Itron, Inc.: Safe, Responsive, and Responsive Grids
energycioinsights
Home » Smart Energy » Vendors » Itron, Inc.

Itron, Inc.: Safe, Responsive, and Responsive Grids

Follow Itron, Inc. on :

Philip Mezey, CEO & President , Itron, Inc.Philip Mezey, CEO & President
Despite the legacy grid infrastructure performing at its maximum capacity, the growing demand for greater throughput is pushing for smart and more secure architectures. To that end, the energy sector today is focusing on smart grids for improved efficiency and reduced wastage. Smart grids are driven by the latest technologies, enabling utility companies to serve not only today’s needs but also future requirements. At the forefront of grid technology revolution is Itron, a service company that caters to utility companies with robust and custom solutions.

Accurate connections between distribution transformers and individual meters are imperative for utilities to have optimized assets and reliable grids. During power outages, connections can be modified and meter connections can be rerouted to a different transformer but the utility records are not updated with the new connections created during repair and maintenance. Managing the network becomes troublesome over time with progressive repair cycles, resulting in lowered asset lifetime, operational inefficiencies, and energy losses. Itron Grid Connectivity is a system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to detect inaccurate connections in the distribution grid. Using machine learning models that analyze advanced meter voltage data, the system predicts the new connections and powers a cloud-based solution that updates the utility’s connectivity map. With this system, companies can detect fraud and provide secure line-to-line connectivity for accurate billing information. It also provides constant vigilance over the grid network, allowing utilities to detect tampered and replaced meters.

Itron also provides a modular smart meter designed to integrate with modern smart grid infrastructures.

For utilities demanding improved metering, superior control, and enhanced communication, the modular smart meter—as an adaptive platform—can adapt to the evolving advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). The modular design of the meter allows for two-field swappable modules which can be changed without tampering metrology seals and nullifying certifications. This bi-channel communication ability means that the meter can accommodate various communication interfaces ranging from wireless cellular communications and WAN to home networks. This flexible range of communication improves the interactions between the utility company and the end-user. Itron’s modular meter allows utility companies to remotely upgrade meter functions and communication protocols that make this system future-ready and meet the changing regulations and market requirements.

Itron’s modular meter allows utility companies to remotely upgrade meter functions and communication protocols that make this system future-ready and meet the changing regulations and market requirements.


These smart meters are also capable of monitoring network quality by measuring the properties of the power supplied. The meter can measure voltage, current, and frequency to determine power supply trends and, in turn, assess the quality of power through voltage loss and swells. They also come equipped with protection for the communication modules, a terminal and main cover, with the ability to detect magnetic anomalies that indicate fraudulent activities.

Itron leverages breakthrough IoT technologies to develop smart networks. The company ensures higher value return by enabling its clients with adaptive, secure, and scalable communications to extend assets’ life and bring improved performance. The networks provided by Itron are also designed keeping in mind smart cities which leverage sensors, devices, and application to generate economical opportunities, improve lifestyles, and reach sustainability goals. A future-oriented approach to enabling smart utilities keeps Itron ahead of the pack in the industry.

Share this Article:

Top Smart Energy Companies
Top 10 Smart Energy Solution Companies - 2020

Company
Itron, Inc.

Headquarters
Liberty Lake, WA

Management
Philip Mezey, CEO & President

Description
Itron Grid Connectivity is a system that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to detect inaccurate connections in the distribution grid. Using machine learning models that analyze advanced meter voltage data, the system predicts the new connections and powers a cloud-based solution that updates the utility’s connectivity map. With this system, companies can detect fraud and provide secure line-to-line connectivity for accurate billing information. It also provides constant vigilance over the grid network, allowing utilities to detect tampered and replaced meters.