Itron Applies Breakthroughs in Smart Metering to Water Technology in France

MACON, France—July 7, 2011—Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), a leading provider of metering and associated software systems, announced today that it has broadened its remote radio water metering solutions with new enhanced data features to help utilities optimize resources. Itron is thus willing to help utilities cope with increased regulatory and operational efficiency requirements.

As a result of the new features, which have been added to Itron's EverBlu solution, utilities can now detect which meters in their system are either too small or too big, based on the water flowing through them. Access to this data improves the supply network efficiency and helps utilities provide accurate invoices.

With new data logging capabilities, utilities can monitor and analyze consumption flowing through large meters (such as those in large-scale industrial applications, schools, and hospitals) to detect abnormal water usage that can cause adverse effects.

The system can also detect any discrepancy in measured consumption, helping identify leaks. Utilities can use this information to raise consumer awareness in water conservation and resource management.

In conjunction with its established remote data collection features, Itron has also developed a reliable and powerful analysis tool, addressing the environmental and economic concerns of today's utilities.

In addition to developing innovative new technology to help utilities better manage their resources, Itron closely works with its clients during all stages of their projects, offering a wide range of services, from training, and system implementation to software and hardware maintenance.

"Linked to either fixed or mobile data collection technology, our new technology and proven global expertise has allowed us to remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry," said Marcel Régnier, president and COO, Itron Water.