Itron Technology to Deliver Natural Gas Metering in Bolivia

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.—March 11, 2011—Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that it has delivered 100,000 residential gas meters, 8,500 commercial meters and two test benches to Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), the state-owned petroleum and gas company in Bolivia.

Itron was contracted after a decision by the Bolivian government to give residents access to Bolivia's own natural gas supplies for their homes, instead of having to import more expensive liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Itron is the sole supplier of the 100,000 residential and 8,500 commercial meters to YPFB, as well as two test benches. With a local factory in Argentina, Itron was able to provide more delivery flexibility and efficient, timely support in Spanish. Strong pre-sales service and close collaboration with its distributor Mashmedic supported Itron in obtaining this project. Itron also provided training on metrology, the use of test benches and gas measurement so YPFB would be ready when the new meters were rolled out.

This contract is the first step in a five-year plan to install 500,000 meters across the country. Previously, most of Bolivia's natural gas had been exported to Brazil and Argentina, with most homes utilizing imported LPG as their primary energy source due to the lack of infrastructure to use the country's own gas supplies. With the government's new initiative, Bolivian residents will now have access to a more affordable resource and natural gas exports will continue.

Oscar López, gas network manager, YPFB said, "This is a real turnaround for residents of Bolivia. Using our natural gas will mean much cheaper bills for our residents. It makes more sense to use our own supplies than to import more expensive LPG. With Itron's help, we know we will have quality products to help us move forward with this change."

Marcel Regnier, senior vice president and COO, Itron International, commented, "Itron is proud to participate in such a sustainable program that will help secure more affordable energy for the people of Bolivia. We have both the global experience to provide high quality products and the local presence to ensure flexible deliveries, as well as customized and efficient support from our regional factory."