BPL Global Introduces Integrated Demand Management Technology in California

Next Generation Demand Management Technology Helps Utilities

PITTSBURGH, Pa., Sept. 17, 2007 – BPL Global™, Ltd., an international leader in Electrical Distribution Intelligence, has introduced an advanced technology solution that enables utilities to shed non-critical load during peak hours and to confirm the duration and extent of load shed by participant. BPL Global’s solution aggregates load shedding statistics for clear and straightforward results. The demand management solution is being offered as a community service program by the South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) in Manteca, California.

Through SSJID, BPL Global is on goal of having more than 20 percent of households enroll in the program. So far, more than 1,000 households in Manteca have enrolled in the program to save money on their electric bill and help the environment. In 2004, California mandated that all regulated utilities must have the ability to curtail at least 5% of their system peak loads by 2007.

May through October is when electrical usage increases. This summer, California faced several prolonged periods of unbearably hot days. With so many residents cranking up the air conditioning, more stress was placed on the power grid. The use of so much energy caused power outages, leaving many residents in the dark. For utilities, conserving energy on the hottest days of the year is a better investment than building more electric power plants to handle these peak conditions. Unmanaged demand on the power grid leads to brownouts or blackouts that can cripple an entire city.

The BPL Global system uses sensors placed both in the home to monitor temperature and at the central air conditioning unit to manage electricity. The sensors are in constant two-way communication with BPL Global’s Power SG™ software platform to manage electrical demand automatically. During peak load hours when the day is hot and electricity costs much more to produce, the sensors automatically reduce electricity consumption while maintaining the comfort level selected by each homeowner. In the SSJID program, 60 percent of participants allow the temperature in their homes to go up to 84 degrees and 40 percent up to 78 degrees. The software automatically manages the air conditioner for savings and comfort. Participants are not burdened with price signals, a requirement to replace their thermostat, or the need to change thermostat settings manually.

In less than five minutes, BPL Global’s software can identify, implement and verify load shed. Utilities using BPL Global’s integrated demand management solution can proactively manage their load curve to optimize electricity supply and demand.

In a recent demonstration for representatives from the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), California Energy Commission (CEC), and California Public Utility Commission (CPUC), a network layer with 200 devices was selected and 0.5 megawatts of non-critical load was shed within five minutes. Configurable rules assured participant comfort levels. Load reduction demonstrated asset protection and load curve optimization.

“Power SG™ is an innovative technology proven to be a cost-effective demand management solution with strong consumer appeal. SSJID hopes to see the program expand to homes throughout the San Joaquin Valley and to include interruptible industrial load,” said Jeff Shields, SSJID Utility Systems Director. “In just one year’s time, SSJID expects to exceed the state mandate of 5% demand reduction during peak periods making the District the only utility in California to meet this standard,” Shields said.

In California, BPL Global’s demand management technology complies with the efforts of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Legislature to enforce a bill that would require a 25 percent reduction in carbon dioxide by 2020.

“BPL Global’s ‘smart-grid’ technology is playing a leadership role in partnering with utilities to close the growing gap between electricity supply and demand. In California, across the United States, and around the world, our next generation demand management solution will help leading utilities deliver electricity more efficiently, at a lower investment than new generation and in compliance with clean energy goals,” said Keith Schaefer, CEO BPL Global.

About BPL Global
BPL Global, Ltd. is a green technology company dedicated to leading the transformation of how energy and information are delivered. The company provides Distribution Intelligence Solutions to electric utilities, enabling an intelligent grid to more efficiently manage demand, improve service reliability, and optimize cost and capital productivity. BPL Global provides Broadband Solutions enabling data, voice and video services over power lines to multi-occupancy buildings, businesses, government agencies, and consumers. Operating internationally, the company forms joint ventures with national/regional electric utilities, internet service providers and strategic partners. BPL Global specializes in delivering end-to-end solutions, integrating the best in technology, software, hardware, design, systems integration, and managed services.