Energy technology company Itron Inc. has established a research and development deal with leading engineering institute Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in the smart grid security business.

Through the agreement with INL, both groups will share knowledge and work together to address security issues as the US massively engages in smart grid systems nationwide.

In the partnership, Itron said the company will study how to reduce vulnerabilities associated with smart metering and the overall security needs of the smart grid. The smart grid combines information technology and electricity transmission and distribution.

INL has a special focus on supporting the US Energy department’s missions in nuclear and energy research, science, and national defense.

Itron, meanwhile, has the most contracted share for advanced meters in North America for utilities like San Diego Gas & Electric, which has deployed 2.3 million meters; Houston-based CenterPoint Energy (2.4 million meters); and Southern California Edison (5.2 million meters).

Itron is positioning itself as the lead provider of security solutions in the emerging smart grid market.

Apart from its partnership with the INL, it announced the ensuring of the encryption of its OpenWay system, partnerships with Certicom and Industrial Defender, and furthering of standards work with the National Institute for Standards and Technology as steps towards its smart grid security bid.


-  Eric Dorente

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¹ http://www.itron.com/pages/news_press_individual.asp?id=itr_017579.xml