Itron Integrates Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to Revolutionize Utility Decision-Making

In a significant leap towards modernizing utility management, Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) has announced its latest collaboration with Microsoft, integrating Azure OpenAI Service into its comprehensive suite of data-driven Outcomes solutions. This strategic move is set to redefine how utilities and cities manage energy and water resources, by enabling business users within these sectors to utilize natural language processing to access and analyze crucial data effortlessly.

The integration will initially enhance Itron Enterprise Edition (IEE) Meter Data Management (MDM) system, distributed intelligence (DI) applications, and the DataHub platform, facilitating a seamless and user-friendly environment for utility departments to access a variety of data securely.

Don Reeves, Senior Vice President of Outcomes at Itron, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are excited to collaborate with Microsoft to bring Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to our utility data platform. This collaboration enables utilities and cities to leverage the power of generative AI to boost efficiency, unlock creativity, and enhance data management.”

The partnership aims to empower users to easily query data across Itron’s platforms using natural language, generate reports, and receive suggestions for improving data quality and analysis. This promises to streamline operations, reduce operational costs, and accelerate decision-making for critical utility management functions.

Bilal Khursheed, Worldwide Power & Utilities Leader at Microsoft, highlighted the transformative potential of this integration: “By seamlessly blending Itron’s technology with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, we’re set to transform user experiences, boost workforce productivity, and eliminate the drudgery from everyday operations.”

Scheduled for availability in the second quarter of 2024, this integration will be part of Itron Managed Service offerings on Azure, available on the Microsoft Commercial Marketplace. It represents a significant advancement in Itron’s cloud-based operations and services, which currently supports over 1,000 utilities worldwide. Itron’s cloud solutions offer seamless updates, enhanced security, and lower cost integration, facilitating efficient utility operations and grid management.

Itron’s commitment to innovation extends beyond this integration, with a portfolio of cloud-based solutions designed to support utilities in achieving decarbonization goals, enhancing grid stability, and investing in future customer engagement solutions. This approach underscores Itron’s vision of a more resourceful world, where technology and sustainability go hand in hand to improve the quality of life globally.

As Itron and Microsoft gear up to showcase this integration at DISTRIBUTECH International in Orlando, the industry watches closely, anticipating a future where AI-driven insights and efficiencies become the standard in utility management.

For further details, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Azure OpenAI Service webpage, Itron’s data management solution page, or Itron booth #2200 at DISTRIBUTECH International from Feb. 27-29, 2024.