Itron Launches New Advanced Static Ultrasonic Gas Meter for European Market

Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that it is bringing to market its next-generation ultrasonic gas meter for residential applications. This new product, USONIX, is the result of a year-long collaboration with Panasonic to develop a fully electronic gas meter, meaning the meter uses ultrasonic sensors for measuring gas volume rather than using conventional diaphragm technology. This innovative approach provides gas utilities in Europe with a safe and reliable product to efficiently measure gas.

“Itron’s new USONIX meter is unlike any meter available today,” said Remy Brill, Itron vice president and managing director, EMEA Energy. “Using Panasonic’s field proven sensor technology, USONIX will deliver true business value to our gas utility customers.”

USONIX is highly accurate and meets class 1 accuracy from G1.6 up to G4 meters sizes, thus making it a true multi-range meter. Also, its compact design provides for easy installation at sites with narrow spaces. Key features of this meter include enhanced dust protection, which keeps the meter operating accurately even in harsh conditions; temperature corrected volume as a basis for fair billing; and the lowest noise levels especially for in-home installations. Its low pressure drop makes it the preferred choice in regions with low pressure networks. As Itron’s hybrid smart gas meter, the ultrasonic gas meter’s electronic index supports the latest developments of smart metering communication technologies. Initially, this product will be available in the UK and Italy. Itron will expand its availability over time.

In addition, Itron and Panasonic are continuing to collaborate on new products for gas utilities, including designing a metering product that will enable utilities to identify compatible gas appliances for their customers as part of a gas management service.

“Through this close relationship with Itron, we will be able to provide new business models to energy utilities,” said Masanori Iwai, Panasonic global marketing manager, gas meter devices. “By identifying the compatible appliances, utilities can offer value-added service to the end users, and this will be the key solution for them to realize energy management, which was the missing piece of the industry.”

About Itron

Itron is a global technology company. We build solutions that help utilities measure, manage and analyze energy and water. Our broad product portfolio includes electricity, gas, water and thermal energy measurement and control technology; communications systems; software; and professional services. With thousands of employees supporting nearly 8,000 utilities in more than 100 countries, Itron empowers utilities to responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. Join us in creating a more resourceful world; start here: www.itron.com .

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products in three business fields, consumer, components & devices, and solutions. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 7.85 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2012. Panasonic’s stock is listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) Stock Exchanges. The company has the vision of becoming the No. 1 Green Innovation Company in the Electronics Industry by the 100th year of its founding in 2018.

Panasonic Corporation’s Smart Meter Devices Business Unit started the manufacture and sale of gas equipment devices from 1983 (PCB, shut-off valves, seismic sensors, ultrasonic transducers, etc.).

In 2009, the company achieved the production of 100 million gas meter controller units and boasts a sales performance of 3 million automatic meter reading (AMR) related products.

For more information on Panasonic, its brand and commitment to sustainability, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/ .

Contact:

Itron, Inc.
Sharelynn Moore
Vice President, Corporate Communications
509.891.3524
sharelynn.moore@itron.com
or
Panasonic
Teva Laou-Hap
Business Development Manager
+33 1 60 13 57 68
teva.laou-hap@eu.panasonic.com