Greentech Lead America: Itron has announced the
availability of the latest metering solution OpenWay AURUM for the Brazilian
market.
AURUM offers utilities a solid platform on which to build
an advanced metering infrastructure that will support their needs today while
positioning them for future smart grid applications.
The new metering solution is capable of providing two-way
communication between utilities and connected assets in the field, allowing for
remote meter readings, control and monitoring of field components, power outage
and restoration notifications, and remote service connection and disconnection.
The product’s modular and flexible design combines
Itron’s metering and communication technology with unique packaging to help
utilities meet business objectives by lowering operational costs, improving
service and protecting revenue.
The Itron meter is housed in a secure box, which is
mounted on a utility pole rather than on a house or business, reducing the
possibility of meter tampering. In addition, AURUM takes advantage of Itron’s
RF mesh network to provide a cost effective solution for advanced metering and
smart metering initiatives.
“Itron is leveraging its technology and global smart grid
expertise to bring a solid solution that meets the unique needs of Brazilian
utilities,” said Gadner Vieira, general manager of Itron’s Energy Group in LAM.
Utilities in Brazil face challenges that significantly
impact operating costs. It is estimated that in Brazil, the losses in the
electricity distribution network are responsible for about fifteen percent of
the power purchased by distributors.
Vieira continued, “Utilities need sophisticated tools to
address the tremendous amount of technical and non-technical losses each year.
Itron’s new product, AURUM, is the technology that promises to become the
principal solution for utilities to deal with these issues while increasing
operational efficiency at the same time.”
AURUM reduces non-technical losses by allowing utilities
to manage hundreds of thousand meters with a single system, providing reliable,
synchronized and intelligent real-time information. Since these meters are
installed in a secured box on pole tops, away from the traditional point of
use, access to the meter is limited, which in turn significantly reduces the
likelihood of diversion and non-technical loss.