Itron, Inc., a global leader in innovating energy and water management solutions for utilities and cities, is helping utilities improve the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and enhance grid flexibility with its IntelliFLEX solution. As a grid-edge Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), IntelliFLEX provides real-time visibility, control, and optimization of behind-the-meter DERs, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and batteries.

With the rapid rise in DER adoption, utilities are facing growing challenges in balancing supply and demand, managing grid capacity, and avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades. Itron’s IntelliFLEX addresses these challenges by unlocking up to 20% more capacity in the distribution grid, deferring the need for expensive infrastructure investments.

Part of Itron’s Grid Edge Intelligence (GEI) portfolio, IntelliFLEX offers a comprehensive approach to DER optimization through aggregation, forecasting, and AI-driven load balancing. The solution enables utilities to seamlessly integrate and manage diverse energy assets, enhancing grid reliability and efficiency. Its advanced real-time coordination capabilities allow utilities to reduce peak loads, dynamically optimize DER performance, and mitigate outages caused by mismatches in energy supply and demand.

Additionally, IntelliFLEX supports bi-directional data flow between Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and grid operations, enhancing grid planning and forecasting. The solution is highly flexible, integrating with Itron’s AMI networks, third-party AMI systems, or functioning as a standalone solution, making it adaptable to utilities at various stages of their grid modernization journey.

Don Reeves, senior vice president of Outcomes at Itron, mentioned “Itron’s IntelliFLEX solution addresses rising electrification, renewables integration and DER adoption, ensuring cost-effective, scalable grid modernization. This unique, DI-enabled DERMS solution unlocks unprecedented real-time, operational capabilities for utilities experiencing rapid DER growth. This groundbreaking solution not only reduces operating expenses for utilities but also helps their customers save money and provides equal access to services for all utility customers. With Itron, utilities can now incorporate managed DERs into critical asset protection planning, infrastructure investment deferrals, grid resiliency plans, active load shaping and non-wires alternatives to capacity demands.”

A key advantage of IntelliFLEX is its ability to help utilities navigate evolving regulatory standards worldwide. The solution facilitates compliance with standards such as FERC 2222 in the U.S., NEM reform in Australia, and §14a EnWG in Germany, accelerating interconnection approvals and simplifying regulatory reporting. By leveraging AI-driven forecasting and advanced data analytics, IntelliFLEX can support millions of DERs while delivering highly accurate demand predictions, ensuring a scalable and secure grid infrastructure.

Itron’s IntelliFLEX also empowers utilities to maximize their existing infrastructure by enhancing grid visibility from the customer premise to the service transformer. It improves outage management and boosts customer energy savings by providing deeper insights into low-voltage distribution systems. With its proprietary device protocols and standards-based integrations, such as IEEE 2030.5, OCPP, and OpenADR, IntelliFLEX offers utilities a future-proof solution for real-time DER coordination and peak demand management.

Itron will showcase the IntelliFLEX solution at DISTRIBUTECH 2025, taking place from March 24-27 at Booth #3008. The solution is now available globally, offering utilities a powerful tool to enhance grid resilience, optimize operations, and seamlessly integrate the growing influx of distributed energy resources.