Lincoln Electric System Expands Contract with Itron to Complete Meter Replacement Project

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.—April 7, 2015—Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that Lincoln Electric System (LES), a publicly owned, municipal electric utility serving approximately 135,000 customers in and around the city of Lincoln, Neb., has expanded its contract with Itron to continue installation of automated meter reading (AMR) technology across the remainder of its service territory.

"Itron's technology is an important component of our Mobile Meter Reading Project and is enabling LES to streamline its meter reading process, achieve system efficiencies and address business priorities," said Lisa Hale, LES vice president of customer services. "LES will use Itron's solution with mobile collectors to improve day-to-day meter reading operations and reduce vehicle trips to the field."

As part of the contract, Itron distributor, the Dutton-Lainson Company, located in Hastings, Neb., will provide LES with more than 100,000 Itron electricity meters over the next 12 to 18 months.

"Itron and the Dutton-Lainson Company are glad to extend Itron's metering solution to the rest of LES' territory," said Lou Gust, Itron vice president of sales and marketing for electricity in North America. "Our solution will help LES better serve its customers while improving its operations. Our long-standing relationship and work with LES demonstrates how we are helping utilities better manage their resources for a more resourceful world."