Eléctrica de Guayaquil, a state-owned electric utility in Guayaquil, Ecuador, completed the installation of Latin America’s first meter-to-cash smart metering system, which uses Itron’s technology. The communication system is actively collecting meter data and feeding Itron’s meter data management (MDM) system installed by the utility through a robust, two-way wireless communications network.

With Itron’s smart grid solution installed, Eléctrica de Guayaquil can reduce and control both technical and non-technical energy losses using more precise tamper proof meters with accurate measurement and sensing capabilities for Guayaquil’s many commercial and industrial customers. The solution also improves operational processes and efficiency.

“With a complete smart grid system inclusive of a network and meter data management system now in place, we can realize the full potential of its benefits, including system efficiency and loss management,” said Diego Sánchez - Commercial Manager.

The solution also enables Eléctrica de Guayaquil to take advantage of future capabilities and applications, including theft analytics. The system, which leverages the same proven technology platform being implemented at scale in smart grid deployments in North America, can be expanded in the future to realize the full potential of the smart grid.

Eléctrica de Guayaquil is one of the Ecuadorian’s largest electric utilities; serving a population of nearly 3.4 millions in the city of Guayaquil, the largest and most populous in the country. EdG efficiently distributes electric energy to almost 630.000 end users, thanks to its 1.400 dedicated employees.