Verizon Wireless and Itron Combine Forces to Harness the Power of Wireless Technology in Advanced Metering and Smart Grid Market

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., LAS VEGAS, BASKING RIDGE, N.J., — April 1, 2009 — Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) and Verizon Wireless announced today a joint marketing agreement for development of secure, two-way communications that support utilities' access to energy usage data and advance their smart grid projects. Operating on Verizon Wireless' network, the Itron OpenWay® Cell Relay now allows utilities to more quickly collect, measure and manage energy data, while providing a reliable and affordable supply of power without having to build and operate proprietary communications networks.

A primary component of Itron's advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solution, OpenWay by Itron, the OpenWay Cell Relay is the router for the Itron radio frequency local-area network (RFLAN). The relay, now certified to run on Verizon Wireless' network through the wireless leader's open development program, solidifies integration between the OpenWay RFLAN and the wide-area network (WAN) provided by Verizon Wireless' nationwide, high-speed CDMA (1x EV-DO and 1xRTT) wireless data network. The Verizon Wireless network is now available as a WAN backhaul connection option in the OpenWay architecture. Ultimately, this provides a secure, open-standards approach to data collection and communications with the meter or other smart grid devices.

"AMI is a key foundational component of the smart grid. And given recent legislation that provides $4.5 billion in funding for smart grid investments, this is a big initiative," said Philip Mezey, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Itron North America. "Working side by side with Verizon Wireless, harnessing the expertise of both companies, we're more effectively expanding the power of wireless technology, thus, broadening smart grid opportunities for our customers."

The OpenWay Cell Relay is available either incorporated within the OpenWay CENTRON® meter or in pole-mounted, ruggedized housing. The OpenWay architecture delivers operational efficiency, empowers all customers to participate in energy management and conservation, and serves as a cornerstone in connecting utilities to the smart grid.

"As the demand for smart grid technologies continues to grow, we recognize that our utility customers need the latest technology to better serve their customers," said Mark Bartolomeo, vice president of enterprise data at Verizon Wireless. "Our joint marketing agreement with Itron helps Verizon Wireless provide customers with an important part of their smart grid platform. Combined with the speed and reliability of the Verizon Wireless network, this offers utilities a cost-effective advanced metering infrastructure solution."

The communications architecture of OpenWay is fully compliant with the American National Standards Institute C12.22 protocol for transport of device data over a network and remains independent of any particular communications technology. This means multiple transport technologies, including mobile networks, can be seamlessly integrated into a single architecture to deliver the best combination of reliability and cost effectiveness.