Duke Energy has received regulatory approval to deploy smart grid infrastructure in Ohio, and plans to launch a five-year mass deployment of smart grid technology later in 2009 including more than 700,000 electric smart meters in Ohio.

In Indiana, Duke Energy is seeking approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to install smart grid technology, including approximately 800,000 smart meters. The company is also laying the groundwork to bring large-scale smart grid technology to the remaining three states it serves.

The initial order under the framework agreement totals approximately $15.8 million with deliveries expected to begin at the end of the quarter. Assuming full deployment of the Networked Energy Services (NES) system, the states of Ohio and Indiana represent a revenue opportunity to Echelon of over $150 million.

Todd Arnold, Duke Energy's senior vice president for smart grid and customer systems, said: "An essential component of Duke Energy's smart grid design is a scalable, open, interoperable network that supports not just the initial functions we are deploying today, but allows for additional devices and sensors to be attached to the network in the future."

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.