Itron Partners with Microsoft to Transform Utility Operations with Generative AI

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) is paving the way for innovative management solutions for energy and water in utilities and cities. The company has teamed up with Microsoft to enhance data accessibility across utility operations, positioning itself as a leader in the utility sector with its Grid Edge Intelligence.

This collaboration involves integrating Microsoft’s generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) Copilot technology with Itron’s Intelligent Edge Operating System (IEOS), a global data platform. This integration will allow utilities to use natural language queries to gather information that was previously only accessible to data scientists. As a result, utilities will have easier access to essential insights that can speed up decision-making, spur innovation, and automate repetitive tasks. The joint solution is set to be launched globally in the second quarter of 2025.

The AI-powered platform will serve as a virtual assistant for utility operators, providing them with advanced analytics related to electricity, gas, and water distribution, as well as data from distributed energy resources like wind, solar, and battery storage. This partnership aims to enable rich database queries and provide access to comprehensive data pools, which will lead to better operational outcomes. Built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, Itron's Grid Edge Intelligence solutions ensure secure data processing at the grid edge. Initial applications benefiting from this AI integration will include Itron's IEE Meter Data Management System and Operations Optimizer, facilitating common inquiries about metering, network functionality, and customer electricity consumption.

With generative AI capabilities, utilities will be able to obtain comprehensive answers from the platform, enhancing their operational efficiency. Equipped with natural language processing abilities, IEOS with Microsoft Copilot will interpret and generate responses in an intuitive and user-friendly manner. This functionality will empower utilities and cities to streamline their operations while offering significant advantages such as:

• Customer Consumption Analysis: AI enhances the ability to identify customers with unexpected consumption patterns, enabling targeted programs to boost customer satisfaction.
• Validation Rule Insights: AI can pinpoint which validation rules frequently fail, aiding in system enhancements.
• Accelerate Innovation: The platform will expedite the rollout of new advanced analytics applications, quickly reaping the benefits of integrating new functionalities.
• Comprehensive Data Access: AI facilitates access to data across Itron's Meter Data Management solutions and various distributed intelligence applications.
• Cross-Departmental Queries: Users will be able to ask questions and create visualizations using data from multiple departments, such as billing information and grid topology.
• Natural Language Reporting: AI can generate reports, charts, and graphs from data in IEOS using simple language prompts, such as "Show me load anomalies over the past seven days for these addresses."
• Data Quality Improvement: AI will provide feedback and suggestions to enhance data quality and accuracy.

By utilizing AI, IEOS simplifies complex data interactions into straightforward processes, significantly improving operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities.

Despite the potential of AI, a major barrier to its implementation is the lack of expertise within utilities, as noted by 43% of practitioners in the field. However, with IEOS serving as the backbone of Itron's Grid Edge Intelligence Portfolio, the adoption of AI capabilities will be seamless, as the platform is designed to be user-friendly and does not require extensive technical skills.

Don Reeves, senior vice president of Outcomes at Itron, stated, "With Gen AI, you don't need to be a data scientist to obtain the insights required for effective operations. IEOS can perform these tasks for you by generating reports and analytics within a single platform that leverages detailed data at the grid edge." He added that this collaboration will enable utilities and cities to harness the power of generative AI to enhance efficiency, foster creativity, and improve data management. Itron expects that IEOS will significantly boost the value and functionality of their solutions, supporting their clients in achieving their energy and water management, sustainability, and innovation goals.

Darryl Willis, Microsoft CVP for the Energy & Resources Industry, noted, "Itron's Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio is utilized by cities and leading utilities to prepare for an increase in renewable energy resources. Integrating Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot with IEOS allows easy access to isolated data across various systems, accelerating data-driven insights needed for optimal grid operations."

Availability

The integrated platform is expected to be available globally by the second quarter of 2025.

Learn More at DISTRIBUTECH 2025

To find out more about this collaboration, visit Itron at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 from March 25-27 at booth #3008.

About Itron

Itron is recognized as a global leader in energy, water, smart city, IIoT, and intelligent infrastructure services. The company focuses on creating innovative systems, improving efficiencies, connecting communities, promoting conservation, and enhancing resourcefulness. By protecting invaluable natural resources today and for the future, Itron aims to improve the quality of life for people around the world. For more information, visit www.itron.com.

Itron^® and the Itron Logo are registered trademarks of Itron, Inc. in the United States and other regions. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners and any use herein does not imply a relationship between Itron and any third-party unless explicitly stated.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Itron, Inc.

Alison Mallahan

Senior Manager, Corporate Communications

509-891-3802

[email protected]

Itron, Microsoft, AI, utilities, data