Itron and Coopesantos R.L. Make History in Central America with First Successful Completion of Advanced Metering Infrastructure Deployment in Costa Rica

Rhea-AI Summary

Coopesantos R.L. becomes the first rural utility in Costa Rica to fully implement Itron's smart metering solution, enhancing grid efficiency and reliability. The project included connecting over 50,000 smart meters with Itron's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network, providing benefits like power outage alerts, reduced carbon footprint, and increased client satisfaction.

Positive

• Coopesantos R.L. achieved a significant milestone by fully implementing Itron's AMI solution.
• The project connected over 50,000 smart meters with Itron's DI-enabled AMI network.
• The deployment of Itron's AMI solution allows Coopesantos R.L. to have remote visibility into each smart meter, even in hard-to-access areas.
• Benefits of the Itron AMI solution include power outage alerts, reduced carbon footprint, and increased client satisfaction.
• Coopesantos R.L. is the first rural electrifier in Costa Rica and Central America to complete this project.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Sector Analyst

The full deployment of Itron's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) by Coopesantos R.L. marks a significant technological advancement within the energy sector, particularly in rural electrification. By integrating smart meters with grid edge intelligence, Coopesantos R.L. is poised to enhance operational efficiency and reliability. This is especially pertinent given Costa Rica's susceptibility to extreme weather, which can lead to frequent power disruptions. The ability to quickly respond to outages is not only a direct benefit to customer satisfaction but also a competitive advantage that could set a precedent for other rural utilities in Central America.

The environmental benefits stemming from reduced truck rolls contribute to the cooperative's sustainability goals, aligning with global trends towards carbon footprint reduction. This strategic move may also have positive implications for Coopesantos R.L.'s financial performance, as operational costs associated with meter reading and maintenance are likely to decrease. Additionally, the detection of energy theft through technical irregularities could lead to revenue protection and further financial stability for the cooperative.

Sustainability Expert

Coopesantos R.L.'s implementation of Itron's AMI solution is a noteworthy commitment to sustainability within the utility industry. The two-way communication capability of smart meters not only facilitates remote operations but also represents a significant step towards a more sustainable grid by minimizing the need for physical travel for meter readings. This reduction in travel not only decreases operational expenses but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

In the broader context, Coopesantos R.L.'s initiative could serve as a model for other utilities, particularly in developing regions where rural electrification is a challenge. The proactive approach to adopting smart grid technologies may inspire similar investments in infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges while promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Technology Adoption Specialist

The deployment of Itron's AMI system by Coopesantos R.L. showcases the potential for rural regions to leapfrog traditional infrastructure challenges through technology adoption. The use of distributed intelligence-enabled AMI solutions in hard-to-access areas demonstrates how technology can overcome geographical and logistical barriers, providing remote visibility and control over the electrical grid. This is a clear example of how investment in smart technologies can yield operational efficiencies, improved service delivery and enhanced customer engagement.

Moreover, the successful implementation of such a comprehensive system in a rural setting may encourage other utilities to consider similar upgrades, thereby accelerating the adoption of smart grid technologies across the industry. The ability to remotely detect and address irregularities and outages is a transformative capability that can lead to significant improvements in grid management and resilience, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters.

Coopesantos R.L. Becomes the First Rural Utility to Fully Implement Itron’s Smart Metering Solution in Costa Rica, Paving the Way for a Smarter and More Efficient Grid

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water, announced that in collaboration with Los Santos Rural Electrification Cooperative (Coopesantos R.L.), one of four electric cooperatives in Costa Rica committed to improving the well-being of the community, achieved a significant milestone by fully implementing Itron’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network and becoming the first rural electrifier in Costa Rica and Central America to complete this project.

The five-year project connected Itron’s distributed intelligence (DI)-enabled AMI solution with Coopesantos R.L.’s customer information system and more than 50,000 Itron smart electricity meters. Upgrading to Itron’s AMI solution enables Coopesantos R.L. with grid edge intelligence, extending the visibility and control needed to advance its goal of optimizing and modernizing its electrical grid.

The Coopesantos R.L. service territory covers over 1,500 km² or 579 square miles in rural Costa Rica. By deploying Itron’s full AMI solution, delivered via local Itron channel partners Conelectricas, R.L. and Itecna, Coopesantos R.L. now has remote visibility into each Itron smart meter across its diverse territory, including in difficult to access areas, such as in the mountains or in urban areas.

The full Itron AMI solution combines robust smart metering functionality and a DI platform that offers a new approach to managing electricity. Benefits of the Itron AMI solution include:

• Power Outage Alerts: Costa Rica is prone to extreme weather events. As the Itron AMI system automatically collects readings from each meter, Coopesantos R.L. has insight into whether a power outage has occurred. This enables the cooperative to respond more quickly to power outages, improving reliability and client satisfaction.
• Reducing Carbon Footprint: The Itron AMI solution is equipped with two-way communications, which allows the cooperative to remotely read meters and perform updates to each meter remotely. As a result, the Coopesantos can reduce truck rolls and decrease its environmental impact.
• Increased Client Satisfaction: With detailed insight into energy usage data, Coopesantos can detect changes in energy consumption patterns. In addition, the meter can detect technical irregularities, indicating potential energy theft.

“Being the first cooperative to deploy smart meters in Costa Rica and Central America marks a significant step toward the modernization of the infrastructure and distribution of electrical energy in rural areas where we provide service to all homes, businesses and industries. This allows us to get closer to a smart grid model of developed countries,” said Mario Patricio Solis Solis, General Manager, Coopesantos R.L. “Our electrical distribution deployment has been strengthened with this investment in technology and devices from Itron, automating and optimizing our operational processes. We’re thrilled to continue working together as we embark on creating a reliable smart grid to prepare for the future.”

“As the first rural cooperative in Central America to implement a full AMI solution throughout its service territory, Coopesantos R.L. is a leader in delivering public services in rural areas, demonstrating that deploying an intelligently connected AMI solution is possible, regardless of the challenges created by hard-to-access areas,” said John Marcolini, senior vice president of Network Solutions at Itron. “We congratulate Coopesantos R.L. on their milestone and were honored to be a part of their efforts to create a smarter grid.”

“Together, with Itron, we have brought cutting-edge technology to Latin America and we are thrilled to be a part of Coopesantos R.L.’s journey of modernizing its grid. With Costa Rica’s unpredictable weather events, having an AMI system in place to withstand the unexpected is crucial,” said Erick Rojas, General Manager at Conelectricas, R.L. “By upgrading to Itron’s solution, Coopesantos R.L. positions itself as an electrification industry leader by fully enabling smart grid technology.”

About Itron

Itron is a proven global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT and intelligent infrastructure services. For utilities, cities and society, we build innovative systems, create new efficiencies, connect communities, encourage conservation and increase resourcefulness. By safeguarding our invaluable natural resources today and tomorrow, we improve the quality of life for people around the world. Join us: www.itron.com.

Itron^® is a registered trademark of Itron, Inc. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated.

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Itron, Inc.

Alison Mallahan

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

509-891-3802

PR@Itron.com

Paul Vincent

Vice President, Investor Relations

512-560-1172

Investors@itron.com

Source: Itron, Inc.

FAQ

What milestone did Coopesantos R.L. achieve in collaboration with Itron?

Coopesantos R.L. became the first rural utility in Costa Rica to fully implement Itron's smart metering solution.

How many smart meters were connected in the project?

Over 50,000 Itron smart electricity meters were connected in the project.

What benefits does the Itron AMI solution provide?

The benefits include power outage alerts, reduced carbon footprint, and increased client satisfaction.

Who is the General Manager of Coopesantos R.L.?

Mario Patricio Solis Solis is the General Manager of Coopesantos R.L.

What is the service territory of Coopesantos R.L.?

The service territory covers over 1,500 km2 or 579 square miles in rural Costa Rica.

Who is the senior vice president of Network Solutions at Itron?

John Marcolini is the senior vice president of Network Solutions at Itron.