Gas utilities around the world face a complex mix of new challenges. The emergence of new gas sources, rising customer expectations for information and service, an ongoing focus on identifying and eliminating non-revenue gas, a renewed need for improvements in operational efficiency—the list goes on. In the midst of these challenges comes the need to make infrastructure investments that are flexible enough to meet future requirements.

That’s where Advanced Metering Infrastructure comes in. Deployed effectively, an AMI network can help system operators better understand operational processes—eliminating redundancies and improving efficiencies as a result. In addition, the data collected across the system can add value, from identifying non-revenue gas to enhancing customer service. Emerging innovations as part of Itron’s AMI system include remote disconnect devices and a growing suite of products to assess field conditions such as methane detection, cathodic protection and pressure monitoring.

Moving forward the list of operational and safety benefits will continue to grow—and at Itron we are very excited about how these solutions will benefit our customers. I recently wrote an article on this topic appearing in American Gas. I invite you to read this article and share your comments.

This week our team will be at the American Gas Association Operations Conference in Pittsburgh. I personally invite you to join us at this event bringing together key players in the gas industry to make the future a reality.

Click here to view the full article appearing in American Gas.