U.K.`s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) Selects Accenture for Strategic Support on Smart Grid Roll Out

LONDON--(Business Wire)--
Accenture has been selected by the UK`s Department of Energy and Climate Change
(DECC) to provide strategic consulting on the planning and implementation of
smart grids in the U.K.

Accenture will be responsible for analysing the U.K.`s electricity grid network
and market structure, and will advise on the U.K.`s readiness to adopt smart
grid technology and services. Accenture will also support DECC on the
development of a business case showing the financial viability of smart grids in
the U.K. and on the potential benefits that they could deliver.

Smart grids represent the next generation of electricity distribution that will
help the U.K. reduce its carbon emissions. Smart grids are designed to give
energy and utility companies the ability to manage distributed sources of
renewable energy, such as energy generated from wind farms and biomass plants,
in the most effective way. An underlying `intelligent infrastructure` in the
smart grid also helps to reduce wasted power generation and network losses by
automatically distributing power optimally. Smart grids will further support the
use of electric cars and help consumers offer power they generate at home back
to the grid. In essence, smart grids provide the network that enables households
to create their own low carbon homes.

"The U.K. Government has some of the most ambitious emissions targets in the
world and smart grids will be play a central in achieving them, by helping to
reduce electricity consumption and by better managing intermittent renewable
sources," said Omar Abbosh, managing director of Accenture`s Resources operating
group in the U.K. and Ireland. "Smart grids are a national priority but will be
built locally. As such, city authorities will play a major part in making smart
grids the basis for low carbon living, working and transport."

Accenture is helping cities and utilities deploy smart meters and smart grids in
Asia, Europe and North America. Accenture also supports them through its
Intelligent City Network, in which public and private sector organizations
committed to building smart grids exchange practical knowledge and experience.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing
company. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across
all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world`s
most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them
become high-performance businesses and governments. With approximately 177,000
people serving clients in more than 120 countries, the company generated net
revenues of US$21.58 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2009. Its home
page is www.accenture.com.

Accenture
Matthew McGuinness, +44 77 400 38921
matthew.mcguinness@accenture.com
or
Accenture
Christine Fields, +1-330-234-6406
christine.fields@accenture.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009