Newton-Evans Research Company: Electric Power Utilities Continue to "Stay the Course" with Projected Capital Spending Plans for Smart Grid Building Blocks

Some Key Project Deferrals Noted in Transmission and Distribution
Infrastructure...Rebound Anticipated by mid-2010 for Transmission....Later into
2011 for Distribution Infrastructure

The Views of 118 Officials from Electric Power Utilities in 36 Countries Grow
Somewhat More Conservative Since December but Remain Upbeat for Continued
Investment in Smart Grid Components
ELLICOTT CITY, Md.--(Business Wire)--
In spite of the weakened economic conditions in countries around the world,
electric power utilities continue to make significant financial commitments in
smart grid building blocks and related automation programs. The majority of the
large public and private utilities participating in the June 2009 Newton-Evans
study are poised to continue many of their long-term capital investment programs
as had been originally planned back in January of 2008. However, in several
instances, the projects have been deferred from their initial planned start-up
dates.

In a new tracking study released today by the Newton-Evans Research Company, a
significant majority of the 118 electric power grid officials from 36 countries
participating in the CAPEX and O&M budget planning study indicated that capital
spending for control systems, substation automation, smart grid-related
programs, and advanced metering rollouts are largely on track albeit with some
pushback in timing. However, several planned investments for transmission and
distribution grid infrastructure components have been deferred for this year,
but are expected to rebound perhaps as early as the fourth quarter of 2010.

On the upside were planned increases for most smart grid building blocks, based
on the responses from the surveyed officials. Projects related to advanced
metering infrastructure (AMI) initiatives and for substation automation and new
or upgraded grid control and monitoring systems and protection and control
equipment appear to be "pre-approved" at this time for 2010. Some utilities will
benefit for some of these smart grid-related projects under government stimulus
funding provisions, while others will proceed using their own sources of
capital.

The total amount of capital spending for transmission and distribution of
electricity by electric power utilities around the world is currently estimated
by Newton-Evans to be in the range of $85-$100 billion. The 2009 outlook overall
is trending toward the lower end of that range. If industrial demand for
electricity picks up even moderately by mid-2010, the outlay for CAPEX
investment will likely see a solid increase by late 2010 and such an increase in
demand would result in additional billions of dollars for smart grid and
infrastructure investments into 2011 and beyond.

According to the research firm`s lead analyst and CEO, Charles Newton, "In its
latest July release, the U.S. Department of Energy`s EIA unit foresees only a
0.8% rise in electricity demand in the U.S. for 2010,following a likely 2%
decrease in demand anticipated for 2009. When coupled with the International
Energy Agency`s forecast of a 3.5% drop in global demand for electricity in
2009, this information supports the more cautious investment outlook we are
seeing here and abroad since our last survey in December.Two regional exceptions
include some Asia-Pacific countries and substantial portions of the Middle East.
These regions continue to grow their electric power infrastructure more rapidly
than other regions."

There are five key reasons for the continued relatively strong investment in
transmission and distribution of electricity. These include: 1) regulatory
pressure and mandates for service reliability improvements; 2) smart grid
initiatives aimed at modernizing the power grid infrastructure and enabling
energy efficiencies; 3) obsolescence of existing grid infrastructure equipment;
4) long-term investment view being necessary to accommodate future growth in
electricity consumption; and 5) the development of government funded stimulus
programs such as the U.S. ARRA provisions for funding some electric power
investments in smart grid technology.

Frequently, utility capital projects are complex and multi-year in nature, so
project deferrals are often out of the question, even when the overall economic
outlook is poor.

The study includes feedback sections on investment plans for seven key smart
grid component areas and is further detailed by world region and by utility
ownership type and size. Operations and maintenance budget plans are also
reviewed. The 122-page report is priced at $495.00, and can be ordered online
and downloaded from the Newton-Evans web site.

Additional information about the report "Global CAPEX and O&M Expenditure
Outlook for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Investments: 2009-2010"
is available from the Newton-Evans Research Company`s web site
(www.newton-evans.com), or by e-mail (eleivo@newton-evans.com or
eforrest@newton-evans.com), or by telephone at 1-800-222-2856. Newton-Evans
Research Company is located at Suite 204, 10176 Baltimore National Pike,
Ellicott City, Maryland 21042.

Newton-Evans Research Company
Eric Leivo or Liz Forrest
410-465-7316

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