Electricity AMR Case Study: Tucson Electric Power Enjoys Core AMI Benefits at Lower Cost Tucson Electric Power was asked by state regulators to shift energy demand to off-peak hours to defer the cost of new energy generation—see how they're approaching it with Itron Fixed Network. click here for more information The Drive to Improve Mobile Data Collection MC3, Itron's newest data collection solution offers unparalleled drive-by meter reading performance—up to 10,000 ERTs per minute and is small enough to fit in any vehicle. click here for more information Eka Systems Partners with Itron for Two-Way Mobile RF Technology Enhanced solution enables remote demand reset and time-of-use capabilities. click here for more information Tune into Multiple Channels and Greater Noise Rejection with SRead Radio The latest radio technology for Itron's ChoiceConnect™ wireless automated meter reading solutions is SRead radio, which goes above and beyond current radio performance. click here for more information Product Update: MV-PBS, the Next Big Thing in Complex Rate Billing Billing customers with complex rates is challenging for most utilities, but MV-PBS v5.0 takes on those challenges to improve operational efficiency. click here for more information Paddling Toward Confidence in Your Revenue Stream A number of industry drivers are leading to increased energy theft, and Itron offers two revenue assurance technologies to aid utilities in detecting theft of service. click here for more information

Fixed Network Provides Advanced Metering Functionality for Tucson Electric Power Utility Enjoying Many of AMI's Benefits at Significantly Lower Cost
		Opportunity Tucson is home to the University of Arizona and ranks as the second-largest city in the state. The City of Tucson's population in 2006 was 534,685 and it continues to swell. Including its surrounding area, Tucson recently exceeded 1,000,000 people. Along with its new inhabitants comes higher demand for affordable housing. Consequently, Tucson is being developed very quickly. Jim Taylor, metering services supervisor for Tucson Electric Power (TEP), has witnessed this growth firsthand. His day-to-day
involvement in ensuring new homes have access to electricity and are metered accordingly, gives him a front row seat to Tucson's rapid development. This continual expansion, in addition to TEP's innovative culture, is what ultimately led TEP to begin automating its meter reading in early 2001. Over the last six years, of its 400,000 mass market meters, TEP has deployed over 80,000 new and replacement ERT-enabled CENTRON® meters. However, during deployment, a new business requirement emerged. TEP and other investor-owned utilities (IOUs) in the state with existing time-based, or TOU rate structures, began working with their regulatory body, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), to expand upon the programs. The ultimate goal was to shift energy demand to off-peak hours, thus deferring the cost of new generation. For this strategy to succeed, TEP would need to expand the number of customers who use time-based rates, which incorporate higher fees for peak energy consumption and lower fees for power used during off-peak periods. Ideally, such programs provide customers with tools to manage their energy consumption and costs. Implementing an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system with two-way communication to every meter would support time-based rates, but advanced metering meant additional associated costs for TEP including replacing existing meters with ones that can store TOU data, as well as an increase in the monthly meter reading costs due to extra registers. These costs were deterrents to the strategic implementation of more time-based rates. So TEP's innovative spirit led Taylor and his team to work with Itron to implement a "smart network" that meets TEP's core requirements for advanced metering at a substantially lower cost than a new AMI system. Solution Taylor's team envisioned a solution that would integrate with their existing deployment of ERT-enabled meters by collecting interval data. It would then utilize their Itron Enterprise Edition™ (IEE) Meter Data Management (MDM) software application to aggregate the intervals for the time-based rates and serve the data up to their customer information system. They sought a system solution that would allow them to build in redundancy from the meter to the collection engine with exceptional system reliability, energy diversion notification and also help improve their outage response. The Itron Fixed Network, a technology immediately available to the utility, satisfied these requirements while still helping them to control their operational costs. Today, Itron Fixed Network technology is using wireless communication to automate meter data collection for TEP. The network collects interval data to support TOU pricing, and also provides positive outage and restoration notification to improve outage response and system reliability. To achieve network reliability while also optimizing data backhaul costs, TEP utilizes an innovative approach to take advantage of the flexibility that the Itron cell control unit (CCU) provides. Within a separate box, adjacent to the Itron CCU, TEP mounts three items: an Ethernet router, a Motorola Canopy WiFi radio and a cellular modem. All three of the devices are Ethernet-enabled and are connected to the IP-addressed CCU via an Ethernet port off the router. The utility's IT department installed several configuration settings on the router that enable either backhaul method to use the same IP address for both the WiFi and cellular connection when active. This way the Fixed Network head-end software always knows the correct IP address for the CCU and its security settings can be maintained. The router within the external box to the CCU has the intelligence to choose a primary path (in this case the most cost-effective - Canopy WiFi). It also has the logic to switch paths if the primary is down for some reason. TEP also employed its considerable expertise in solar technology to power CCUs and accompanying communications located where power is too costly or does not exist. Solar panels satisfy 100 percent of the power requirements at these locations, including seven-day battery backup capabilities. To gather the data, the Itron radio-based endpoints transmit consumption and meter tamper data at regular intervals to the network of CCUs. Overhead repeaters are used to fill holes in endpoint-to-collector coverage, further optimizing the cost effectiveness of the network. The collectors then backhaul the meter data to the Fixed Network application software. The application software processes and will then pass the data to the IEE platform, which in turn will manage and distribute the meter data to billing systems, direct-customer access programs and advanced analysis applications. Benefits TEP and Itron's collaboration on the project has resulted in 3,000 meters being read every 10 minutes at 100 percent reliability by the fixed network. "We have developed a modular approach to the sighting of CCUs and repeaters to achieve the desired redundancy. We believe this redundancy will closely match what we will see with a mass deployment. Our continual efforts to break the pilot network and find its flaws have failed," says Taylor. With an average of 115,000 off-cycle reads annually, the utility is looking forward to reducing the cost of its service reads, and also its on-cycle reads; both by an estimated 90 percent or more per meter. In terms of overall expense for the utility, their integrated meter provides the most critical AMI functionality they were seeking-interval data, on-demand reads and outage detection-at less cost than a new AMI system. The meter data in the meter data management database will also be leveraged for other business functions by utilizing the knowledge-based applications that Itron offers. "We can have all the benefits of a two way communications system without remote connect/disconnect, at a significantly reduced cost. The extra expense of providing this capability for every customer is not warranted since a large percent of our customers never require a connect or disconnect of service," says Taylor. Not only were these benefits attractive to the TEP team; they also caught the attention of their regulatory commission. The ACC has incorporated a 'smart networking' initiative, in addition to an already-existing 'smart metering' initiative, and has recommended that other IOUs look into a similar strategy for their TOU rates. Tucson Electric Power realized that although AMI is likely the technology of the future, Itron's field-proven Fixed Network solutions are meeting the challenges of the present at a reasonable cost.

The Drive to Improve Mobile Data Collection
		MC3 represents the next generation in drive-by data collection for Itron's ChoiceConnect™ AMR data collection suite. Its combination of performance, portability and affordability provide for improvements to a utility's operations, regardless of the type or size of their service. MC3 helps a utility to maximize efficiency and reduce costs associated with meter reading operations while still allowing for superb customer service.
Powered by Itron SRead™ radio technology, the MC3 offers unparalleled drive-by meter reading performance, up to 10,000 ERTs per minute, yet is small enough to fit in any vehicle and can be easily transferred between vehicles, eliminating the need for a vehicle dedicated to meter reading. Whether it's electric, gas or water, from monthly consumption reads to mobile demand reset for electric meters, the MC3 is read performance, accuracy and ease-of-use-all in one cost-effective solution. Functionality Profile MC3 can collect up to 100,000 readings a day in a single route or multiple routes being read simultaneously. The potential savings are substantial when compared to the few hundred meters read per day by a typical walk-by system. Other functions include: Out-of-route readings used to fulfill off-cycle reading requests without dispatching a technician Equipped with GPS mapping, MC3 allows the meter reader to visually confirm which meters have been read and which have not, or if any have a special priority on any given route. Once the route has been completed, the mobile administrator can "play back" the route and identify opportunities to improve reliability Combine Mobile Collector software v3.0 with MC3 and Mobile Collector 2.5 systems equipped with Eka Systems mobile AMR technology to perform mobile demand reset and collect up to 50 register values. This advanced AMR functionality introduces automatic demand reset functions inline with normal drive-by routes for additional operational efficiency. These readings are processed with Itron meter reading software and can be read simultaneously while reading Itron ERTs. Never before has such robust mobile meter reading performance been contained in such a convenient and affordable package. For more information about how MC3 can improve your AMR efforts, e-mail us at knowledge@itron.com.

Itron Partners with Eka Systems for Two-Way Mobile RF Technology Collaboration Enables Remote Demand Reset
		In mid-2007, Itron solidified its partnership with Eka Systems, a leading provider of mobile wireless technology, to augment our ERT-based data collection suite. This enhanced solution provides utility mobile automated meter reading (AMR) systems with remote demand reset and time-of-use (TOU) capabilities. The partnership also provides a seamless integration with Itron's meter reading software platforms. Itron is pleased to provide utilities with Eka Systems two-way mobile technology to remotely read and reset demand on Itron CENTRON® Polyphase solid-state electricity meters and gather data utilizing Itron's meter reading software platforms. The agreement enables utilities to use the combination of Itron and Eka mobile technologies to retrieve metering data from residential, commercial
and industrial meters without changing their existing route structure. Eka Systems has reliable, Internet-enabled wireless device networking technology for monitoring, control, and integration of the utility and energy infrastructure. "We are very excited to be working with Itron, the leader in mobile AMR to enhance their solution for commercial and industrial metering," said Prakash Chakravarthi, CEO, Eka Systems. "The combination of Itron and Eka addresses a substantial market requirement and will deliver significant value to utilities and their customers." "A need to remotely reset demand with a mobile AMR system is required by many electric utilities today," said Kip Gering, senior product manager for mobile and handheld systems. "We are excited to combine Eka Systems' two-way mobile solution with our Mobile Collection system to enhance the value of mobile AMR for our customers."

Tune into Multiple Channels and Greater Noise Rejection with SRead Radio
		SRead represents the next generation in radio technology for Itron's ChoiceConnect™ wireless automated meter reading (AMR) solutions. Built on Itron's superior Raptor Radio technology, SRead goes above and beyond current radio performance by introducing multiple channels, improved receiver sensitivity and advanced noise rejection. SRead radio can see and receive up to 80 ERT messages simultaneously. When the ERTs are seen by SRead radio, they are quickly captured and processed. The 80 channels are 200 kHz and each channel acts as its own radio. In essence, it is similar to having 80 radios working independently. Although many radios have very good noise reduction, SRead takes it a step further. Noise still affects SRead, but only limited channels. If noise is extremely
bad and cannot be discarded, it will only influence channels where noise is present. All other channels will continue to receive ERTs. In recent years, Itron has taken great strides to improve applicable endpoints and receivers in handhelds and other devices. SRead is capable of programming newer endpoints from Itron in the "free band" frequency, a 908-924 MHz band available to anyone. The frequency is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission who requires devices to "hop" around to all frequencies to accommodate numerous users. This "hopping" requires a more complex receiver, like SRead, for listening to several frequencies at the same time. SRead is also a full duplex radio-capable of transmitting and receiving reads at the same time. Itron has helped numerous utilities improve their meter reading efficiencies through use of our advanced radio technology. SRead is the next generation of Itron radio technology helping utilities to grow their meter reading capabilities for the future. Utilities interested in gaining a better understanding of SRead radio technology and its benefits should contact their Itron distributor or account executive for further assistance.

Product Update: MV-PBS, the Next Big Thing in Complex Rate Billing
		Itron is pleased to announce the release of MV-PBS v5.0. This latest release includes numerous enhancements to improve operational efficiency and provide added functionality. MV-PBS is Itron's cost effective solution to the challenges associated with billing customers on complex rates. This billing and settlement solution automates the complex billing process, integrates the complex billing function with any upstream or downstream system,
and provides the ability to easily add or amend rates and customers. Highlights of this release include: Seamless integration with Itron Enterprise Edition™ Meter Data Management (IEE MDM) Enhanced customer, product and rate schedule import/export for simplified configuration transfer Support for Windows Vista™ Enhanced graphical interface user controls for operational efficiency Increased product formula functionality Support for Oracle® 10g client and server The continued enhancement of MV-PBS represents Itron's pursuit to improve support for complex billing and settlements by providing a software solution that is robust, flexible, user-friendly and meets the challenges of an ever-changing utility industry. We would like to thank all of our customers who provide the feedback and assistance necessary to help identify and implement enhancements that improve our products. We also urge MV-PBS users to continue to notify us of ways to further enhance our product and its value to their organizations. For information on MV-PBS, please contact: Malcolm Green MV-PBS/MV-WEB Product Manager Office: 919-582-1162 Mobile: 919-637-8281 malcolm.green@itron.com

Paddling Toward Confidence in Your Revenue Stream Several industry drivers are leading to increased energy theft, including rising global energy costs and deployment of automated meter reading (AMR) systems. Itron offers two revenue assurance technologies to aid utilities in detecting theft of service. The first, Itron Enterprise Edition™ Revenue Protection Suite (RPS), is robust software that provides utilities and revenue investigators with advanced analytical tools to improve the discovery and recovery of unaccounted-for electricity or gas. The second is an innovative, hosted service called Revenue Assurance Service (RAS) that helps utilities recover non-billed revenue-the difference between potential revenue from energy supplied and actual energy billed. Although they share in somewhat similar acronyms and a common purpose-keeping rates down for customers-they differ in several important ways. As previously mentioned, RPS is a powerful software application, whereas, RAS is a comprehensive service offering. RPS addresses part of commercial revenue losses, generally a result of theft from known accounts (tampering) as well as un-metered and mis-metered energy. RAS attends these as well as administrative revenue losses that typically result from uncollected debt, improper billing and bad debt. In terms of customer-type, RPS applies to residential and small commercial accounts. RAS extends to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Although both utilize Itron's Revenue Assurance Model (RAM), RAS is provided as a joint offering between Itron and Bass & Company Management Consultants. The partnership enables use of Bass' algorithms which stem from expertise and extensive knowledge in the revenue assurance field. RAS also differs in that it values losses and uses a utility's customer information system (CIS), management information system and Windows® Rights Management Services information. RPS does not value losses and consumes reading information and some CIS information. The external data sources vary as well, since RPS uses zip-code and weather data while RAS utilizes SIC, zip+4, credit score and weather data. The final difference is pricing--RPS is priced by meter and RAS is priced on a gain share model. Utilities lose up to an estimated 3 percent or more of potential annual revenue from preventable, non-technical losses along the meter-to-cash value chain. From theft and tamper to billing and customer account issues, Itron's revenue assurance solutions-RPS for losses that occur on the meter, and RAS for administrative and meter losses-can build confidence in your revenue stream and maximize your bottom line.