August 27, 2014 – Sensus says its new iConA Generation 4 residential electric meters will enhance the ability of utilities to use data to monitor and control their infrastructure to balance supply and demand, restore service faster following outages and encourage consumers to conserve electricity.

Sensus is offering versions A and B of the Gen-4 meter, both of which include a high-temperature detection technology with an optional automatic disconnect that enables utilities to receive real-time notification of heating caused by external issues. The meters also feature design enhancements to help prevent water and other contaminants, such as insects, from entering.

The 4-A meter is available without any upgrade to communication network software, but the 4-B meter requires an upgrade to the regional network interface in the communications network to enable all features. The latter meter is the industry’s first, says Sensus, with Opt-Out capability, allowing utilities the flexibility to turn Off/On all RF transmissions remotely. It also features four channels of ANSI C12.19 load profile data that enables multiple time-of-use rate structures.

Both meter versions can leverage the point-to-multipoint FlexNet communication system—a long-range radio network that serves as a dedicated and secure two-way communications highway for investor-owned utilities, municipalities and electric cooperatives.