Press release

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, July 27, 2009 Town of Apex Selects Elster’s EnergyAxis® System For Improved Customer Service, Operational Efficiencies

Elster, a leader in smart metering and smart grid systems and solutions, today announced that the Town of Apex will implement Elster’s market-leading EnergyAxis smart metering system with the goal of improving customer service and increasing operational efficiencies. The system will initially be tested with the Town’s commercial customers and select residential customers.

The industry-leading system will provide the town with enhanced data collection capabilities by deploying electric and water meters on the town’s system with robust two-way wireless mesh networking communications. Each smart meter will provide expanded information to the Town to help improve efficiency and reliability while reducing operational costs.

“We’re excited about using Elster’s EnergyAxis technology to read our Commercial and Industrial electric accounts,” said Bruce Radford, Town Manager, Town of Apex, North Carolina. “We will be able to offer our customers better service while reducing long term operational costs."

Michael Couch, Town of Apex Electric Utilities Manager, said, “We have been impressed with the accuracy of the meters we have received from Elster. The support we have received from Elster in implementing our first venture into smart grid technology has been excellent. This system (EnergyAxis) will help us be ready for the future; it can be used to help use energy more efficiently and monitor water use during drought periods. Elster’s EnergyAxis System is a great way to serve our customer-owners and provide leadership in smart grid technology implementation in our area.”

The smart grid is an essential part of a national effort to update the nation’s energy infrastructure while reducing U.S. dependence on carbon intensive generation technologies while encouraging job growth.

“The Town of Apex is a forward-thinking utility provider,” said Pat Corrigan, vice president, system sales and operations, Elster. “Elster is pleased to work with the Town as it launches this very important energy conservation initiative.”