American Payment Systems and Motorola Announce Prepaid Electricity Initiative.

Business Editors

HAMDEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 7, 2001

American Payment Systems (APS), the leading authorized walk-in payment agent network in the U.S. today, announced an agreement with Motorola's (NYSE: MOT) Commercial, Government and Industrial Solutions Sector to utilize the APS agent network as a re-valuing option for the PowerCom(TM) revenue management solution.

PowerCom, a prepayment system that uses smart cards and state-of-the-art metering equipment, enables electric utility residential customers to buy power as they need it. Customers purchase electricity and the value is added to their smart card. APS will provide convenient re-valuing of smart cards at APS AccuPay(TM) locations nationwide. Value is added securely to customers' accounts by APS agents based on parameters set by the utility company.

Motorola's PowerCom solution includes meters that measure electricity usage up to the prepaid dollar amount. Customers can easily add value to their PowerCom smart cards at APS dealer agents. At home, customers insert their re-valued smart card into the PowerCom home display unit, which will read the card and add the new value to the amount available for consumption.

The PowerCom solution currently provides several utilities across the nation with a prepayment service for thousands of their customers. Prepay electricity has been popular in a number of countries for many years. Recently, prepay electric services have had an increased interest in the U. S. as have other prepaid services such as long distance phone calls, cellular and local telephone services.

"One of the key consumer values of prepay has been the ability to better manage their utility budget and expenses," said Karen Caldwell, Director of Motorola's Utility Solutions business unit. "Offering utility customers the convenience of the American Payment Systems AccuPay(TM) network makes purchasing electricity for the PowerCom System as easy as paying a bill."

By working with Motorola, APS can offer a new service concept that meets needs for budget conscious customers. "We have been looking to align with a national supplier of a high quality and reliable prepaid electric metering system and are delighted to be working closely with Motorola," said Corey Stone, Senior Vice President of Business Development for APS. "Prepaying for electricity is a concept that will grow dramatically in the United States as utilities and consumers become more comfortable with, and aware of, its convenience and security. Additionally, there are significant efficiencies to be realized by the electric utilities by eliminating monthly billing, payment processing and costs associated with resolving checks written with insufficient funds in their accounts. This is a win for everyone."

About American Payment Systems

APS a non-regulated business unit of UIL Holdings Corporation (NYSE: UIL), is the nationwide leader in providing bill payment processing for customers who want the convenience of paying in-person. APS employs over 180 people and serves 120 client billers in 45 states through a network of over 6,000 retail locations- including leading supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, and check cashing outlets. These agents collectively process over 85 million payments totaling $8.5 billion annually.

APS was founded in 1990 in New Haven CT by The United Illuminating Company, now a business unit of UIL Holdings, with the purpose of automating the walk-in bill payment process. Since then, APS has been an innovator in the industry and has introduced products that have improved bill payment processing and accuracy. QuickPay! a recent product announcement, allows APS agents to accept bill payments for hundreds of billers such as Sears, AT&T, ExxonMobil, Ameritech and The Gap. For more information, visit the APS web site at www.apsnet.com or call 203.407.4188.

About Motorola

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronic solutions. Sales in 2000 were $37.6 billion. For more information, please visit the Motorola Web site at http://www.motorola.com/utilitysolutions.

PowerCom is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. Motorola and the Motorola logo are registered trademarks of Motorola, Inc.(R)Reg. U. S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other companies and products listed herein are trademarks of registered trademarks of their respective holders. (c)2001 Motorola, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.