Itron Inc recently announced that it has been awarded a major smart meter contract from the City of Johannesburg. Under the terms of the contract, which was won in collaboration with the Edison Power Group, Itron will supply the city with its next-generation smart meters and associated smart metering systems. The City of Johannesburg is a leading economic hub in Africa. The total value of the contract is an approximate $150 million.

Itron, Inc is a global technology company and specialist provider of solutions that allow utilities to efficiently manage energy and water resources. In a statement, Sindi Mzamo, chief executive officer of Edison Power Group, said that, “We have established a clear strategy and plan to develop skills and ensure local sustainability. We are all in this for the long haul.”

By installing the next- generation smart meters and associated smart metering system from Itron, the City of Johannesburg will effectively drive its growth and development strategy with respect to enhancing service delivery and efficiency via network automation.

Philip Mezey, president and chief operating officer of Energy for Itron, said that, “Itron is proud to support a leading utility like City Power in making the smart grid a reality. We believe our technology provides the foundation for engaging customers and complements the city’s demand side management program.”

The essential focus of the solution will be to enable City Power’s customers to effectively improve the management of their electricity usage and also incorporate essential steps to save energy and bring about substantial reduction in their utility bills.

Itron was selected for the contract based on a detailed evaluation of the submitted bid. The company’s proven field results spanning a number of similar solutions across the globe was an additional factor in it being selected for this project.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.