Itron unit to provide over 1 million payment meters for PLN

By Romel S. Gurky

US, Nasdaq-listed Itron Inc. (NASDAQ:ITRI), a technology and services company dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water, announced Tuesday that PT Mecoindo, a joint venture between Itron and a local partner in Indonesia, is expanding its work with Indonesian state-owned electricity firm PT PLN (Persero) to broaden electrification for residents in Indonesia.

Itron said in a statement that the utility recently signed a new contract with PT Mecoindo for an additional 500,000 smart payment meters, which expands upon an agreement announced earlier this year to deploy 635,000 smart payment meters. With the deal, more PT PLN customers will have access to electricity as well as a convenient, cost-effective way to manage and pay for their usage.

After a successful initial rollout, PT PLN decided to expand its use of Itron?s smart payment solution to include a total of more than 1 million meters. The solution helps the utility implement revenue protection measures while empowering consumers to manage their electricity usage according to their budget and needs. With Itron?s smart payment solution, consumers have insights into their remaining energy balance, reducing the likelihood of an untimely shut-off. In addition, PT PLN is benefiting from the ability to streamline customer service and bill payment while reducing operational costs, delinquent account risks and improving cash flow.

?Itron?s smart payment solution is helping PT PLN enhance our ability to provide convenient and affordable electricity services to energy consumers in Indonesia. We are pleased to be able to extend this benefit to even more customers with this new contract,? said Septa Hamid, general manager of supply chain management at PT PLN (Persero). ?With Itron?s high-quality, reliable technology, we are expanding electrification and improving service to our customers.?

?We look forward to continuing our collaboration with PT PLN to provide consumers with a convenient, cost-effective way to prepay for electricity,? said George Daenuwy, PT Mecoindo president. ?Itron?s smart payment solution directly supports the goals and outcomes of PT PLN?s electrification program and enables the utility and its customers to better manage energy resources.?

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak