CenterPoint Energy to deploy 3 million Intelis natural gas smart meters

Itron has signed a contract with CenterPoint Energy to further modernise its natural gas distribution system with 3 million Intelis natural gas ultrasonic smart meters.

CenterPoint Energy is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers. The utility will use Itron’s smart natural gas metering solution to enhance safety and service for its customers and improve distribution system reliability and efficiency.

The Intelis natural gas meter includes a built-in automatic shutoff valve and can be configured to shut off automatically in the event of a high flow or high temperature incident. In this way, it minimizes the risk of a natural gas explosion.

Have you read:
Itron and Utilismart collaborate on smart metering solution to bridge AMR-AMI gap
Itron Chief calls on industry to accept ‘sacred obligation’ to society
Itron’s flagship EMEA event gathers industry visionaries

“CenterPoint Energy has set clear priorities to invest in our natural gas system to drive safety and reliability, while also advancing the transition to a cleaner energy future,” commented Trey Kuchar, senior vice president, Natural Gas for CenterPoint Energy, in a statement.

“The Itron Intelis natural gas smart meters will not only support a more modern and resilient network for enhanced safety and reliability, but they will also help reduce our field visits and related vehicle carbon emissions,” Kuchar added.

The meter takes accurate ultrasonic measurements that provide customers access to detailed natural gas consumption information so they can better manage, budget and conserve their energy usage.

Streamlined meter reading allows utilities to reliably collect data and alerts from meters across their natural gas distribution systems. They can thus proactively identify and address potential problems before they become serious.

“We are excited to collaborate with CenterPoint Energy to deploy Itron’s next-generation Intelis natural gas smart metering solution, which has already surpassed 500,000 shipments to utilities in North America,” said John Marcolini, senior vice president of Networked Solutions at Itron.

“It will not only enable CenterPoint Energy with two-way communication for monitoring and billing their natural gas assets but will enhance intelligence capability across distribution networks. Together, we are creating a safer and more resourceful world.”

This announcement comes as Itron hosts its Itron Inspire EMEA, a virtual customer conference featuring various sessions from industry leaders and colleagues to share how new technology can help drive business transformation.