[December 03, 2014]

Keith O'Neal Joins Nexant to Lead Reliability, Compliance and Critical Infrastructure Protection Services for Utilities

Nexant, a leading provider of proven, customer-centric services and software solutions for utilities, today announced Keith O'Neal joined the company to lead its reliability, compliance and security consulting service offerings. Nexant helps North American utilities reduce compliance concerns as well as avoid reliability standard violations, associated penalties, and system disturbances.

O'Neal brings leadership expertise in mandatory reliability standards and compliance from his tenure with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to Nexant's Utility Services - Grid Management group. Responsible for leading both the development of FERC's currently mandatory and enforceable reliability standards and compliance with its Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) reliability standards, O'Neal brings unique perspective to help utilities develop proactive, secure, reliable and resilient operation and planning practices.

O'Neal's 28+ years in the electric utility industry includes versight of system operations, control center operations, dispatcher training, and in-depth participation and oversight in the development of ISO/RTO operation and market rules. His knowledge base includes deep regulatory experience overseeing reliability of the nation's bulk power system (BPS). O'Neal participated on the Executive Committee of the New York State Reliability Council helping to develop reliability standards and compliance policies in New York State. He actively participates in the development and adoption of reliability standards and evolving compliance initiatives by participating in North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC (News - Alert)) and regional entity committees and user groups.

"Keith has been instrumental in the implementation of Congress' plan to improve reliability of the nation's grid," said Terry Fry, Nexant Senior Vice President of Utility Services. "Keith's expertise in CIP and reliability standards will help our clients improve reliability performance, avoid penalties and reduce compliance burden."

"Utilities face challenges around the various reliability standards and measures now required to be compliant in addition to the aggressive enforcement that has caused widespread industry pushback," O'Neal said. "I look forward to helping Nexant's clients demonstrate reliability and compliance in ways that improve power system reliability, reduce compliance obligations, and streamline the entire process."

About Nexant

Nexant is a global software and services company that helps utilities navigate a changing landscape and enable smart grid, clean energy and demand management initiatives. Nexant solutions help utilities embrace a customer-centric model that aligns strategic planning, grid operations and demand side management to improve customer engagement, boost operational efficiency, reduce costs and achieve superior business results. From 32 offices around the world, Nexant's 650+ employees partner with utility clients every day to help ensure a sustainable energy future. See www.nexant.com for more.

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