The 2025 AGA Operations Conference & Biennial Exhibition brought the gas industry’s biggest challenges and boldest solutions to the forefront. From safety and sustainability to innovation and consumer engagement, here are five big takeaways shaping the future of gas utilities. 

1. Protecting Communities Comes First 

Safety remains a top priority for gas utilities—and its importance continues to grow. As infrastructure ages and regulatory expectations increase, utilities are investing in built-in safety features, advanced monitoring technologies, workforce training and proactive maintenance strategies to keep their communities safe. 

2. Real-Time Data Equals Real-World Impact 

The adoption of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) continues to accelerate as gas utilities look to enhance operational efficiency, safety and customer engagement. The digital platform expedites troubleshooting, enabling faster customer responses and potentially reducing the need for onsite service calls. With real-time data and remote monitoring capabilities, AMI is enabling proactive leak detection, streamlined billing and more informed decision-making across the network.  

3. Smarter Gas Delivery Starts at the Edge 

With over 3 million Intelis Gas Meters shipped, we’re redefining the value proposition—from traditional metering and automation to edge intelligence. This evolution is transforming the gas distribution network from a one-way delivery system into an active energy network. The Intelis meter enables utilities to deliver gas more safely, efficiently and intelligently, featuring auto valve shutoff for high pressure, high flow and high temperature conditions. 

4. Intelligent Connectivity: Where Flexibility Meets Reliability 

Momentum is building around flexible connectivity solutions tailored to gas utilities. The multi-transport capability of these solutions enables utilities to adapt seamlessly to changing network conditions. From AMI to edge intelligence, scalable communication technologies are empowering faster response times, remote monitoring and enhanced operational visibility—all while optimizing cost and performance.   

While RF networks hold a strong presence across the market, a notable game-changing entrance into the gas sector is Itron’s Solar Battery Access Point (SBAP). The SBAP eliminates the need to lease overhead infrastructure to install networking assets. Creating a solar powered battery mesh delivers the low latency performance of a mesh technology, while minimizing cellular operations and maintenance costs. This streamlined approach simplifies both the deployment and maintenance of an AMI network, thereby reducing its total cost of ownership.   

5. Customer Engagement is Key 

Gas utilities are increasingly turning to digital platforms to strengthen customer engagement and meet rising expectations. By providing real-time usage insights and easy-to-access communication channels, utilities empower customers with greater control, transparency and trust—bringing the customer experience to the digital age. 

Thanks to everyone who visited the Itron booth at AGA 2025! We appreciated the great conversations, valuable insights and the opportunity to explore solutions to the biggest challenges facing gas utilities today. As the industry continues to evolve, Itron remains committed to helping our customers deliver safer, smarter and more reliable service. Learn more at itron.com/gas. See you next year!