Itron (ITRI) is announcing this morning that it has partnered with Sierra Wireless (SWIR) to provide real time, wireless communication to facilitate the collection of electric,  gas and water meter data collection .. an important component of any smart grid.  Integrating Sierra’s Wireless Airlink Intelligent M2M gateways allows communication to take place over existing cellular networks eliminating the need for costly land line solutions.  The two companies will co-market the solution.

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“With this integrated solution, Itron utility customers can monitor energy and water usage in real time for improved operations,” said Justin Schmid, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Sierra Wireless AirLink products. “With the AirLink technology, Itron can deploy and manage the CCU 100 anywhere there is cellular coverage, thus simplifying and accelerating deployment. We’re proud to be part of a solution that helps utility providers serve their customers better, while reducing costs and overall energy consumption.”

Shares of ITRI are up about 1% and continue to seek the bottom of a large base.  It has turned the corner in recent weeks, breaking out of a downtrend and holding above the 50 day moving average.