Itron, Inc., a worldwide leader in energy and water management innovations for utilities and cities, is enhancing the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and improving grid flexibility with its IntelliFLEX solution. This grid-edge Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) provides real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of behind-the-meter assets like electric vehicles, solar panels, and batteries.
As DER adoption accelerates, utilities face increasing challenges in balancing supply and demand, managing grid capacity, and avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades. IntelliFLEX helps by unlocking up to 20% additional capacity in the distribution grid, delaying expensive infrastructure investments.
Part of Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence (GEI) portfolio, IntelliFLEX offers a holistic approach to optimizing DERs through aggregation, forecasting, and AI-driven load balancing. This solution allows utilities to integrate and manage diverse energy assets seamlessly, improving grid reliability and efficiency. Its advanced real-time coordination capabilities enable utilities to lower peak loads, optimize DER performance dynamically, and reduce outages caused by energy supply-demand mismatches.
Furthermore, IntelliFLEX facilitates bi-directional data flow between Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and grid operations, enhancing planning and forecasting. Its flexibility allows integration with Itron’s AMI networks, third-party systems, or operation as a standalone solution, accommodating utilities at different stages of grid modernization.
Don Reeves, Senior Vice President of Outcomes at Itron, stated, “Itron’s IntelliFLEX solution addresses increasing electrification, renewable integration, and DER adoption, ensuring cost-effective and scalable grid modernization. This unique, DI-enabled DERMS solution unlocks exceptional real-time operational capabilities for utilities experiencing rapid DER growth. It not only lowers operational costs but also benefits customers by providing equal access to services. With Itron, utilities can incorporate managed DERs into asset protection planning, infrastructure investment deferrals, grid resilience strategies, active load shaping, and non-wires alternatives.”
A significant advantage of IntelliFLEX is its ability to assist utilities in navigating evolving global regulatory standards. The solution ensures compliance with regulations like FERC 2222 in the U.S., NEM reform in Australia, and §14a EnWG in Germany, expediting interconnection approvals and simplifying regulatory reporting.
By utilizing AI-driven forecasting and advanced data analytics, IntelliFLEX can support millions of DERs while providing highly accurate demand predictions, ensuring a scalable and secure grid infrastructure.
Itron’s IntelliFLEX also helps utilities maximize their existing infrastructure by enhancing grid visibility from customer premises to service transformers. It improves outage management and increases customer energy savings by offering deeper insights into low-voltage distribution systems. With proprietary device protocols and standards-based integrations like IEEE 2030.5, OCPP, and OpenADR, IntelliFLEX provides a future-proof solution for real-time DER coordination and peak demand management.
Source :Itron
