Texas-based CenterPoint Energy has called on Itron to modernise its natural gas distribution system with three million Intelis natural gas ultrasonic smart meters.

CenterPoint Energy is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than seven million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. The utility will use the smart natural gas metering to enhance safety and service for its customers and improve distribution system reliability and efficiency.

The Intelis natural gas meter includes a built-in automatic shutoff valve and can be configured to shutoff automatically in the event of a high flow or high temperature incident to reduce the risk of a natural gas explosion. The meter also takes accurate ultrasonic measurements that provide users access to detailed natural gas consumption information so they can better manage, budget and conserve their energy usage.

Streamlined meter reading allows utilities to collect data and alerts reliably from meters across their natural gas distribution systems, proactively identifying and addressing potential problems before they become serious.

“CenterPoint Energy has set clear priorities to invest in our natural gas system to drive safety and reliability, while also advancing the transition to a cleaner energy future,” said Trey Kuchar, senior vice president for CenterPoint Energy. “The Itron Intelis natural gas smart meters will not only support a more modern and resilient network for enhanced safety and reliability, but they will also help reduce our field visits and related vehicle carbon emissions. These natural gas smart meters are a win-win for our customers and the environment.”

John Marcolini, senior vice president at Itron, added: “At Itron, we are dedicated to ensuring the safe, reliable and resourceful delivery and use of natural gas. We are excited to collaborate with CenterPoint Energy to deploy Itron’s next-generation Intelis natural gas smart metering, which has already surpassed 500,000 shipments to utilities in North America. We look forward to expanding this at CenterPoint Energy and delivering unparalleled levels of operational excellence and safety; it will not only enable CenterPoint Energy with two-way communication for monitoring and billing their natural gas assets but will enhance intelligence capability across distribution networks. Together, we are creating a safer and more resourceful world.”

As the only investor-owned electric and natural gas utility based in Texas, CenterPoint Energy is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations. The company owns approximately $38bn in assets. With around 9400 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.