FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NorthStar signs agreement with Hearst to implement MeterSense
OTTAWA, ON-10 December 2009- Hearst Power Distribution (Hearst) has signed an
agreement with NorthStar Utilities Solutions, a division of Harris Computer Systems, to
implement MeterSense as their Operational Data Store. In conjunction with the Ontario
government's provincial Meter Data Management Repository, MDM/R, MeterSense will provide
Hearst with a comprehensive solution to immediately validate the health and status of their
metering infrastructure. It will also improve operational efficiencies by allowing Hearst to
understand how their assets are performing. Through advanced reporting MeterSense provides
invaluable information on distribution system loading and assists utilities in optimizing their
assets in the field.
The Province of Ontario has embarked on a plan that will see the implementation of resident
smart meters on every household by 2011 and the move to time of use billing. This program is
part of the government's overall strategy to create and promote a conservation culture and
encompasses over four million residential smart meters. The incorporation of both smart grid
technology and smart meters will facilitate the use advanced information-based technologies to
increase grid efficiency, reliability and flexibility.
Hearst contracted with Util-Assist, a leading industry consultant, to issue a request for proposal
and review vendors. After a thorough review Hearst chose NorthStar's MeterSense solution
based on its ability to meet both their immediate and long term smart meter objectives.
"We are thrilled with the addition of Hearst to the MeterSense user community." said Rob
DiMurro, General Manager of NorthStar Utilities Solutions, "Our MeterSense initiative has huge
momentum as more utilities realize that they can gain operational efficiencies from a
comprehensive meter data management solution like MeterSense."
About Hearst Power Distribution Company Ltd.:
Hearst Power Distribution Company Ltd. distributes electricity to the residents and businesses of
the Town of Hearst.
Ms. Nicole Leduc
General Manager
Hearst Power Distribution Company Ltd.
Hearst, Ontario
(705) 372-2815
nleduc@ntl.sympatico.ca
About MeterSense:
MeterSense is a comprehensive meter data management solution (MDMS) designed to provide
utilities with long-term storage of billing and operational data, validation, and through its
configurable Rules Engine, intelligent real-time event management. MeterSense is designed to
reduce or eliminate the need for manual intervention in handling the significantly increased
volume of data utilities are now faced with and act as the central point for integrating meter
data and events with other business systems such as CIS, SCADA, GIS, OMS, WMS, and other
critical utility systems.
About NorthStar Utilities Solutions:
NorthStar has been serving the utility market for more than 30 years. NorthStar provides
utilities with integrated solutions for customer information and billing, financial management
and meter data management. Our 200 customer in North American and the Caribbean, benefit
from our solutions that let utilities manage their revenues, deliver superior customer service and
improve efficiencies while reducing total cost of ownership. For more information on NorthStar
Utilities Solutions and the NorthStar product suite please visit our website at
www.northstarutilities.com.
To learn more about MeterSense please contact:
Mike Foley, Senior Account Executive
NorthStar Utilities Solutions
A division of Harris Computer Systems
(613) 868-5594
mfoley@northstarutilities.com
About Harris Computer Systems:
Since 1976, Harris has focused on providing feature-rich and robust turnkey solutions to public
power and water markets as well as all levels of local government throughout North America.
Harris' focus is on creating long-term relationships with our customers and ensuring that we
meet the changing needs of our customers over time. For further information on Harris
Computer Systems, please visit our website at www.harriscomputer.com or call 888-847-7747.