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News Release

Southern Rivers Energy Chooses Sensus FlexNet Utility Network to Offer Members Higher Reliability and Expanded Services

Georgia co-op using metering infrastructure for direct load control and pre-pay options

Southern Rivers Energy (SRE) will install the Sensus FlexNetTM utility network as the nucleus for a major technology update to serve the electric cooperative’s approximately 15,000 members in its nine-county service territory in central Georgia. SRE considered several options including mesh and power line carrier networks to replace a drive-by advanced meter reading system before deciding that FlexNet provided the best performance for its immediate and future needs. Initial deployment will include nine FlexNet base stations and 18,500 iCon® electric meters integrated with new mobile work management and automated vehicle location systems.

The FlexNet utility network will provide SRE with secure, two-way communication between residential and commercial meters and enterprise systems that include meter data management and outage notification products.

“Exceptional member service is at the core of every decision that we make,” said SRE CEO Raleigh Henry. “We chose to implement the Sensus FlexNet solution because it will provide more benefits for our members than any other option we considered and this remains the most important factor in our decision-making process.”

Henry noted that the FlexNet system gives SRE an expansion platform for other applications that can accommodate the utility’s future plans for direct load control in demand side conservation programs as well as real-time pricing and prepaid options that will help members manage their monthly budgets. FlexNet can interface directly with home area networks and other intelligent devices for SRE members wanting to automate energy monitoring and control.

The contract, which was administered by the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), calls for deployment of a complete wireless network by the end of 2013. SRE elected to have Sensus provide hosting services for the network’s head end applications rather than manage network servers in-house.

About Southern Rivers Energy

Southern Rivers Energy, based in Barnesville, GA, is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative that provides electricity and related services to approximately 15,000 members in nine counties in central Georgia including: Bibb, Coweta, Crawford, Lamar, Meriwether, Monroe, Pike, Spalding and Upson.

About Sensus

Sensus is a leading utility infrastructure company offering smart meters, communication systems, software and services for the electric, gas, and water industries. Sensus technology helps utilities drive operational efficiency and customer engagement with applications that include advanced meter reading, data acquisition, demand response, distribution automation, home area networking and outdoor lighting control. Customers worldwide trust the innovation, quality and reliability of Sensus solutions for the intelligent use and conservation of energy and water.

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