GREENVILLE, SC, Feb. 19, 2010 -- Utility Partners of America (UPA), one of the nation's largest utility services contractors, today announced it has been awarded a contract by Glendale Water and Power (GWP) to replace electric and water meters with smart meters in the city of Glendale, CA. The installation will give 84,500 electric and 33,400 water customers access to advanced metering technologies that generate a two-way communication network.
UPA specializes in the installation of smart meters, load curtailment devices and other home-automation equipment. UPA will install OpenWay® smart grid technology from Itron, Water SaveSource™ advanced metering infrastructure equipment from Itron, as well as MLOG leak-detecting sensors, also from Itron, that will be used to continuously monitor GWP's entire water system.
Mike Cale, UPA's chief executive officer said, "UPA is pleased to partner with Glendale Water and Power and a distinguished group of industry leaders to implement Glendale's Smart Grid initiative, which will benefit the entire community -- and the environment."
"We sought a partner with the track record and infrastructure to successfully deploy an installation of this magnitude," according to Glenn Steiger, Glendale Water and Power general manager. "With more than 6 million meters installed, UPA demonstrated the expertise necessary to successfully make the transition for our customers."
When completed, the system will allow GWP customers greater insight and incentives to participate in energy management and conservation. The contract will begin in March of 2010 and is expected to take approximately fourteen months.
About Utility Partners of America (UPA)
Utility Partners of America is a leading water, gas and electric utility solutions provider that focuses on smart meter installation services, in-home device installation and home warranty services programs throughout the United States and Canada. UPA's core competencies include the management of large-scale field deployments for device installations, home warranty services programs, technical support, state-of-the-art customer call center services, marketing services and other energy conservation programs. www.utilitypartners.com.
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