LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.—March 22, 2011—Itron Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that it has started the delivery of 120,000 smart water meters to Malta's Water Services Corporation (WSC), as part of a contract that will continue through 2013. To date, 25,000 Itron water meters and communication modules to be connected to existing Ondeo Systems smart metering solution have been delivered as part of a large scale-smart water grid program managed by IBM.

Malta is an island in the Mediterranean faced with the challenge of delivering an affordable, secure water supply to its residents-but it lacks significant natural water resources. Reliable, accurate water metering technology from Itron provides a foundation for residents to track and manage their consumption activity, ultimately allowing for better management of sensitive water reserves.

By connecting Itron meters to the IBM Information Management System using the automated meter reading solution from Suez Environnement and Lyonnaise des Eaux, through their joint subsidiary Ondeo Systems, WSC will continue to ensure water sustainability for its residents today and for generations to come.

"As a result of this project, Malta will become the first country in the world to build a nationwide smart grid with a fully integrated water system. At Itron, we are pleased to be a trusted part of the changing landscape of Malta's water service," said Marcel Regnier, Itron president and COO—Water.