Meralco Collaborates with Itron to Enhance Its Smart Grid Journey

Rhea-AI Summary

Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) is partnering with Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to deploy its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) with Intelligent Connectivity starting Oct. 21, 2025. The initial deployment will manage 73,000 endpoints across Metro Manila with plans for a multi-year expansion to support Meralco’s more than 8 million customers.

The IPv6-based Gen5 mesh and cellular network and vendor-agnostic Network Interface Cards aim to enable near real-time two-way communication, improved outage detection and restoration, centralized headend control via UtilityIQ, and future integration of distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and electric vehicles.

Positive

• 73,000 endpoints in initial AMI deployment
• Infrastructure supports Meralco’s > 8 million customers
• IPv6 Gen5 mesh + cellular enables two-way near real-time communication
• Vendor-agnostic NICs reduce vendor lock-in and increase flexibility
• Lays foundation for DER and EV integration without new infrastructure

Negative

• None.

Insights

Grid Modernization Strategist

Itron wins a meaningful AMI deployment with Meralco—initially 73,000 endpoints, multi‑year expansion planned, serving a utility of over eight million customers.

Itron will supply its Gen5 Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Intelligent Connectivity to Meralco, covering Oct 21, 2025 press details and an initial 73,000 endpoints across Metro Manila. The package includes UtilityIQ® headend software, Access Points, Network Interface Cards, Relays and Micro Access Points to enable near real‑time, two‑way communication between back office systems and field endpoints.

The business mechanism is straightforward: centralized HES visibility plus mesh and cellular networking should reduce outage detection and restoration times and give customers more usage visibility. Dependencies and risks include the pace and execution of the planned multi‑year expansion, integration with multiple meter vendors despite the claimed meter‑agnostic NICs, and operational rollout across complex urban segments; these affect timing and realized efficiency gains.

Concrete items to watch: successful deployment milestones for the initial 73,000 endpoints, announcements of expansion volumes or timelines, and evidence of improved outage metrics or billing accuracy over the next 12–36 months. These items will indicate whether the collaboration delivers scalable operational and customer benefits for both parties.

Largest Electric Utility in the Philippines to Deploy Itron’s AMI Network to Realize Grid Modernization Strategy

LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., Oct. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water, is working with Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the largest electric distribution utility in the Philippines, to deploy Itron’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solution with Intelligent Connectivity. As part of the collaboration, the network will initially manage 73,000 endpoints across Metro Manila with plans for a multi-year expansion. The collaboration is a key component of Meralco’s smart grid modernization program and marks a significant step toward enhancing customer satisfaction.

Itron’s AMI solution is a foundational element of its Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and is designed to deliver long-term value. Intelligent Connectivity provides an open, IPv6-based network that leverages Gen5 mesh and cellular networking and supports not only smart metering but also a wide range of grid edge and smart city applications. For Meralco, the AMI deployment is an important part of its thrust toward a smarter, more responsive electricity system that transforms how electricity is delivered, measured and managed for the utility’s more than eight (8) million customers.

The solution includes several key Itron components that work together to ensure seamless communication, data management and control across Meralco’s service territory. They work together to provide the utility with:

1. Improved operational efficiency through centralized headend system (HES) for control and visibility over endpoints, delivered by UtilityIQ^® software
2. Near real-time data exchange between field devices and back-end systems, enabled by Access Points
3. Reliable and resilient data transmission across the service territory, supported by Network Interface Cards (NICs), which are meter agnostic and compatible with multiple meter vendors.
4. Extended connectivity in hard-to-reach or complex service areas, made possible by Relays
5. Scalable, localized network access in isolated or hard-to-hear environments, facilitated by Micro Access Points
   
   

By investing in Itron’s AMI solution, Meralco enables near real-time, two-way communication between the utility’s back office and its endpoints. For example, when a power outage occurs, the utility is alerted via the Itron network, allowing for better response and restoration, reducing electricity downtime for customers and improving customer satisfaction. The infrastructure also lays the foundation for future innovations, such as integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) like rooftop solar and electric vehicles, without requiring additional infrastructure. This infrastructure gives customers more visibility into their energy usage so they can better manage their consumption.

“This collaboration signals the beginning of our AMI journey. With Itron’s Gen5 solution, we are building a smart grid that not only supports the country’s push toward advancing the digital economy but also enhances Meralco’s customer-centricity through improved billing services, greater customer visibility into their energy use, and improved response times to outages,” said Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho. “We look forward to laying the foundation for a smarter, more sustainable energy future for the Philippines’ power sector.”

“We are proud to be a part of Meralco’s smart grid journey. Our proven, scalable Gen5 solution is upgrading the way Meralco delivers, measures and manages electricity. The solution is designed to support multiple meter brands, giving Meralco the flexibility to scale without vendor lock-in. For a utility with such a large and diverse service territory, that flexibility is essential to future-proofing deployments and reducing total cost of ownership,” said John Marcolini, Senior Vice President of Networked Solutions at Itron. “We look forward to working together to help Meralco modernize its infrastructure, improve reliability and deliver greater value to their customers, today and well into the future.”

About Itron
Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live and thrive. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com.

Itron^®, the Itron Logo and UtilityIQ^® are registered trademarks of Itron, Inc in the United States and other countries and regions. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated.

For additional information, contact:

Itron, Inc.

Alison Mallahan
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
509-891-3802
PR@Itron.com

Paul Vincent
Vice President, Investor Relations
512-560-1172
Investors@itron.com

Itron, Inc.

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FAQ

What did Itron announce about Meralco's AMI deployment on Oct. 21, 2025 (ITRI)?

Itron will deploy its AMI with Intelligent Connectivity to initially manage 73,000 endpoints across Metro Manila for Meralco.

How many Meralco customers could be affected by the Itron AMI deployment (ITRI)?

The deployment is part of Meralco’s grid modernization for its more than 8 million customers.

What technologies does Itron’s solution use for Meralco’s smart grid (ITRI)?

The solution uses an IPv6-based Gen5 mesh and cellular network, UtilityIQ headend software, access points, NICs, relays and micro access points.

What operational benefits does the Itron AMI bring to Meralco (ITRI)?

It enables near real-time outage detection and two-way communication, centralized control, and improved customer visibility into usage.

Will Itron’s AMI allow integration of rooftop solar and EVs for Meralco (ITRI)?

Yes; the release states the infrastructure lays the foundation for integrating distributed energy resources and electric vehicles without adding infrastructure.