Itron Launches MetrixND 4.0 with New Graphics; Enhanced Software Tool Provides Energy Forecasting Functions for Many User Groups.

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Itron Inc. (Nasdaq:ITRI) announced today the release of MetrixND(R) 4.0, the latest version of the energy industry's most powerful and versatile forecasting tool.

MetrixND 4.0 offers new graphics that can be customized, bringing unprecedented functionality, efficiency and control to energy forecasters. The tool can be used for many forecasting functions, including short-term and long-term energy and demand forecasting, price forecasting, individual customer load forecasting and financial forecasting. First released in 1997, Itron's MetrixND has more than 450 users from 120 utilities and energy companies representing eight countries.

"Itron provides knowledge to help our customers in the energy and water industry be as accurate and efficient as possible," said Frank Monforte, Itron vice president of forecasting. "With MetrixND, we're providing users the flexibility to quickly build and evaluate alternative forecasting models. Accurate forecasts provide the foundation for daily operations, market planning and risk management for a variety of market participants. MetrixND 4.0 is a vital tool in today's energy market."

Designed to take advantage of advanced Windows capabilities, MetrixND's intuitive user interface and drag-and-drop architecture streamlines the development of forecasting variables and models. MetrixND offers a range of modeling techniques including Regression and Neural Networks. Evaluation graphs, diagnostic statistics and reports are readily available to assist in developing and analyzing forecasts. The interactive design strategy enables forecast analysts to quickly evaluate alternative models and select the model that works the best for the data provided.

The new, enhanced features of Itron's MetrixND 4.0 include upgraded graphics capabilities, extended variable creation capabilities through an enhanced transformation editor, added Window management menu items and additional toolbar elements that streamline the development of models, and a host of other new functionalities.

"We've used MetrixND since 1999 and I've discovered it is one of the best systems to create short-term load forecasts using regression modeling," said Michelle Harris, energy analyst for DTE Energy in Detroit. "The most exciting addition to version 4.0 is the improved graphics. MetrixND saves us time by allowing us to do straightforward regression modeling with load variables like weather and historical sales, instead of the more complicated regression analysis in Microsoft Excel. A lot rides on our forecasts -- scheduling, outage planning and asset optimization -- we have to have user-friendly, accurate tools to obtain the most reliable forecasts."

MetrixND is at the core of Itron's automated forecasting solutions. These solutions range from short-term system operations forecasting, retail and wholesale customer load forecasting, to financial forecasting. "MetrixND's versatility is put to use by a varied group of market participants within the energy industry," adds Monforte.

Itron will offer two free webinars covering MetrixND at 2 pm EDT (11 am PDT) July 22, and noon EDT (9 am PDT) on July 29. To register, call 800-755-9585 or go to www.itron.com/metrixnd4. This site also contains a flash demonstration and several case studies.

About Itron

Itron is a leading technology provider and critical source of knowledge to the global energy and water industries. More than 2,800 utilities worldwide rely on Itron technology to deliver the knowledge they require to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Itron delivers value to its clients by providing industry-leading solutions for meter data collection, energy information management, demand side management and response, load forecasting, analysis and consulting services, transmission and distribution system design and optimization, web-based workforce automation, C&I customer care, enterprise and residential energy management. To know more, start here: www.itron.com.