APS Selects Aclara Software Meter Data Management Solution For AMI

Wellesley, MA – Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, Arizona Public Service Co. (APS), has selected the Aclara Software meter data management (MDM) solution to manage its advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) operation. Aclara Software's MDM system will interface with Elster's AMI data collection system currently being installed across APS' service territory.

Aclara Software's MDM system is widely recognized throughout the utility industry for its service-oriented architecture and powerful workflow engine that enables seamless business-process integration between independent AMI systems and the rest of the enterprise.

The selection by APS further validates Aclara Software's MDM capabilities to effectively interface with diverse AMI vendors' data collection systems.

The Aclara MDM system being implemented at APS will manage hourly and sub-hourly data from multiple collection systems including Elster's EnergyAxis® AMI system. Other key Aclara functions of the MDM system include data cleansing, bill preprocessing, and advanced analytics required for operational needs and customer service programs.

The data collected will be used by various applications, including Aclara Software's ENERGYprism® customer-care solution, which allows customers to view and conveniently analyze their bills online. ENERGYprism also enables APS customer service representatives to more effectively respond to customer billing inquiries. Leveraging Aclara Software's real-time integration framework and pre-built adapter with EnergyAxis, the MDM system enables APS' enterprise applications to realize the full benefits of the utility's investment in AMI.

Michael Goguen, Director of Customer Operations Support for APS, said, "We selected Aclara Software after a rigorous evaluation process, in part because this solution has been proven at scale with the largest AMI deployment of hourly meters in the U.S., 1.4 million meters at PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, (in Pennsylvania)."

"We look forward to working with Aclara Software at APS to provide a fully integrated AMI and MDM solution that combines our complementary technologies," said Ivo Steklac, Global Vice President, Elster Integrated Solutions.

Bruce Phillips, President of Aclara, added, "We are delighted to add APS to our growing list of MDM clients. We are looking forward to working closely with this customer which plans to leverage its AMI and MDM investments in some exciting and creative ways."

About Aclara Software
Aclara Software provides utilities with unique software solutions that unlock the power of energy and water information, delivering a robust and scalable MDMS, comprehensive AMI/Meter Device Records and Asset Management, proven business applications addressing areas such as Revenue Assurance and Distribution Asset Analysis, and the industry's leading Customer Presentment and Analysis applications. Aclara Software is one of the Aclara brand technologies of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE), St. Louis, MO.

About APS
APS serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of Arizona's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

About Elster Group
Elster, a global leader in smart metering and smart grid solutions has delivered over 1.5 million smart metering devices worldwide with systems located in North America, Europe, Central America, Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. Elster smart metering system solutions provide utilities with energy conservation capabilities via demand response programs, smart grid applications, and operational efficiencies resulting in significant value creation across the utility enterprise. Elster has over 7,500 staff and operates globally in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia.

SOURCE: Aclara