Itron & Tropos' Smart Grid Chosen - Analyst Blog
June 29 2011 - 7:00AM
Zacks
Itron Inc. (ITRI)
and Tropos Networks’ jointly developed Smart Grid solution has been
chosen by Avista Corp. (AVA) as part of its $38
million Smart Grid Demonstration Project in the city of Pullman,
Washington, and in a nearby locality of Albion.
The sole objective of using
automated smart technologies is to simplify the energy distribution
system and increase the accountability, reliability and efficiency
of the system. Besides, the system will also reduce the outage
time, incorporate renewable energy sources, and offer customers
solutions to monitor their energy usage.
Itron’s OpenWay Integrated Cell
Router and OpenWay 7320 wireless broadband router will be used for
smart grid communications. Both incorporate Tropos’ GridCom, a
wireless broadband technology. The network will connect smart
meters and distribution automation devices, laying the foundation
of cost-effective, reliable and high performance communications,
making the operations and deployment easier.
Itron’s OpenWay Control, which is
based on Tropos Control, will be managing the visibility and
configuration and will also monitor the performance and network
fault.
For Avista, the implementation of
the OpenWay-Tropos smart grid communications solution will combine
the two network technologies, reducing the number of devices to be
managed and supported by Avista. As part of the project, the
installation of Itron OpenWay meters for Avista’s 13,000 electric
and 5,000 gas customers has already been completed in May.
The project will also enable Avista
to centrally monitor the situation and take quick actions for power
outages and decide which DA devices need repair and maintenance
with the help of real-time communication provided to DA devices.
Thus, this part of the project includes the installation of 13
distribution feeders, 45 reclosers, 20 capacitor banks and 800
transformers, using the Tropos GridCom wireless broadband network
for communications.
Itron-Tropos’ smart grid technology
is economical and provides reliable data backhaul to the utility
and support for advanced distribution applications. Thus, the
combined solution from both the companies is likely to provide a
powerful foundation for Demonstration project in Pullman.
Prior to this, Itron-Tropos’ smart
grid solution was selected by DTE Energy Co. energy provider to 2.1
million electric customers in Southeastern Michigan along with
another company, Tropos Networks, for its $168 million
SmartCurrents program. The phase one of the program extended to
more than 500 square miles and included the installation of
approximately 800,000 Itron OpenWay meters, of which almost 300,000
OpenWay meters were already installed. We currently have a Zacks #4
Rank (short-term Sell recommendation) on the stock.
Itron is a leading technology
provider to the global energy and water industries. It is the
world's leading supplier of intelligent metering, data collection
and utility software solutions, with nearly 8,000 utilities
worldwide, relying on its technology to optimize the delivery and
use of energy and water. It competes with the likes of
General Electric Co. (GE) and Roper
Industries Inc. (ROP).
AVISTA CORP (AVA): Free Stock Analysis Report
GENL ELECTRIC (GE): Free Stock Analysis Report
ITRON INC (ITRI): Free Stock Analysis Report
ROPER INDS INC (ROP): Free Stock Analysis Report
Zacks Investment Research
Avista (NYSE:AVA)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2024 to Jun 2024
Avista (NYSE:AVA)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2023 to Jun 2024