US-based technology and services company, Itron Inc, has re-entered an agreement with Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) for nationwide smart grid deployment.

The smart metres project, which was rolled out by JPS in 2016, saw the light and power company installing smart metres across the parishes of Kingston, St Catherine, Clarendon, St Mary, St Ann, St James, and Westmoreland to ensure grid reliability and stability.

JPS, which serves more than 600,000 customers, will extend its existing Itron Gen 5 network to support up to 670,000 electric meters, which will help the utility company improve customer service, drive grid reliability and enable revenue realisation.

According to a press release from Itron, the project is expected to build on JPS’s previous deployments with Itron on the island, which include 51,000 electric meters on Itron’s smart grid network deployed in 2016 and 2017, and the rollout of 35,000 smart street lights in 2017.

Unifying all end points on Itron’s network, the deployment will extend the utility’s accurate meter reading, revenue protection, and enhance post-storm restorations. JPS will also manage the system through Itron’s cloud-based SaaS solution.

“Over the last few years, JPS has been transforming lighting and electricity services by modernising and connecting our infrastructure. We are pleased to continue collaborating with Itron in this process,” said Gary Barrow, chief technology officer at JPS. “With Itron’s open, standards-based platform, we can ensure efficient delivery of electricity to the island and unify all of our devices on one network.”

President of Itron’s electricity business line, Mark de Vere White, in echoing Barrow’s sentiments, said Itron is thrilled to continue working with JPS to integrate a real-time smart grid solution.

“In addition to modernising its current infrastructure, these improvements will prepare JPS for the future, allowing new applications to be quickly added to the network,” he said.

Itron provides comprehensive solutions that measure, manage and analyse energy and water. The company’s broad product portfolio includes electricity, gas, water and thermal energy measurement devices and control technology; communications systems; software; as well as managed and consulting services.

With thousands of employees supporting nearly 8,000 customers in more than 100 countries, Itron applies knowledge and technology to better manage energy and water resources. The company has 62 global locations, including 17 major cities and reported revenue of US$2 billion for the year 2017.