International smart metering company Itron is joining forces with Panasonic to develop smart metering products for Japan.
The strategic alliance will tailor smart metering solutions for Japanese utilities, which will have to roll out nearly 80 million smart meters to their customers over the next decade thanks to a mandate from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Itron will design and develop a suitable smart meter, which will be compatible with Panasonic’s 3G cellular communications platform.
The agreement also marks Panasonic’s expansion into the communications side of the smart meter business.
“With Panasonic [we will] to deliver a proven solution that will serve as the foundation for the types of programmes the government, utilities and people of Japan envision for their future,” says Itron’s president and COO Philip Mezey. “Itron’s technology will help the people of Japan realize their energy management and conservation goals.”
For further information:
www.itron.com/
www.panasonic.net/
Related stories:
UK government outline next steps in smart meter rollout (8-Nov)
Essent signs up AlertMe to make Dutch homes smarter (2-Nov)
Smart meters will net the UK £14 billion in savings, says report (20-Sept)
Itron completes $100 million acquisition of smart grid provider (15-May)
Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5558/
