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Quick Take: A few months back, we previewed Itron's smart grid strategy for 2012 and beyond. One part of that revival plan is expanded sales in Latin America. The successful completion of the continent's first smart meter project is an important and highly visible first step. Couple this with Itron's inside track for the upcoming French smart meter rollout, and 2012 could be a happy new year indeed.- By Jesse Berst

 

Itron has announced that Electrica de Guayaquil, a state-owned electric utility in  Guayaquil, Ecuador, has wrapped up the installation of Latin America's first meter-to-cash smart meter system, which uses Itron technology. 

 

The communications system collects meter data and feeds it to Itron's meter data management system, which was installed by the utility, via a two-way wireless communications network. The implementation means the utility can reduce and manage energy losses with more precise tamper-proof meters containing accurate measurement and sensing capabilities for Guayaquil's commercial and industrial customers. The solution also improves overall operational processes and efficiency.

 

Also, the installation gives the utility the option to take advantage of future capabilities and applications like theft analytics.

 

"With a complete smart grid system inclusive of a network and meter data management system in place, we can realize the full potential of its benefits, including system efficiency and loss management," said Diego Sanchez, the utility's commercial manager.

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Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

 

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There are many other smart meter projects in LatAm

I would like to point out that this is not the first Latin American smart meter deployment. Our company (DISCAR S.A. Telecom & Energy) is a developer of smart meters, and we have installations in about 40 small cities and towns in Argentina, Ecuador, and soon Colombia. PLC and GSM smart meters, including central management software. More info in www.metering.com.ar

Pablo Gaggino - 02/13/2012 - 07:54

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