Itron Releases OpenWay® Collection Engine with Enhanced Security Features

Industry leading release to be implemented by customers for smart metering

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — February 11, 2009 — Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today the release and initial shipments of an enhanced security version of its OpenWay Collection Engine that enables strong authentication and enhanced security for use in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployments.

While the current version of OpenWay software is fully compliant with security and encryption to meet industry and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C12.22 standards, the optional enhanced security version exceeds these requirements by providing industry leading security consistent with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) “Critical Cyber Asset” requirements.

Based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), Itron is utilizing Certicom's AMI 7000® series of meter communication encryption and key management appliances in OpenWay to secure end-to-end network messages from the OpenWay Collection Engine down to the OpenWay CENTRON® meter.

The security architecture inherent to OpenWay, combined with these enhanced signing and encryption capabilities, is designed to meet the two-way command and control needs for AMI and Smart Grid network platforms. It provides strong integrity of control, non-repudiation, availability and confidentiality.

"Our customers are demanding a level of security that is currently not provided by anyone in this industry," said Philip Mezey, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Itron North America. "With the release of our optional enhanced security version, Itron now offers unparalleled network and metering system security, further enhancing our energy management and measurement technologies as we work toward development of the Smart Grid."

About Itron

Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com.

Itron® is a registered trademark of Itron, Inc. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated.

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