Itron will join the group of partners collaborating with Avista on its smart grid demonstration project in Washington

 
The Pullman project is part of the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project led by Battelle which will enable customers in Pullman to participate in testing technology and shaping smart grid implementation in the region.  The project is designed to use “smart grid technologies, including advanced metering technology and enhanced utility communication, to automate parts of the energy distribution system so consumers can monitor their energy consumption, increase power grid reliability, incorporate renewable energy sources and provide shorter restoration times for local outages.”  Don Kopczynski, vice president of transmission and distribution operations for Avista says his company “is pleased to be working with Itron to incorporate smart metering and data management solutions, which are key to preparing the electric distribution system for future technologies,”  In addition to Itron, Avista is teaming with a number of regional entities for the $38 million Pullman project, including the City of Pullman , Washington State University, Hewlett-Packard and Spirae.

Smart meters will be used to provide detailed energy usage data, reduce outage response times, and ensure power reliability. Itron’s meter data management solution will help provide analytics to optimize distribution system reliability in the area. Philip Mezey, Itron North America senior vice president and COO says, “We are excited to have yet another forward-looking utility choose an Itron solution as it looks to realize the benefits of the smart grid. Avista joins a growing list of utilities demonstrating how advanced technology will allow providers to better understand and manage energy delivery.”