Elster Launches Remote Shut-Off Valve for AC-250 Residential Gas Meters

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AGA Operations Conference -- Elster (NYSE: ELT) today announced the launch of its AC-250 residential meter remote shut-off valve. A component for the AC-250 diaphragm gas meter, the new shut-off valve provides utilities with remote access to, and control of, the natural gas flow through the meter to a downstream application. The device enables utilities to reduce operating costs, protect revenue, and enhance employee and customer safety.

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By allowing remote control of the downstream natural gas flow, the AC-250 remote shut-off valve allows utilities to reduce operational costs by executing shut-offs promptly when immediate action is required.

Utilities can wirelessly shut off gas flow without needing to physically access the meter. In addition, the shut-off valve enhances safety by enabling advanced, remote shut-off in credible threat situations such as flooding, fire, hurricane or earthquake.  

The meter is also designed to be interoperable with third-party AMI radio devices. "We are excited about the AC-250 remote shut-off valve because it represents the first generation of advanced capability smart metering for gas utilities," said Joe Turgeon, director of AMI/AMR solutions, Elster Gas North America.

"Adding remote shut-off valve functionality to the already outstanding performance of the AC-250 meter empowers utilities with an AMI-ready solution for improving operational efficiency and customer service," Turgeon added.

The AC-250 remote shut-off valve fits neatly within an extended meter top. It meets the full AC-250 meter performance rating and industry intrinsic safety specifications.

Elster will be demonstrating the capabilities of the AC-250 shut-off valve at booth #600 at the American Gas Association's Operations Conference & Biennial Exhibition, being held May 24 - 27, 2011 in Nashville, TN.

About Elster

Elster (NYSE: ELT) is one of the world's largest electricity, gas and water measurement and control providers. Its offerings include distribution monitoring and control, advanced smart metering, demand response, networking and software solutions, and numerous related communications and services -- key components for enabling consumer choice, operational efficiency and conservation. Its products and solutions are widely used by utilities in the traditional and emerging Smart Grid markets.  

Elster has one of the most extensive installed revenue measurement bases in the world, with more than 200 million metering devices deployed over the course of the last 10 years. It sells its products and services in more than 130 countries across electricity, gas, water and multi-utility applications for residential, commercial and industrial, and transmission and distribution applications.

For more information about Elster, please visit www.elster.com.

SOURCE Elster