Itron Inc. has formed a strategic alliance with Panasonic Corp. to develop a smart meter platform tailored to the Japanese market. As part of the agreement, Itron will design, develop and deliver an Itron smart meter with its 3G cellular communications to Panasonic. The solution will support multiple communication options, including cellular, RF mesh and power line carrier, to meet specific business needs and geographies in Japan.
With this collaboration, Panasonic will expand its communications product line to the smart meter business. In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has mandated the adoption of smart meters over the next 10 years for nearly 80 million electric meters to help manage energy supply and demand, Itron explains.
“We’re proud to partner with Panasonic to deliver a proven solution that will serve as the foundation for the types of programs the government, utilities and people of Japan envision for their future,” says Philip Mezey, president and chief operating officer of Itron Energy.
