Officials of Hawaiian Electric Co. and Sensus Metering Systems have announced a 15-year definitive agreement for mass deployment of Sensus Metering Systems' FlexNet wireless smart grid solution. The decision comes after two years of rigorous field testing of the FlexNet system, where thousands of smart electric meters were tested in a variety of settings, terrains and environments on Oahu.

Subject to Hawaii Public Utilities Commission approval of Hawaiian Electric's AMI plan, approximately 430,000 residential and commercial electric customers will be transitioned to the Sensus FlexNet smart meters between 2009 and 2015. Just 19 tower network sites throughout Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island will provide the advanced, two-way radio frequency network coverage based on Sensus' primary use licensed frequency, which allows for secure, reliable transmissions over a wide range.

The FlexNet system provides Hawaiian Electric with two-way communications to Sensus' iCon smart electric meters, which enables on-demand reads, remote connect/disconnect services, notifications of outages and restoration, and remote firmware upgrades. FlexNet also establishes the platform for additional customer and utility system-related benefits in the future.

These features will support new pricing and demand-response initiatives to help customers manage their own electricity use by taking advantage of various pricing options, and programs designed to enhance energy conservation efforts.