Itron, which is innovating the way utilities and cities manage energy and water, and Key Equipment Finance, a division of KeyBank and one of the largest bank-based equipment finance providers in the U.S, have introduced a financing program backed by Key Equipment Finance that removes funding as a barrier for smart city and smart community programs. In addition, Key Government Finance, a subsidiary of KeyBank and a leader in municipal funding, is providing financing for Itron’s municipality customers in the U.S. for smart city technologies and services.

“We are excited to put our broad expertise to work for Itron so it can provide financing solutions along with its market-leading technologies,” said Amy Gross, Executive Vice President, Government and Vendor, for Key Equipment Finance. “By adding financing to its portfolio, Itron can proactively offer finance solutions to cities and utilities who are in need of critical upgrades but may not have the funds to invest.”

With their deep product knowledge in municipal and commercial financing, Key Equipment Finance’s in-house specialists will work with Itron sales teams to provide hands-on customer support to help shorten sales cycles, enhance end-user satisfaction and improve financial metrics.

“Now, more than ever, cities and utilities face more constrained budgets in light of the economic impacts of COVID-19. With this program, we are removing financial barriers for our customers to acquire the solutions they need to meet their long-term objectives,” said Mark de Vere White, Senior Vice President of Customer & Market Experience at Itron. “Itron’s smart city solutions, intelligent street lighting and central management software improve municipal services, lower carbon emissions, create safer neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for citizens. With Key Equipment Finance’s service, we will help our customers accelerate those programs that offer the greatest cost savings and enhance services for the communities they serve.”