GE Applauds the Department of Energy’s Announcement of Smart Grid Demonstration Projects across the Nation

With one of the broadest portfolios in the industry for modernizing the electrical grid, GE (NYSE: GE) applauds the Department of Energy's selection of the smart grid demonstration projects which were announced today at American Electric Power’s Dolan Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio.

“The Department of Energy recognizes the importance of investing in innovative smart grid solutions to expedite the advancement of the commercialization of these transformative technologies,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president – transmission & distribution for GE Energy Services. “The smart grid demonstration projects announced this afternoon in Ohio will establish a ‘proving ground’ for next-generation smart grid tools, techniques and solutions—from advanced energy storage to smart appliances to the integration of plug-in electric vehicles. These grants support regional demonstrations that combine technologies to form holistic solutions, proving the business case for large-scale deployments."

Gilligan continued, “While the investment grants announced last month will contribute to projects based on 'commercially available' products, the demonstration money announced in Columbus will fund new technologies and approaches, helping to establish the United States as a global leader in smart grid advancement and opening doors for U.S. companies to become net exporters of advanced smart grid solutions.”

He concluded, “We applaud the federal government for its ongoing commitment to smart grid progress. Ultimately, these projects will help us identify the best approach for delivering reliability, efficiency and clean-energy technologies across the electrical network, while empowering consumers to better manage their energy consumption and costs. Our environment, our economy and our future will be better for it.”

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GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that's built to meet essential world needs. From energy, water, transportation and health to access to money and information, GE serves customers in more than 100 countries and employs more than 300,000 people worldwide.

GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With 60,000 global employees and 2008 revenues of $38.6 billion, GE Energy www.ge.com/energy is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energy - GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas - work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.

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