Smart metering solutions provider Itron has been selected by FirstEnergy, one of the largest investor-owned utilities in the U.S, to deploy smart grid solution across its four Pennsylvania-based utilities.
Under this contract, the utility will deploy Itron’s OpenWay smart grid solution across its four utilities including Metropolitan Edison, Pennsylvania Electric, Pennsylvania Power and West Penn Power.
The solution features an IPv6 network architecture jointly developed by Itron and Cisco. It will help modernize FirstEnergy’s electricity distribution system and enable advanced capabilities and consumer programs.
“After a rigorous selection process, Itron proved to be the vendor of choice based on its extensive industry experience and leadership, proven smart metering technology and ability to support Act 129 requirements comprehensively,” said John Dargie, vice president of energy efficiency at FirstEnergy.
“We are excited to realize the potential of this advanced technology that will allow us to modernize our grid today while preparing for smart grid applications of tomorrow,” Dargie added.
The multi-service smart grid network will provide FirstEnergy with flexible infrastructure that supports Act 129 regulatory requirements for smart metering, the company said.
FirstEnergy will install more than 2 million Itron smart meters over the next several years, meeting all the functional and business requirements outlined in Act 129 passed by the Pennsylvania legislature in 2008 to increase energy efficiency in the state.
Itron will also implement sophisticated back-office data collection software, including Itron’s meter data management, collection engine and reporting software, and Cisco’s Connected Grid Network Management System, the company said.
Mark de Vere White, president of Itron’s electricity business unit, said, “In today’s resource-constrained world, responsible management of energy and water is more important than ever. With smart technologies, we are helping FirstEnergy solve key business challenges and support a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.”