SmartSynch to Provide Smart Metering, Energy Management, Demand Response and Carbon Monitoring Solutions to SmartGridCity(TM) Commercial and Industrial Customers

JACKSON, Miss., November 18, 2008 – SmartSynch, Inc., a global leader in public wireless smart metering technology, has been selected by Xcel Energy to provide smart metering, energy management, demand response and carbon monitoring solutions to commercial and industrial (C&I) customers in the utility's SmartGridCity(TM) initiative.  SmartGridCity(TM) enables two-way communication between customers and Xcel Energy, and features a portfolio of smart grid technologies designed to provide a host of environmental, financial and operational benefits. 

The SmartSynch solution will be deployed on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder, and on municipal buildings and select commercial and industrial buildings throughout the city.  The C&I solutions, provided by SmartSynch via the AT&T Wireless network, will enable Xcel Energy to partner with its commercial and industrial customers in new ways by:

• mapping their energy usage trends to optimize consumption;
• providing demand response programs offering incentives for business owners who curtail their facility's energy use during times of peak demand;
• helping them capture tax incentives by reducing their carbon footprint;
• supporting large-scale intermittent renewable generation initiatives (e.g.; solar panels, etc.); and
• facilitating real-time notifications of power outages to Xcel Energy dispatch teams to ensure on-site power quality.

SmartSynch and Xcel Energy

"SmartSynch is a leading provider of commercial and industrial smart meters, and we are pleased to have them working with us on this ambitious effort,” said Michael Carlson, CIO of Xcel Energy. "Through their participation, we can now extend the full benefits of SmartGridCity(TM) beyond residential parameters, and give our larger customers the opportunity to manage their energy consumption, reduce CO2 emissions and take advantage of pricing benefits.”

"Xcel Energy has displayed visionary leadership through the development of this landmark initiative,” said Stephen Johnston, chief executive officer of SmartSynch.  "We are pleased to join the SmartGridCity(TM) team, and are eager to begin leveraging our expertise on behalf of this major step forward toward a fully interconnected power distribution network.”

SmartSynch will join Xcel Energy's Smart Grid Consortium, which brings together leading technologists, engineering firms, business leaders and IT experts to provide guidance as well as the products and services needed to bring Xcel Energy's smart grid vision to life.  Existing consortium members include Accenture, Current Group, GridPoint, OSISoft, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Ventyx®.

To learn more about Xcel Energy's SmartGridCity(TM), visit www.xcelenergy.com/smartgrid, which provides educational materials and graphics illustrating Xcel Energy's Smart Grid vision.

About SmartSynch

Headquartered in Jackson, Miss., SmartSynch has been developing successful Smart Grid Intelligence solutions for the utility industry since 2000. The company's clean-tech innovations in the two-way delivery of real-time energy usage data over public wireless networks, in lieu of private network build-outs, have to-date simplified SmartMeter deployments for 75+ major North American utilities, while enabling green-energy initiatives and delivering significantly higher Returns on Resources.  Unlike proprietary, closed-architecture solutions, SmartSynch's SmartMeters represent future-proof investments in technology. The standards-based IP connectivity enabled in every SmartMeter deployed makes them adaptable and remotely upgradeable to support today's sensor and communications needs, as well as tomorrow's opportunities.  For more information, contact SmartSynch Media Relations at 601-209-1315, or visit www.smartsynch.com.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states.  Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies.  Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis.  More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com.

 

JACKSON, Miss., November 6, 2008 – SmartSynch Inc., an innovative provider of smart grid intelligence solutions for the utility industry, today announced it has completed the acquisition of Applied Mesh Technologies (AppMesh) of Macon, Georgia.  Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

 

AppMesh provides leading-edge communications solutions to utilities and their commercial and industrial customers seeking to remotely monitor and control their energy usage to save money and increase operational efficiencies.  The company's proven suite of smart grid-oriented products will enable SmartSynch to extend service to customers on multiple levels, including distribution automation, SCADA, generator/load control, electric distribution monitoring, steam monitoring and PHEV monitoring.  Specific products range from a low-cost 'wireless pipe'  interface enabling utilities to transmit and receive data using any protocol or messaging scheme to a 'smart car charger' to be used with electric vehicles, allowing them to only re-charge during times when electricity costs are low.

 

"AppMesh is one of the fastest-rising and most innovative companies in our market, and they have an experienced leadership team and strong track record with a number of leading North American utilities,” said Stephen Johnston, SmartSynch's chief executive officer.  "We look forward to integrating our open technology platforms and providing an enhanced suite of smart grid products and services to our customers.”

 

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SmartSynch Acquires Applied Mesh Technologies

 

AppMesh's technology platform is complimentary to SmartSynch's as the companies share similar core competencies, understanding and broad architecture.  SmartSynch, founded in 2000, pioneered the use of existing public wireless networks to enable utilities to track their customers' energy usage data, and avoid investing capital to build private communications networks.  This made it financially feasible for many utilities to help their customers better manage their energy consumption, and reduce CO2 emissions.

"We are delighted to be joining the SmartSynch family, particularly during a time of such unprecedented excitement and opportunity for our industry,” said AppMesh co-founder Mark Leach.  "Our combined strengths, coupled with our utility industry backgrounds and visionary mindsets, will further entrench us as a lead player in the development of a fully automated, 21st century smart grid.”

For more information, visit www.smartsynch.com.

 

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About SmartSynch

Headquartered in Jackson, Miss., SmartSynch has been developing successful Smart Grid Intelligence solutions for the utility industry since 2000. The company's clean-tech innovations in the two-way delivery of real-time energy usage data over public wireless networks, in lieu of private network build-outs, have to-date simplified SmartMeter deployments for 75+ major North American utilities, while enabling green-energy initiatives and delivering significantly higher Returns on Resources.

 

Unlike proprietary, closed-architecture solutions, SmartSynch's SmartMeters represent future-proof investments in technology. The standards-based IP connectivity enabled in every SmartMeter deployed makes them adaptable and remotely upgradeable to support today's sensor and communications needs, as well as tomorrow's opportunities.  For more information, contact SmartSynch Media Relations at 601-362-1780, or visit www.smartsynch.com.

NEWS RELEASE
4th November 2008

ACQUISITIONS SET METER RUNNING FOR UKME EXPANSION

Glasgow-based gas metering firm UK Meter Exchange (UKME) has announced a major expansion of its asset base following a £2.5 million acquisition from one of its closest rivals.

The deal, which has been financed by Clydesdale Bank, sees UKME acquire domestic credit and pre-payment meters from Capital Meters Ltd (CML), currently the UK’s third largest provider of meters and services to the gas and electricity metering market.

And in a separate £1 million deal, also funded by Clydesdale Bank, UKME has acquired a portfolio of industrial and commercial meters from its sister company ECO Project Management.

The acquisitions take UKME’s meter portfolio to more than 100,000. The firm’s industrial and commercial client base includes blue chip names such as Coca Cola, Ford, Tesco, Manchester United FC, and Rolls Royce.

UKME provides, installs and maintains gas metering and Automated Meter Reading (AMR) assets across the UK while sister company ECO Project Management manages gas connections services for all the leading industry suppliers in the UK including Shell, BP, Total Gas and Power, Gaz De France and ENI.

Making the announcement Alan Foy, managing director of ECO Project Management and UKME, said:

“We have enjoyed rapid growth since our formation in 2005 and these acquisitions provide us with an ideal position from which to expand further.

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“The fact that we have been able to attract such substantial funding from Clydesdale Bank at a time when the wider economy is facing so many challenges speaks volumes for the robust condition of our business.

“We’re now seeing the benefits of the £3 million investment we’ve made in our software systems – we’re well established in the marketplace with a safe, secure revenue stream moving forward and turnover for this year projected at £8.4 million.”

Lyn Calder, senior partner at Clydesdale Bank, said:

“We are delighted to provide our backing for UKME’s expansion plans.

“The quality of the company’s management team, the robust nature of its systems and the strength of its client base mean that it is well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities which exist within the marketplace.

“We look forward to continuing to support them in their ambition to grow the business further.”

Further information about ECO PM and UKME is available at www.ecopm.com

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Issued by the BIG Partnership on behalf of UKME and ECO Project Management
For further information contact Stephen McCrossan on 0141 333 9585

SmartSynch Appoints Glenn L. McCullough Jr. to its Board of Directors  

JACKSON, Miss., October 23, 2008 – SmartSynch Inc., a leading provider of smart grid intelligence for the utility industry, today announced that Glenn L. McCullough Jr. has joined the company’s Board of Directors.  McCullough has more than 25 years experience in the utility industry stemming from eight years of public service and 14 years in private business.  He served as chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors from 2001 through 2005, where he focused on achieving corporate excellence in the generation and transmission of electric power, stewardship of the Tennessee River system and the environment and regional economic development.

 “We are privileged to have Glenn L. McCullough Jr., join our Board,” said Stephen Johnston, SmartSynch’s chief executive officer. “He has a strong track record with many achievements, and his industry knowledge and vision will help SmartSynch maintain a leadership role in the development of a 21st century smart grid.”

“SmartSynch’s innovative solutions are enabling the utility industry to migrate towards a fully interconnected power distribution network,” said Mr. McCullough.  “SmartSynch made it possible for utilities to use existing public wireless networks to track a customer’s energy consumption data, in lieu of making big capital investments to build their own private communications networks.  This makes it more financially feasible for utilities to help their customers better manage their energy consumption, and reduce CO2 emissions – particularly during current economic conditions.”

McCullough Joins SmartSynch Board
In June 1997, McCullough was elected Tupelo, Mississippi’s 23rd mayor. During his term, the city of Tupelo received the Innovations in Municipal Government award from the John C. Stennis Institute of Government and earned the 1999 All-America City award from the National Civic League.  In 1992, McCullough was appointed director of the Mississippi office of the Appalachian Regional Commission. During his tenure, he enhanced the commitment to technical skills training, physical infrastructure improvements and industrial-park development.
McCullough serves on the Advisory Council of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in Palo Alto, California, as Chairman of the Board of Directors for NuVision Engineering, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and as a director for the Mississippi Technology Alliance.  McCullough holds a degree in agricultural economics from Mississippi State University.
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About SmartSynch

Headquartered in Jackson, Miss., SmartSynch has been developing successful Smart Grid Intelligence solutions for the utility industry since 2000. The company’s clean-tech innovations in the two-way delivery of real-time energy usage data over public wireless networks, in lieu of private network build-outs, have to-date simplified SmartMeter deployments for 75+ major North American utilities, while enabling green-energy initiatives and delivering significantly higher Returns on Resources.

Unlike proprietary, closed-architecture solutions, SmartSynch’s SmartMeters represent future-proof investments in technology. The standards-based IP connectivity enabled in every SmartMeter deployed makes them adaptable and remotely upgradeable to support today’s sensor and communications needs, as well as tomorrow’s opportunities, better than any alternative.  For more information, contact SmartSynch Media Relations at 601-362-1780, or visit www.smartsynch.com.