Bahamas Electricity Corp introduces new metering technology
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
SPOKANE, USA: Itron Inc. has announced an
agreement with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) for the deployment of
100,000 Itron electric Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) devices and a mobile
collector system.
The total contract, valued at more than US$8
million, represents an investment in meter data collection technology that
will significantly improve BEC's ability to accurately collect, measure and
monitor energy use. Itron's AMR system will enable BEC to significantly
improve its field service operations and provide better customer service to
New Providence Island and the Family Islands.
"Our investment in Itron's AMR technology
benefits our customers tremendously, allowing us to provide more accurate,
faster, regular and reliable readings," said Al Jarrett, BEC Executive
Chairman. "It also increases our revenue for future investments as the
technology advances."
"When Itron's AMR technology is fully
deployed, we anticipate improved billing efficiencies of more than 50 percent
and additional revenues as high as $15 million," added Jarrett. "The savings
will be passed on to BEC customers and reinvested in new technology."
Steve Helmbrecht, Vice President of Itron,
International, said BEC will be the first utility in the Caribbean Basin to
fully deploy AMR technology across its service territory.
"This agreement reflects BEC's commitment to
the use of advanced metering technology to optimize the delivery and use of
energy," said Helmbrecht. "Utilities across the Caribbean Basin are seeing the
value of implementing meter reading technology to improve customer service,
energy distribution and workforce management."
"We're finding that when utilities choose to
invest in new meter data collection systems, they select the most advanced
technology available. As a result, they are creating world-class utility
companies with the ability to integrate and optimize a wide range of business
operations."
BEC gains improved efficiency from deploying
a mobile AMR system and investing in the island's infrastructure and services.
This complements a national initiative in the Bahamas to effectively drive for
new business and tourism growth.
"BEC's goal is to position the Bahamas on
the leading edge with the most competitive service," said Jarrett. "By
aligning with Itron, we can take advantage of latest technologies as they are
developed."
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