For immediate release

EPRI to develop low cost interconnection device for two-way power flow

Palo Alto, Calif. - June 30, 2003 - Distributed resources (DR) technologies for on-site power generation and storage hold distinct promise for consumers and electric grid operators. Ideally, users who decide to produce enough power for their own needs could sell excess electricity back to the grid -a scenario that requires safe and reliable two-way power flow. To address this issue, the Electric Power Research Institute, (EPRI) is developing GridGatewayTM, a low cost, universal interconnection device.

"The electricity distribution system was never designed for two-way power flow," said EPRI project manager, Bill Steeley. "Over the years, connections to the transmission and distribution networks of local electric utilities have been engineered according to the unique aspects of each site with the utilities ensuring that they are safe and will not adversely impact other power customers. This can be costly and time-consuming. EPRI's GridGateway provides a convenient solution."

GridGateway builds upon a technology platform originally introduced by Pepco Technologies under the name GenerLinkTM and recently acquired by EPRI. The advanced technology in the GridGateway provides a "protective firewall" for the electric utility system while enabling two-way power flows for the benefit of the customer and the grid. It will also have programmable protective relay functions with communication links for monitoring and setup and a testable interface for system maintenance.

The protective relay functions can be downloaded by the utility for secure interconnection and parallel operation. According to Dan Rastler, technical leader of the EPRI Distributed Energy Resources (DER) program, one advantage of this approach is that it permits the electric distribution company to periodically test the integrity of the interconnection function. The GridGateway also ensures that even if the system settings in the DR device are changed, the utility will be protected by the settings that were originally downloaded into it.

On-site generation systems include environmentally friendly technologies such as fuel cells, microturbines, and photovoltaics (PV). One of the near-term applications for the GridGateway technology will be to facilitate PV interconnections for commercial and residential establishments at significantly lower costs. "This will be particularly timely, given that many states are requiring renewable resources as part of their future power generation mix." Bill Steeley said.

"GridGateway will fulfill a huge need for a low-cost, universal interconnection solution that's plug and play compatible with low power level DR generation equipment in the range of one kilowatt to 200 kilowatts," Dan Rastler said. "It is also very cost effective; installed costs are estimated to be under $400 for mass markets."

"Successful development of the GridGateway will essentially eliminate costly interconnection transactions for low power DR systems," Rastler noted. "DR hardware suppliers will stand to benefit, too. They will be able to focus on product development without the added burden of supplying their own proprietary interconnection devices."

EPRI is now seeking funding to complete the development of the GridGateway. Early participants in EPRI's GridGateway project will play an instrumental role in specifying requirements and testing the functionality of the early devices. EPRI believes faster implementation of DR on the utility grid will allow the systems to operate in a manner that protects the environment as it maximizes value to end-users and electric grid operators.

For more information on participation in the GridGateway project, contact Bill Steeley, wsteeley@epri.com, 650-855-2203.

EPRI Licenses Device to Make Home Generator Hookup Easy and Safe

Palo Alto, Calif. - June 30, 2003 - The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has granted Global Power Products of Lawrenceville, Ga. a license to manufacture and market GenerLinkTM, an interconnection device for portable generators. GenerLink allows safe disconnection from the electric distribution system during an outage and directs power to various parts of the home.

The agreement gives Global Power Products, a developer of electricity metering equipment, the right to manufacture and market the device in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

"Many Americans have purchased generators because they worry about their computers and their comforts during a power outage, but they don't have a convenient, economical and safe way to connect them to the wiring in their homes," said EPRI's director of distributed and renewable resources, Bernie Ziemianek. "GenerLink eliminates the need to run extension cords from a generator through a home, and also automatically disconnects a house from the power grid, preventing a power backfeed that could endanger utility crews maintaining utility lines."

GenerLink is an interconnection device installed behind a residential electric meter that gives the homeowner a safe and convenient point to attach a portable generator directly into the electric wiring system. During an outage, the homeowner plugs the generator into the device's interconnect port and the circuit box directs power to various parts of the home. It prevents risky do-it-yourself solutions that can be hazardous for the homeowner and the utility personnel working to restore power.

Ziemianek explained that utilities would like to give their customers the ability to maintain a certain level of service during a power outage. They are offering to install the device as an optional service or benefit.

"We see great potential in the GenerLink product," said Mark Matyac, president of Global Power Products. "In the future, it could allow homeowners to provide electricity to the grid during periods of high demand. The output from a few hundred homes could minimize the need for costly replacement power."

More information on GenerLink can be found at www.globalpowerproducts.com or call Global Power Products at 770-736-8232.

EPRI, headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., was established in 1973 as a non-profit center for public interest energy and environmental research. EPRI's collaborative science and technology development program now spans nearly every area of power generation, delivery and use. More than 1,000 energy organizations and public institutions in 40 countries draw on EPRI's global network of technical and business expertise. Visit the EPRI website at http://www.epri.com/.