[September 13, 2011]

Silver Spring Networks Expands End-to-end Demand Response Solution, Adds Innovative Direct-to-GridTM Communications for In-home Devices

GridWeek - Silver Spring Networks, a leading smart grid networking platform and solutions provider, announced new enhancements to its smart grid-based demand response solution that enable utilities to reduce peak load and improve grid reliability. New capabilities include Direct-to-Grid™ communications solutions, which enable utilities to deploy two-way connectivity to load-control devices ahead of smart meter rollouts, and a broader range of third-party devices available for purchase directly from Silver Spring. Software enhancements include expanded support for electric vehicle charge management to reduce the risk of new peak loads. Together, these new features can increase utility peak load control and customer participation in DR programs.

The record-setting high temperatures experienced throughout the United States this summer demonstrate the increased need utilities have to manage peak energy demand while maintaining the high level of service their customers expect. The Silver Spring demand response enhancements allow utilities to leverage both ZigBee and Silver Spring Direct-to-Grid communications to maximize in-home device connectivity and customer participation in demand response programs.

The new Direct-to-Grid communications technology consists of proven, robust IPv6 communications modules integrated into devices not typically directly connected to the grid. This approach provides utilities with several key benefits:

• the flexibility to support DR in locations that have not yet received a smart meter
• more robust communications, leveraging the redundancy inherent in the Silver Spring RF mesh network and increasing range, to provide utilities the assurance that they can reach high-value DR assets such as air conditioners and electric vehicle charging stations
• the ability to leverage the same back-office software to support grid devices, regardless of communications technique

Silver Spring is incorporating Direct-to-Grid communications in new intelligent electric vehicle charging stations and load control switches supported on its Smart Energy Platform. The Silver Spring UtilityIQ Demand Response Manager software supports both grid- and ZigBee-connected DR devices.

"The Silver Spring DR software lets utilities seamlessly leverage a mix of communications options in reaching their customers' devices," said Matt Smith, senior director of product management at Silver Spring. "This simplicity, along with the breadth of devices supported and the ability to extend DR ahead of smart meter deploymens, allow utilities to roll out effective DR programs to their customers, at scale, with confidence."

Updates to the Silver Spring UtilityIQ Demand Response Manager software include:

• Support for Direct-to-Grid communications, enabling utilities to easily expand load control programs, including to areas without smart meters.
• Support for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), or charging stations, with direct load control functionality to ensure grid reliability with reduced load during peak demand time.

The Silver Spring Smart Energy Platform also supports new HAN devices for DR.

• Silver Spring is now reselling the following HAN devices, with communications over ZigBee:
  • Energate Pioneer 2 smart thermostat and the Energate Load Control Switch LC301 (more information can be found at www.energateinc.com)
  • Energy Aware (News - Alert) Technology PowerTab in-home display
• Silver Spring is announcing Direct-to-Grid communications support in the following HAN devices:
  • ClipperCreek CS-40 EVSE - broadly available now
  • Cooper Power Systems intelligent load control switch - now under development

These software and hardware enhancements are available now. For more details, go to: http://www.silverspringnet.com/solutions/demand-response.html

About Silver Spring Networks

Silver Spring Networks provides a leading networking platform and solutions that enable utilities to transform the power grid infrastructure into the smart grid, helping utilities to achieve operational efficiencies, reduce carbon emissions and empower their customers with new ways to monitor and manage their energy consumption. Silver Spring provides the hardware, software and services that allow utilities to deploy and run multiple smart grid solutions, including Advanced Metering, Distribution Automation and Demand Side Management, over a single, unified network. Silver Spring's Smart Energy Platform is based on open, Internet Protocol (IPv6) standards, allowing continuous, two-way communication between the utility and devices on the grid. Silver Spring has numerous deployments with leading utilities around the world, including Baltimore Gas & Electric, CitiPower & Powercor, Florida Power & Light, Jemena Electricity Networks Limited, Pacific Gas & Electric, Pepco Holdings, Inc., and United Energy Distribution, among others. For additional information, please visit www.silverspringnet.com.

About Cooper Power Systems

Cooper Power Systems, with 2010 revenues of approximately $1.2 billion, is a division of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), and a global manufacturer of world-class power delivery and reliability solutions for the utility, commercial, and industrial markets. Cooper Power Systems is a leading provider of innovative Smart Grid technologies that optimize electrical grid performance. These solutions include Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Demand Response (DR), Smart Sensors, Power Systems Engineering Software and Services, Substation Automation, and Feeder Automation. The company is also a leading provider of software, communications and integration solutions that enable customers to increase productivity, improve system reliability, and reduce costs. For more information, please visit www.cooperpower.com.

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