamlines Efficiencies by Installing Itron Field Collection System As utilities continue to focus on operational efficiency, while keeping up with the latest software programming standards, Itron's ChoiceConnect™ AMR technology offers utilities the system flexibility they need. click here for more information Gas Connections at the 2008 Itron User's Conference For gas providers, the Itron Users' Conference is your connection to the latest advancements and trends in gas metering and reading technologies. click here for more information

New Jersey Natural Gas Streamlines Efficiencies by Installing Itron Field Collection System
		Opportunity As a leader in the competitive energy marketplace, New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) continuously looks at opportunities to maximize operational efficiencies. At NJNG, providing exceptional service requires flexible end-to-end solutions that reliably collect meter data, enabling them to deliver accurate information back to their customers in a timely manner.
Leveraging its existing technologies, NJNG is committed to migrating to technologies that provide seamless integration with current billing systems, advanced meter data management systems, and workforce management solutions. In this spirit, the utility began looking for a state-of-the-art, flexible and reliable automated meter reading (AMR) system to replace its aging meter reading processes. This included use of Premierplus4, Itron's first-generation client/server meter reading system. The utility had a detailed list of considerations for the purchase including maintenance costs, training support and resources, and accommodation of the utility's organizational changes—combined they would determine which meter reading system application would prove most attractive for NJNG. "We knew to look at Itron for a meter reading system application because they have always provided us with reliable products and strong customer support without the high maintenance and ownership costs that can be typical of software vendors in our industry," stated Rico Soccodato, an IT operations team member at NJNG. "When you have continuous organizational change, a system change-out is attractive. Itron's proven experience with this type of reading system change-out was a key selling point for us." Solution NJNG purchased Itron's Field Collection System (FCS) and replaced its existing meter reading system. FCS is part of ChoiceConnect™, Itron's industry leading suite of walk-by, drive-by and network technologies that work alone or together to meet customer's specific objectives. This also helped to maximize on its investment in existing Itron FC200 handhelds. "As we considered expanding to full AMR, we needed a meter reading system that would provide a clear migration path to meeting future needs. This system needed to work with a portfolio of AMR technologies," said Soccodato. Keeping billing and reading operations uninterrupted at NJNG was also a priority. "First, we prepared our teams internally with clear details on requirements for the install. Our goal was to get our IT group organized and get as many transitions in progress prior to Itron's first site visit," Soccodato said. "The effort on our side from an applications perspective played a very large role in setting our utility up for a successful installation. What makes us flourish is working straight out of the gate on understanding the application's environment and how the technical staff works." Typically, a meter reading system conversion takes four to six months. Itron and NJNG had the installation complete and all offices operating in production in only seven weeks—an unprecedented time frame for implementation. Benefits When considering FCS, a major selling point for NJNG was being able to maintain its existing interface system. NJNG found they could deploy FCS without costly internal IT or third-party software customizations. The installation was seamless. Further expediting the process was enhancements to FCS that allowed the application server to import and export Premiereplus4 .MRI files. This allowed the utility to change out the meter reading system without the need to program a new customer information system (CIS) interface. The feature is built into FCS and controlled by a parameter selected by the customer, who can switch to native FCS .XML file interfaces at any time with no need to install or uninstall software. As utilities continue to focus on operational efficiency, while keeping up with the latest software programming standards, Itron's ChoiceConnect AMR technology offers utilities the system flexibility they need. The exclusive suite presents utility customers with an interchangeable, interoperable solution that they can customize to fit their ever-changing and expanding needs. Contact your Itron representative to learn more about the many ways Itron can help improve your business, or to know more, start here: www.itron.com. About New Jersey Natural Gas New Jersey Natural Gas is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), a Fortune 1000 company and a member of the Forbes Platinum 400. NJNG is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the United States, serving more than 471,000 customers in New Jersey's Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Morris counties.

Gas Connections at the 2008 Itron User's Conference
		The 2008 Itron Users' Conference is almost upon us. Taking place October 19 - 21 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, the conference can be summed up in one word: connection. It's a word that applies to success in so many areas of the utility industry. For gas providers, the Itron Users' Conference is your connection to the latest advancements and trends in gas metering and reading technologies. As in years past, the conference is the ultimate blend
of sessions, workshops and round table discussions, giving forward-thinking individuals an uncommon opportunity to share knowledge relevant to our industry. The gas-specific sessions this year are a blend of forward-looking topics on advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), continued benefits from automated meter reading (AMR) deployments, and overall metering and collection product developments and advancements. Some of the gas topics to be presented include: AMI for Natural Gas Building an AMI Business Case in the Gas Marketplace Strategic Deployment and Business Case Development at Gas Utilities Electronic Measurement in Gas: Overview of Available Technology and Their Features and Benefits Gas AMR Implementation: Lessons Learned ERT Lifecycle Management Round Table - Gas Battery Product 100G Gas ERT® Module NSTAR's Gas Meter Improvement Program Overview of a Daily Gas Throughput Model Gas Round Table For full descriptions of any of these and other topics, please click here. To take part in the 2008 Itron Users' Conference, be sure to register soon. If you sign up before September 12, you'll save $200 on your registration fee.