Canadian Chemical Manufacturer First to Demonstrate GE`s New Smart Grid Solution for Asset Optimization in Collaboration Project

GE Energy`s New Asset Optimization Solution Piloted by Eka Chemicals to Reduce
Unexpected Transformer Failures and Outages
ATLANTA--(Business Wire)--
GE Energy today announced that the Eka Chemicals Plant in
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada, will be the first to demonstrate GE`s new
smart grid solution for asset optimization to help reduce transformer-caused
downtime in the plant. With this new solution, six of Eka`s electrical
transformers will soon be having regular `conversations` with advanced data
modeling systems, GE engineers and transformer experts to monitor transformer
health and uncover potential problems at the earliest possible stage.

Eka Chemicals Canada, Inc. relies on transformers to produce sodium chlorate
crystal, used in the pulp and paper industry. Transformer failure could reduce
or halt manufacturing output and revenue stream, making transformer health
paramount to their operation.

This first collaborative effort demonstrating GE`s new smart grid Asset
Optimization service offering will illustrate how utilities and industrial sites
can improve productivity, maximize transformer performance and extend asset life
through status-based maintenance and upgrades.

"This asset optimization concept is in line with numerous efforts in place to
maintain our world-class manufacturing facility," said Jean Goyette, Eka`s
Valleyfield plant manager. "The transformers are the heart of the process. Any
preventive action that helps optimize the life of the equipment represents
stability in the supply and helps Eka maintain a low manufacturing cost."

More than 50% of transformers globally are reaching the end of their design
life.1 Failure rates are going up with age, making it increasingly challenging
and costly to replace failed assets. Asset Optimization is part of GE`s smart
grid portfolio of solutions to help customers maximize performance and
productivity of their aging assets.

GE`s Asset Optimization sensors monitor several key transformer health
indicators throughout the day. Advanced software processes this information to
quickly identify developing faults within the monitored assets and even look
into the future, providing a prognosis of the transformer`s ongoing health. From
here, the system, along with GE transformer experts, can recommend maintenance
or upgrades to help prevent the problems from occurring and keep transformers in
operation.

"GE`s unique solution continuously evaluates performance and detects developing
problems in the transformer at the earliest possible opportunity," said Bob
Gilligan, vice president, transmission and distribution at GE Energy. "GE`s
demonstration project at Eka Chemicals will serve as a model for how industrial
customers and utilities could improve productivity across the globe."

Through industry collaborations, GE will deliver one of the broadest portfolio
offerings in the industry to modernize electrical systems, from the power plant
to the consumer. From smarter appliances to technologies for plug-in hybrid
vehicles, to providing renewable technologies and smart meters, GE has the
breadth and knowledge needed to increase energy productivity all the way up and
down the lines.

Eka Chemicals, with 2,718 employees in 28 countries, is a business unit within
AkzoNobel, a leading industrial company based in Amsterdam. AkzoNobel
specializes in a wide range of paints, coatings and specialty chemicals, and is
passionate about introducing new ideas and developing sustainable answers for
their customers.

About GE Energy

GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world`s leading suppliers of power
generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2008 revenue of $29.3 billion.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works 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. Numerous GE Energy
products are certified under ecomagination, GE`s corporate-wide initiative to
aggressively bring to market new technologies that will help customers meet
pressing environmental challenges.

About GE

GE is a diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company that is
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. For more information,
visit the company's Web site at http://www.ge.com. GE is Imagination at Work.

1 Bartley, William H. The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance
Company. "Analysis of Transformer Failures." 2003.

GE Energy
Allison Eckelkamp, +1-678-844-6849
allison.eckelkamp@ge.com
or
Masto Public Relations
Gina DeRossi or Howard Masto
+1-518-786-6488
gina.derossi@mastopr.com
howard.masto@ge.com

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