Verizon Teams With eMeter to Enable Meter Data Management From the Cloud

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet utilities' needs  for advanced smart grid solutions with built-in security, reliability and new capabilities, Verizon and eMeter are teaming to develop and deliver one of the first cloud-based meter data management offerings for the utility industry.

The new service, expected to be available in the spring, will deliver eMeter's industry-leading meter data management software to utilities as a managed service in a scalable cloud-based environment via Verizon's IP network -- the world's most connected network, integrated with more than 200 data centers around the globe.

This collaboration will enable an innovative meter data management solution that can address the potential for new business applications, enhanced billing capabilities and faster customer response.  Since the new service will be cloud-based, utilities will be able to pay for it on a per-user basis, without the need for large capital investment.

"Advancing industry-specific solutions is a key component of Verizon's 'everything-as-a-service' strategy," said Rilck Noel, managing director for Verizon's Global Energy & Utilities practice.  "Our work with eMeter is the latest example of how we are innovating to deliver new smart grid opportunities for utilities -- helping them, and ultimately consumers, gain better command and control of energy resources."

Both Verizon and eMeter are participating at the DistribuTECH conference in San Diego, Feb. 1-3.

Gary Bloom, CEO and president of eMeter, said, "eMeter is proud to work with Verizon Business to make our meter data management capabilities more readily accessible to utilities via the cloud.  This cloud-based meter data management solution will help utilities meet the next generation of energy management needs for both businesses and consumers."

Verizon's Global Energy & Utilities practice combines professional expertise with advanced wireless and wireline networks to deliver advanced communications, IT and security solutions around the world. The organization comprises a team of individuals with the proven experience to help organizations address industry-specific challenges, including smart grid transformation, data management, security, and compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and other global standards. Learn more at: www.verizonbusiness.com/us/solutions/utility.

About eMeter

eMeter provides essential software that enables electric, gas and water utilities to realize the full benefits of Smart Grid. Leading utilities worldwide depend on eMeter Smart Grid Management software to reduce operational costs, improve customer service, and drive energy efficiency. With the most large-scale deployments in the industry and strategic partnerships with Accenture, IBM, SAP and Siemens, eMeter has built a reputation for unparalleled expertise that ensures customer success. For more information, visit: www.emeter.com.

About Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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SOURCE Verizon Business