RALEIGH, NC - October 4, 2007
Elster Electricity and Sensus Metering Systems of Raleigh, North Carolina have signed an agreement which outlines that Elster will integrate the Sensus FlexNet SmartPoint™ communications board into the A3 ALPHA meter at Elster’s manufacturing facility in Raleigh, NC.
Sensus FlexNet system users have been utilizing A3 ALPHA meters for commercial and industrial applications since 2005. The agreement between Elster and Sensus allows users to order A3 ALPHA meters directly from either Elster or Sensus with the FlexNet SmartPoint™ module installed during Elster’s meter manufacturing process. This will streamline the order process for meter customers and allow Elster and Sensus to better serve their respective customers.
Built on the strengths of the proven ALPHA meter design with millions of units installed around the world, the A3 ALPHA meter provides a highly accurate, ANSI standards‑based AMI platform. The A3 ALPHA meter with the Flexnet SmartPoint module provides superior commercial and industrial metering functionality for Sensus FlexNet System users.
“Elster is dedicated to developing and manufacturing standards-based meters that allow us to work with AMI providers to meet our customers’ needs.” stated David Hart, Senior Vice President of Products and Quality, Elster Electricity. “Elster is pleased to be working with Sensus to offer our customers the most efficient process for A3 ALPHA meter with FlexNet delivery.”
“Having Elster install the SmartPoint equipment onto the meter at their facility makes sense for a number of reasons, the most important of which is to streamline the process for our customers,” said Doug McCall, Director of AMI Marketing at Sensus. “We believe this agreement will allow us to continue to enhance our commitment in providing utility customers with quality products and services.”
FlexNet is a simple, reliable and flexible RF fixed network utility meter reading AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) system that operates through a primary licensed frequency. This license provides crystal clear transmissions in an uninterrupted, undisturbed path that has up to double the power of competing systems. FlexNet was designed to maximize smart metering technology through its two-way, fixed network AMI solution. FlexNet enables utilities to communicate with meters in both urban and rural environments to provide increased meter reading efficiency, reduced overhead costs and enhanced customer service. And, FlexNet is scalable to accommodate growth as a utility expands meter deployments throughout its service territory.
The A3 ALPHA® meter uses ANSI standards‑based communications to provide an open AMI platform. Building upon standard meter design that includes form consolidation, voltage and class consolidations, 0.2% accuracy class meters, functional scalability and standard two week lead times, the A3 ALPHA meter is available in single phase and polyphase form factors. The A3 ALPHA meter can be easily integrated into a variety of automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions by adding option boards to the meter.
About Elster Electricity
Elster Electricity is a leading provider of electricity metering products and services throughout the world. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Elster Electricity offers integrated, cost-effective solutions including smart meters, communication solutions, and metering automation systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Elster Electricity serves customers through a global sales force. For additional information, visit www.elsterelectricity.com.
About Elster Group
Elster Group is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of highly accurate, high quality, integrated metering and utilizations solutions to the gas, electricity, and water industries. In addition, through its subsidiary Ipsen International, it is the leading global manufacturer of high level thermo-chemical treatment equipment. The group has over 8,500 staff, operations in 38 countries and serves over 115 markets around the world. Elster’s high quality products and systems reflect the wealth of knowledge and experience gained from over 170 years of dedication to measuring precious resources and energy. For additional information, visit www.elster.com.
About Sensus Metering Systems
The Sensus Metering Systems companies are leading world-class providers of water, gas, heat and electric meters including comprehensive metering communications system solutions that comprise both automatic meter reading (“AMR”) and advanced metering infrastructure (“AMI”) systems. Additional linked businesses include Smith-Blair, Inc. a leading provider of pipe clamp & coupling products for the water, gas, and industrial markets; and Sensus Precision Die Casting a producer of complex, high quality die castings.
Issued 10/4/2007
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