[June 27, 2011]

Energy Systems Network Gains Four New Board Members

Energy Systems Network (ESN), the industry-driven initiative focused on clean technologies and energy innovation, has elected four new members to its Board of Directors: John Bear, President & CEO of Midwest ISO (MISO); Eizo Kobayashi, Chairman of the Board at ITOCHU Corporation; Norio Sasaki, President & CEO of Toshiba (News - Alert) Corporation; and Reuben Munger, Chairman & CEO of Bright Automotive have all joined the ESN Board. The majority of these were inducted after the most recent Board meeting on June 17^th at the residence of Board Director Amory Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute Co-Founder, Chairman & Chief Scientist.

The ESN's new Board members show the growing interest in the Indiana-based initiative's efforts across the energy ecosystem, representing two Global 200 corporations, an innovative start-up firm and a regional electricity transmission provider. All share a common interest in the commercialization of new energy technologies; ESN's portfolio of projects currently includes initiatives in electric vehicle development and deployment, smart grid and independent micro-grid storage systems, and advanced battery technologies.

"ESN is pleased to welcome these exceptional leaders to our ESN Board of Directors," said ESN Board Chairman Thomas Snyder, President of Ivy Tech Community College. "They bring valuable and varied perspectives and a network of relationships that stretches across the globe. We're very fortunate to have them join our effort to bring new energy innovations to market."

"We're fortunate to have a very active Board of Directors, and the organizations represented by these directors are involved in a wide range of ESN efforts," added Paul Mitchell, ESN President & CEO. "All will participate in our Project Plug-IN electric vehicle deployment initiative, while Toshiba, ITOCHU and MISO will also contribute to our smart grid, battery technology and grid storage projects. Bright Automotive will provide invaluable expertise in fleet electrification and vehicle-to-grid technology development. We look forward to starting or continuing productive engagements with all."

Bear has more than 20 years of executive leadership in the utility industry and is a strong proponent of market transparency and efficiency. As CEO he is leading MISO's efforts to serve its customers through reliable market operations that meet the region's energy resource needs while fostering innovation in the exploration of the region's demand response and energy efficiency capabilities.

Kobayashi was nominated as a Board Director in March 2011, though ITOCHU Corporation has had a representative on ESN's Board since 2010. Kobayashi joined ITOCHU in 1972, and has held numerous senior positions during his four-decade tenure with the company. He was named Chairman of the Board in April 2010, after serving as President and CEO since 2004. He currently serves on the board of Japan Smart Community Alliance, a public-private collaborative alliance with over 623 members. He has also served as a Director of Nippon Venture Capital and Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.

Sasaki has been with Toshiba Corporation since 1972, with positions in nuclear energy systems, industrial power systems, and ultimately corporate executive positions including his current role as President & CEO.

Munger is founder and Managing Partner of Vision Ridge Partners, a cleantech investment firm with a portfolio of green building, breakthrough solar, and advanced automotive companies. He also serves as Chair of the Governing Board of Edvestors, Chairman of the Massachusetts Advisory Board of Stand for Children and a Trustee of the Rocky Mountain Institute, another ESN partner.

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