Itron Inc. has signed three major contracts with the Indonesian state-owned electricity utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to supply 800,000 keypad smart payment residential meters to the Java Bali region by the end of the year.

Smart payment technology is becoming increasingly popular in the region with utilities seeking to implement revenue protection measures as well as to help consumers to better manage their electricity consumption. Using the keypad, the energy is loaded onto the meter by entering a 20-digit code which credits the equivalent kWh onto the meter. The credit can be purchased by consumers from a supply authority or approved vendor.

PLN’s objective is to provide almost all new electricity connections with keypad meters and to replace old residential meters progressively. Itron was selected by PLN thanks to its proven worldwide expertise and reputation in smart payment systems.

Installation is underway with more than half of the meters delivered and the remaining expected to be completed by the end of the year. In addition to supplying the meters, Itron is also providing training on installation and meter operation.

“We prefer to use keypad smart payment meters. They improve the efficiency of our existing postpaid billing and collection process as well as allowing the full optimization of our human resources by utilizing the services of our meter readers in other areas,” said Ngurah Adnyana, PLN Director Operation of Java Bali.

According to Marcel Regnier, senior vice president and COO, Itron International, “The smart payment market is increasing rapidly in this region where utilities want to secure their revenue while allowing consumers to self manage their energy bill. As a world leader in the design and manufacture of smart payment technology, Itron has been able to secure the majority share of the three contracts with PLN by demonstrating our responsiveness and ability to meet demanding requirements from the utility. Itron is constantly evolving its technology to offer additional anti-tamper features in order to offer greater revenue protection to our customers.”