Itron,
Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI), a global technology company that helps utilities
measure, manage and analyze energy and water, and Tantalus,
a leading provider of Smart Grid communications, today announced they
have been selected for an initial deployment of smart meters and AMI
infrastructure for South American utility Guyana Power and Light (GP&L).
This project will be a part of the Sustainable Operations of the Energy
Sector and Improve Quality of Service (GY-L1037) program which is
financed by the Government of Guyana through a loan from the
Inter-American Development Bank and GP&L. The National Procurement and
Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) of Guyana, through competitive
bidding, selected Tantalus and Itron to supply electricity meters and
complementing communications infrastructure based on the technical
advantages and competitive value of the joint solution.
“As part of a competitive process, we found that the Tantalus/Itron
partnership offered us the best overall package that provided us with a
reliable, future-proof, cost-effective path to smart metering and other
applications,” said Kumar Sharma, Divisional Director for Guyana Power
and Light. “We look forward to getting this project underway as we
continue to increase the efficiency and functionality of our electricity
grid over the coming years.”
Guyana’s deployment is the first international joint project between
Tantalus and Itron since the two companies announced an alliance in late
2011. The strategic alliance combines Itron’s SENTINEL® and CENTRON®
electricity meters as well as its electric, gas and water ERT modules
with Tantalus’ comprehensive communications network, TUNet®, the
Tantalus Utility Network, to reach public power utilities in North and
South America. Uniting the capabilities of TUNet with Itron’s
electricity meters has allowed the companies to offer a joint solution
that accommodates smart metering, demand response and distribution
automation for international markets such as Guyana.
“We’ve been strategic in our expansion into international markets that
recognize the full range of possibilities that can be achieved from
robust two-way communications networks and smart metering,” said
Tantalus CEO Eric Murray. “Guyana Light and Power is leading the way in
smart grid technology by building a network that anticipates the needs
of tomorrow’s grid.”
“Itron’s highly adaptable technology is designed to help utilities
around the world reliably manage energy and water. We’re pleased our
proven measurement devices and Tantalus’ network will provide the
foundation for Guyana Power and Light’s smart metering and grid
modernization project,” said Lou Gust, Itron’s vice president of Sales
and Marketing electricity in North America.
About Tantalus
Tantalus provides two-way, real-time data communications networks to
monitor and control electric, gas and water utilities. TUNet® – the
Tantalus Utility Network – is an end-to-end WAN/LAN/HAN communications
system that operates with 220 MHz RF, 900 MHz, and IP-based networks
including Fiber, WiMAX and GPRS/cellular, either individually or in
combination. TUNet’s patented and patents pending technologies are
purpose built for the Smart Grid. The Tantalus network unites a
utility’s applications, making advanced metering, outage management,
power quality monitoring, load control, and distribution automation
cost-effective and practical throughout both urban and rural service
areas. For more information, please visit www.tantalus.com.
About Itron
Itron is a global technology company. We build solutions that help
utilities measure, monitor and manage energy and water. Our broad
product portfolio includes electricity, gas, water and thermal energy
measurement and control technology; communications systems; software;
and professional services. With thousands of employees supporting nearly
8,000 utilities in more than 100 countries, Itron empowers utilities to
responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. Join us
in creating a more resourceful world; start here: www.itron.com.
