Chicago-based GRI and GE Zenith Controls have signed a researchcontract to develop an Advanced Grid Interconnected SwitchgearSystem for the distributed generation (DG) market. The new product— expected in the marketplace by late 2001 — will build onexisting GE Zenith technology to allow for low-cost, rapidinterconnection (plug-and-play) of distributed systems within theelectric grid. DG is the integrated or stand-alone use of small,modular electric generation close to the point of consumption. Itis installed for the benefit of the specific customer, the electricsystem or both. Three independent trends — utility industryrestructuring, increasing system capacity needs, and technologyadvancements — are concurrently laying the groundwork for thepossible widespread introduction of DG. “We expect the jointproduct development effort will offer the advantage of a quantumleap in technology that will kick-start the proliferation of DG,”said David Leslie, GE Zenith Controls paralleling switchgearproduct manager. “This product will significantly lower the initialcost of interconnection equipment, and will be simple to install,commission, operate and maintain — providing a major boost todistributed generation markets.

Houston-based OpenLink, an energy and risk management softwaresolutions provider, unveiled the next generation of its Enterprisesoftware at GasMart/Power 2000. Named Endur, the advanced solutionsset is said to be the first system giving clients a fullyintegrated front-through-back-office solution for trading and riskmanagement. Endur is designed for all wholesale energy markets —including natural gas, power, natural gas liquids, crude oil andrefined products. “In addition to giving our clients the capabilityof managing trading functions and operational risk, the systemassists in channeling information into a steady stream for precisedecision-making,” said OpenLink CEO Coleman Fung. The officialrelease of Endur, which is in the final stages of beta testing, isscheduled for July 2000. For immediate information, visit(www.olf.com) or call 516-227-6600, ext. 251.

Enron said Tuesday it reached a $610 million agreement toprovide electricity to International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)over the next 10 years. Enron Energy Services will supply orprocure electricity for several IBM facilities across the UnitedStates, reducing IBM’s exposure to price volatility and providingit with a single monthly invoice.

Avista Corp. has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co. to helpidentify strategic options for Avista Advantage. “We are committedto unlocking the value in Avista Advantage and determining the bestmeans for enhancing shareholder value,” said Avista CEO T.M.Matthews. “Working with Goldman Sachs, we will evaluate thestrategic and financial alternatives for Avista Advantage thatcreate the highest value for shareholders, including the prospectsfor private equity funding, an initial public offering and apossible spin-back to shareholders.” A subsidiary of Avista Corp.,Avista Advantage is a business-to-business provider ofInternet-based facility management bill validation, payment andinformation.

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