McCain Ignored Failing Power System in Convention Speech

Like rival, candidate neglected to emphasize the real solution to the energy
crisis and the Gulf Coast power outages - grid modernization

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In Minneapolis last night,
Senator John McCain, like Senator Barack Obama in Denver, talked about energy
as a problem, but did not address a viable solution - modernizing the electric
grid. According to Kurt Yeager, energy expert and executive director of the
Galvin Electricity Initiative, America's real energy problem is its dependency
on an unreliable, inefficient, "ticking time bomb" power system. Today,
Americans are slaves to the whims and weaknesses of an obsolete, 1950s-era
power system. Modernizing the grid with smart technology can lower energy
costs, achieve energy independence and address climate change, as well as
ensure a reliable source of electricity even in severe weather. A smart grid
could have prevented the power outages that have resulted from Hurricane
Gustav, which left more than 800,000 customers in the Gulf Coast without
power.

The Galvin Electricity Initiative, launched by former Motorola chief Robert W.
Galvin, has brought together the Nation's leading electricity experts to
reconstruct our electric power system into one that is more affordable,
reliable and fuel-efficient. The Initiative has created innovative business
and technological blueprints for the ultimate smart grid - a Perfect Power
System that meets the needs of 21st century consumers and provides reliable,
secure electricity regardless of nature's wrath or security threats. For more
information, visit www.galvinpower.org/socket.

WHO:Kurt Yeager, executive director of the Galvin Electricity Initiative,
president emeritus of the Electric Power Research Institute, chair of the
World Energy Council Study on Energy and Climate Change and co-author with Bob
Galvin of the new book, Perfect Power.

Mr. Yeager is available to discuss the presidential candidates' positions on
the challenges facing America's current electric power system and how
electricity grid infrastructure improvements will provide consumers with
cleaner, more reliable power.

WHY: "If the presidential candidates' energy goals are to be more than just
campaign rhetoric, the essential foundation needs to be a transformed, modern
smart grid - from power generation to end-use," says Yeager. "Electricity and
the innovations it makes possible are the key to a sustainable energy,
economic and environmental future. Transforming the grid is essential and will
provide Americans with reliable power even in extreme weather and electricity
choices that are smarter and cleaner. Obama and McCain must prioritize grid
modernization and help states remove the policy and technical barriers that
impede it."

WHEN: Interviews are available by request. Please contact Crystal Borde at
202-331-4323 or cborde@vancomm.com

SOURCE Galvin Electricity Initiative

Crystal Borde, +1-202-331-4323, cborde@vancomm.com, for Galvin Electricity
Initiative