Itron, Comverge Collaboration Further Advances Smart Grid Efforts
OpenWay®/Apollo Integration Enables Two Way, Real Time Communication between Utility and Customer
LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — June 24, 2009 — Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) and Comverge Inc. (Nasdaq: COMV) announced today the successful integration of OpenWay®, the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solution from Itron, and Comverge's Web-based demand management platform, Apollo™, enabling interactive, two-way communication between the utility and its customer, a significant step toward the smart grid.
This integration will enable utilities investing in AMI to expand energy efficiency and demand response programs. Leveraging the OpenWay infrastructure, Apollo allows utilities to communicate with energy management devices to perform demand response events and send and receive price and rate signals. The integration will aid in reducing strain on the electric grid during times of peak demand and help customers manage their energy costs.
"This development is another realization in the promise of our Apollo platform and is a significant step toward the smart grid vision of the future," said Comverge chief technology officer, Bud Vos. "The Apollo/OpenWay collaboration will facilitate a utility's adoption of AMI by providing a secure, real-time communication between utility and customer. The combination of these smart grid technologies enables a true two-way dialogue that will engage the consumer and utility and provide them with the necessary tools to use energy more efficiently."
The Comverge/Itron integration operates with the ZigBee® Smart Energy Profile within the home area network (HAN), allowing for seamless communication between utility and any in-home device in real-time, without the need for a broadband connection.
"This is yet another milestone in our ongoing partnership with Comverge," said Philip Mezey, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Itron North America. "Integration of our smart grid solution with the Apollo platform puts Itron and Comverge at the forefront of the AMI market, enabling a sophisticated solution for utilities that are seeking fiscally and environmentally responsible ways for customers to respond to peak demand periods."
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