Sep 04 2008

TANTALUS & ITRON TEAM UP ON
SMART METER / SMART NETWORK SOLUTION
TUNet Now Supports Itron CENTRON Solid-State Electricity Meters

Vancouver, BC – September 4, 2008 – Tantalus Systems Corp. and Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announce the availability of Itron solid-state CENTRON® meters equipped with Tantalus modules for easy integration into TUNet®, the Tantalus Utility Network. Combining Itron’s precise metering technology with Tantalus’ versatile data communications network enables a utility to establish an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) network that delivers the data needed for Smart Grid applications, energy conservation initiatives, and ongoing operational and business improvements.

CENTRON meters equipped with TUNet modules collect data efficiently and economically via Tantalus’ two-way, real-time communications network. This enables a utility to accurately monitor consumption, power quality, and pinpoint outages by individual meter or in aggregate. Data can be integrated into backend billing, load forecasting, and other applications that require a rich stream of data for analytical purposes.

TUNet modules fit securely under the glass of CENTRON meters, transforming meters into bi-directional communications devices that can receive commands and issue information such as sag/swell/outage alerts or time-stamped verification of consumption, load control or disconnect/reconnect actions. Meters can also communicate with Tantalus’ demand response products to form an end-to-end solution that is ready for Smart Grid energy efficiency programs such as load control and in-home display of up-to-the-minute price signals and consumption status.

Over-the-air programming allows a utility to remotely configure meters, read in/out new accounts, or shift a customer to a different time-of-use rate plan without a site visit. Direct register reads ensure that what is displayed on the meter is the same as what is reported to the utility.

TUNet-enabled CENTRON meters are assembled either at the Itron factory or by an approved meter services company. Meters automatically associate within the network and can interoperate with electricity meters from other manufacturers as well as TUNet-enabled water and gas meters. This gives a utility true flexibility in how the AMI network is designed, deployed, operated, and adapts to future expansion. Future plans include incorporation and support of TUNet technology in CENTRON Polyphase meters to better meet the demands of low- to mid-tier commercial and industrial customers.

“With close to 30 million CENTRON meters in the field, Itron’s position as a leader and innovator in metering technology is clearly established,” said Richard Auerweck, Tantalus product manager. “By supporting this popular line of meters, we can provide utilities with a broader range of options to complement the different Smart Grid solutions available from Tantalus.”

“Itron’s market leadership in advanced metering technologies is reinforced by its continuous expansion of communications offerings for our metering product line, which is driven by our commitment to meet customer needs,” said Lowell Rust, product marketing director for Itron electricity metering. “Itron will continue to support leading AMI technologies like TUNet that further enhance operational performance for every customer.”

“The impressive feature set of CENTRON meters combined with the company’s drive for engineering and manufacturing excellence makes this a natural partnership for Tantalus,” added Auerweck. “Smart meters need smart networks. This technology alliance presents a great opportunity for both companies to continue to accelerate innovation and help our customers optimize the delivery and use of energy.”

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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 communications system that operates with both RF and IP-based networks including FTTH, Fiber, WiFi, WiMAX, GPRS/cellular, and 220 MHz either individually or in a combination network. TUNet is built for the Smart Grid. It 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.

About Itron
Itron Inc. is a leading technology provider to the global energy and water industries. Itron Inc. consists of Itron in North America and Actaris outside of North America. Our company is the world’s leading provider of metering, data collection and utility software solutions, with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our products include electricity, gas and water meters; data collection and communication systems, including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); meter data management and related software applications; project management, installation, and consulting services. To know more, start here: www.itron.com.