Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative to Deploy TWACS Technology for Meter-Reading and Demand Response

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Aclara®, a leader in Intelligent Infrastructure™ and part of the Utility Solutions Group of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE), announced today that Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.(Rushmore) and five of its eight member cooperatives, will deploy the Aclara TWACS technology advanced metering infrastructure. The new system collects readings automatically, provides remote connection and disconnection of meters, and allows load shedding during times of peak usage.

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Rushmore, a generation and transmission (G&T) electricity provider located in Rapid City, SD, cited TWACS technology's two-way communications and demand-response capabilities as key factors in the decision to choose it. TWACS demand-response units will allow Rushmore's member utilities to shed load by controlling equipment such as air conditioning units, and hot water heaters during periods of peak demand. This will allow Rushmore's member utilities to balance demand throughout the day, keeping the capital costs associated with the generation system under control.

"As member-owned cooperatives, we are keenly aware of the need to manage the costs associated with purchasing and generating electricity for our members," said Vic Simmons, General Manager of Rushmore Electric Power Cooperative. "Demand response is a key driver for cooperatives as it offers customer service options, while at the same time controlling the costs that all members pay."

Up to 28,000 meter end points and 10,000 demand-response units are expected to be deployed. The five member utilities that will deploy TWACS technology are West River, West Central, Cherry-Todd, Butte, and Moreau-Grand Electric Cooperatives.

"Aclara is the leading technology deployed by electric rural cooperatives today, and we work hard at providing the leading-edge capabilities our customers need," said Bruce Phillips, President of Aclara. "In addition to maintaining and improving our meter-reading capabilities, we are pleased to provide advanced capabilities to perform demand response and remote connect and disconnect, allowing our customers to deploy true Smart Grid solutions."

The Aclara Two-Way Automatic Communications System (TWACS) technology is a proven, fixed-network solution that uses patented technology to transmit data over power lines. Aclara TWACS technology offers two-way communication to electric meters and provides for timely billing, load control, demand response, and outage detection and assessment. With the system, utilities can effectively manage customer data and reduce costs while enabling innovation and providing superior customer service.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release regarding the number of meter end points and demand response units expected to be deployed, and any other written or oral statements which are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the federal securities laws.  Investors are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and speak only as of the date of this release, and Aclara undertakes no duty to update. Aclara's actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in Aclara's operations and business environment including, but not limited to: the timing and content of  future purchases of Aclara's products by Rushmore; Aclara's successful performance of  requirements for Rushmore; changes in Rushmore's demand or financial constraints impacting Rushmore;  technical difficulties; delivery delays or defaults impacting Aclara's contracts; termination for convenience of Aclara contracts.

About Aclara

The Aclara brand represents the industry's leading Intelligent Infrastructure™ technologies for providing device networking, data-value management, and customer communications to water, gas, and electric utilities globally. Over 500 utilities in nine countries rely on proven Aclara solutions to connect with their customers. Aclara is part of the Utility Solutions Group of ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE), St. Louis. Create Your Intelligent Infrastructure.™ www.Aclara.com.

SOURCE Aclara