Smart Grid Companies: Why the Ambient - Itron Partnership Makes Sense

Ambient, with cooperation from intelligent metering company Itron, has developed an EDC module capable of linking older encoder receiver transmitting (ERT) meter systems to the new advanced communications systems that are a key element of the emerging Smart Grid.

"The possibility of leaving assets stranded without a clear road map or without a viable option for incorporating such assets into a Smart Grid platform has prevented many utilities from deploying Smart Grid technology. The new Ambient® EDC module, developed with cooperation from Itron, gives utilities a critical migration path linking their legacy meters to newer advanced communications systems without stranding recently deployed assets," said John J. Joyce, president and CEO of Ambient.

Massachusetts-based Ambient designs, develops and sells its Ambient Smart Grid® communications technologies and equipment. Itron, based in Washington State, is a leader in providing intelligent metering, data collection and software solutions for utilities.

The EDC is described as an optional module integrated into Ambient's Smart Grid node. Installed at strategic locations along the distribution grid and constantly collecting data from surrounding meters, the EDC eliminates the need for meter readers. The EDC "listens" for messages from meters that have ERT modules and automatically collects and stores the data. The frequency of readings and the length of time the data is stored will be configured by the utility.

The solution provides utilities with periodic near real-time readings in addition to outage detection. The data collected by the module will be transferred to the utility's meter data collection software, and eventually to its billing system. Ambient and Itron will continue to work together to complete this end-to-end process.

   Quick Take: This partnership really helps both companies. Ambient started as a broadband-over-powerline vendor and when that got stuck, started building Smart Grid apps but had trouble getting beyond its past in some respects. This move makes Ambient a real player in the Smart Grid space. Itron, meanwhile, had the same problem with its ties to first-gen, semi-smart meters. But with this solution Itron’s legacy customers have a reason to follow Itron into the Smart Grid.

Read more on this Smart Grid technology:

   Ambient, Itron module on TMCNet

   Smart Grid migration press release

   Smart Grid company profile: Itron