BPLG Adds Non-Technical Loss Smart Grid Solution

BPL Global and Choice to co-market Non-Technical Loss solution

PITTSBURGH; PA –January 12, 2009 – BPL Global^®, Ltd. (BPLG), a smart grid technology company dedicated to leading the transformation of energy efficiency and reliability, has partnered with Brazilian company Choice, an industry leader in energy intelligence solutions for electric utilities, to co-market our non-technical loss software solution worldwide. Electric utilities using our best-of-breed solution typically achieve three times the reduction in non-technical loss as compared to their traditional approach. Together with leading utilities, we are changing consumer behavior, reducing energy consumption and increasing utility revenue by eliminating the unnecessary waste from non-technical loss. We all benefit from reduced carbon emissions for a cleaner, greener environment.

A big challenge facing some electric utilities, non-technical loss can reach as much as 30% or more of revenue. The dynamic and varied causes of non-technical loss combined with the large number of locations and underlying consumer behaviors involved are significant obstacles to an effective solution. Primary causes include commercial loss, nonpayment loss and administrative loss. Commercial loss is commonly linked to electricity theft committed against the electric energy provider from illegal taps on power lines or tampering with electric meters. Nonpayment loss, on the other hand, is usually caused by an inability to pay the full price for electricity consumed. Administrative loss is commonly related to business process failures within a utility. These losses represent a significant level of unnecessary energy waste resulting in an added burden on electric rates for consumers, lost revenue for utilities and increased carbon emissions into the environment.

“Transformative, best-of-breed technology is required to address the unique challenge of changing the consumer behavior at the root of non-technical loss,” said Keith Schaefer, CEO of BPL Global. “For the first time, through our partnerships with Choice and electric utilities, a systemic and sustainable reduction in non-technical loss can be achieved.” 

Our Non-technical loss solution combines proprietary software, consulting services and business process outsourcing into an “Intelligence Center” designed to optimize revenue recovery and energy efficiency. Utilities using our solution have generated a return of up to 400% on their investment within one year. Leveraging software and improved business processes utilities effectively address the root cause of non-technical loss, changing consumer behaviors. Typically one third of the loss-recovery is captured by the utility as an increase in revenue while two thirds results in energy savings. By reducing non-payment loss, the cost of electricity is more fairly paid by all consumers. By reducing commercial and administrative loss, energy savings are achieved.

Saving energy from non-revenue producing energy waste is the one of the greatest values delivered by a smart grid. The utility reduces energy and operating costs and delays the need to invest in new generation assets. Over time, the cost of electricity is lower and more equitable for consumers. We all benefit from reduced carbon emissions for a cleaner, greener environment.

“We selected BPL Global as our worldwide partner, due to their success in deploying smart grid solutions to utilities around the world,” said Denis Maia, CEO of Choice. “Their global reach and integrated suite of smart grid solutions combined with our proven non-technical loss solution should allow many more utilities to improve their financial performance and provide electricity at a more equitable value to consumers.”

BPL Global offers the non-technical loss solution to customers around the globe as part of its comprehensive smart grid solution set that addresses the entire energy delivery value chain. Implementing multiple integrated smart grid solutions creates additional value with increased ROI. Our sophisticated software solutions offer utilities the potential for positive top line and bottom line financial results. The company provides a suite of smart grid solutions to transform energy efficiency and reliability.

About BPL Global
BPL Global, Ltd. (BPLG) is a smart grid technology company dedicated to leading the transformation of energy efficiency and reliability. The company provides software solutions and services to electric utilities enabling an intelligent grid to more efficiently manage demand, integrate distributed energy resources, improve service reliability, and optimize cost and capital productivity. BPL Global partners with local utilities, Internet service providers, equipment suppliers and financiers to create end-to-end solutions integrating the best in software, communications, hardware and managed services to aggressively deploy smart grid solutions around the world. Part of the clean technology sector of the electric utility industry, our applications provide the critical foundation for a coordinated, intelligent grid to deliver energy more efficiently and reliably for a greener environment.

About Choice
Choice is a software company dedicated to increasing the profitability of companies in the electricity sector, providing solutions that combine innovation, technology and intelligence in the business. One of the main providers of business intelligence solutions, the company operates in more than 40% of Brazil’s electricity distribution market. Choice is a pioneer in developing data warehouse projects and also on applying OLAP technologies in its solutions and offers groundbreaking technologies in areas such as revenue loss-recovery, market planning and energy commerce. www.choice.com.br/eng/