Demand on the U.S. power grid is projected to rise 4.7% over the next five years—a sharp increase compared to the sub-1% annual growth seen over the past two decades. To help utilities navigate the challenges that come with it, Itron has unveiled a series of innovations designed to maximize distribution capacity with granular visibility and dynamic control at the grid edge. Here’s a glimpse at some of our latest announcements and collaborations, each reinforcing our commitment to helping utilities meet today’s demands and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. 

IntelliFLEX: Optimizing DER Integration & Modernizing Grid Management 

To help utilities streamline integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and strengthen grid flexibility, Itron recently launched IntelliFLEX—a grid edge DERMS solution that facilitates real-time visibility, control and optimization of behind-the-meter DERs. Key capabilities of the solution include orchestrating utility-wide programs to support aggregated capacity and low-voltage distribution level grid services, peak demand management and flexible interconnection strategies. By leveraging Grid Edge Intelligence, IntelliFLEX uniquely enables utilities to unlock up to 20% additional distribution capacity and eliminates the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.  

Itron, Microsoft & Schneider Electric: Remedying Distribution Grid Bottlenecks 

Historically, utilities have lacked visibility below the substation and relied on outdated models to manage demand. To bridge this gap, Itron and Schneider Electric are joining forces with Microsoft, offering a non-wires solution that enables data integration between the companies’ systems and the use of AI and analytics. This industry-leading collaboration takes advantage of Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence solutions, Schneider Electric’s Digital Grid solutions and Microsoft data and AI solutions to facilitate seamless data flow and provide unprecedented visibility into distribution grid bottlenecks.  

Itron, Xcel & Tesla: Deploying Fist-of-Its-Kind Virtual Power Plant 

Proven at scale, Itron’s IntelliFLEX solution helps to manage 3 million DER devices for utilities across the U.S, with Xcel Energy being the most recent addition. As part of a new effort in Itron’s ongoing work with the utility to manage the growing number of DERs, Itron and Xcel Energy are now collaborating with Tesla to deploy an advanced virtual power plant in Colorado. Using Itron’s IntelliFLEX DERMS solution, the utility can efficiently enlist DERs to better balance power at the edge of the grid. Itron’s solution will directly integrate with Tesla’s battery storage platform, helping balance the grid in real-time using power from solar stored on Tesla Powerwall home batteries. 

Itron’s recent announcements highlight our unwavering commitment to driving innovation in distributed energy management. By equipping utilities with advanced technologies and grid edge intelligence, we’re leading the movement toward a smarter, more resilient and reliable grid. Stay tuned for more announcements in a subsequent blog, and visit booth 3008 at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 to explore the possibilities.