ADVISORY/Media Alert: Blackout 2003; Energy Technology Experts See Increased Use of Backup Power and of New Technolgy to Prevent More Power Failures.

Energy Editors/Business Editors

ADVISORY...For August 18, 2003

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT: Leading energy expert and venture capital firm, Braemar
      Energy Ventures, available to discuss the nation's - and
      New York's -critical need for new backup systems and new
      technologies to better manage the power grid and prevent future
      blackouts and major disruptions of power, communications,
      transportation and commerce.

QUOTES:

--  "The crisis showcases the need for substantial technological
    improvements to our power grid, including the use of smart energy
    technology for more effective transmission line monitoring,
    digital power switching and controls, and more responsive
    demand-side management."


--  "The blackout has underscored the immediate need for the
    commercialization of reliable and cleaner distributed generation
    technologies such as fuel cells, Stirling engines and advanced
    load leveling batteries."

--  "There is near-term risk of more grid failures, and it takes
    considerable time and investment to make system improvements.
    Therefore, it is likely many electric users even those with less
    mission critical functions like manufacturing plants, office
    towers, and food businesses will continue to install and upgrade
    backup systems. This will add to the distributed capacity already
    in place, and improve the safety margin of the overall grid."

WHO: Interview opportunities are available with Managing
     Directors:

--  Dr. George S. Reichenbach, venture capitalist and mechanical
    engineer/15 years investing in energy technology

--  Neil S. Suslak, venture capitalist and banker/15 years primary
    focus on energy

--  William D. Lese, 21 years energy sciences, and operating and
    investing in power

FOR INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT:

Stanton Crenshaw Communications:

Joe LoBello                   Jack Greenfield
212-780-1900 x 561            212-780-1900 x 564
[e-mail]  [e-mail]


David Murray
212-780-1900 x 577
[e-mail]