The two firms will work together to offer a smart metering solution that will meet the current needs and future requirements of Japanese electric utilities.
Under the agreement, Itron will design, develop and deliver an Itron smart meter with its 3G cellular communications to the Japan-based electronics firm.
Itron Energy president and COO Philip Mezey said, "We’re proud to partner with Panasonic to deliver a proven solution that will serve as the foundation for the types of programs the government, utilities and people of Japan envision for their future."
Panasonic is expanding its communications product line to the smart meter business with this latest collaboration.
In order to manage energy supply and demand, the government of Japan has mandated the adoption of smart meters over the next 10 years for about 80 million electric meters.
