Itron, Inc. recently announced that Aqua America, Inc. has installed its 600,000th Itron communication module. Aqua America, a U.S.-based, publicly-traded water utility, serves approximately 3 million people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana, Florida and Virginia.
From automated meter reading to advanced data collection solutions, Aqua America has been deploying Itron?s communication modules and associated technology for more than 10 years. The company has plans to use Itron?s 100W communication modules in future deployments and upgrades, enabling the utility to leverage time-synchronized interval data. The flexibility of Itron?s water solutions gives Aqua America the ability to migrate its systems when the time is right.
Recently, Aqua America selected Itron?s water AMI solution, including 100W modules and fixed network data collection for a pilot project in Gettysburg, Pa. The project will help the utility increase operational efficiencies and gain better insights into customer water usage.
?The success of our partnership with Itron has exceeded our expectations and confirmed our strategy to enhance customer service and maximize operating efficiency in our regulated operations,? said Christopher Franklin, Aqua America?s executive vice president and chief operating officer of regulated operations. ?We have been very satisfied with our progress and with the exceptional performance of our AMR system. We look forward to the additional benefits anticipated from converting to Itron?s 100W communication module.?
Aqua America?s mobile and fixed network systems reduce costs associated with meter reading, meter shop maintenance and operations within the administrative and customer call centers. Franklin said that as the utility begins deploying advanced communication modules, it looks forward to additional operational efficiencies and cost savings. Further, the company plans to use the leak detection and reverse flow capabilities of the Itron solution as a means to improve customer service and optimize the distribution system.
?Aqua America has been a great partner to Itron over the years,? said Paula Billingham, Itron regional vice president and managing director for North American Water. ?It is a privilege to work with such an innovative, forward-looking utility that is dedicated to better serving its customers and creating more efficient operations.?
