GE Sending 131 Megawatts of Distributed Power Capacity Into Energy-Hungry Western U.S.

Business Editors

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 2, 2001

GE Distributed Power secured contracts during the first six months of this year to supply midrange power generation equipment for installations in California and the Pacific Northwest totaling 131 megawatts, or enough power for nearly 115,000 households.

"In response to the growing demand for additional power across the western U.S., power producers and power consumers are seeking immediate, reliable and environmentally compatible solutions," said Daniel Kabel, General Manager of GE Distributed Power, a business unit of GE Power Systems. "With a diverse selection of natural gas-fired power generation units, we are ideally positioned to meet those requirements."

Our first units are scheduled to begin service as early as August in both the southern California markets and the Pacific Northwest. The units heading west include GE's new, one-megawatt "Power in a Box(TM)" system as well as a variety of stationary, natural gas powered 1 and 2 megawatt reciprocating engine systems.

"These low emission, compact and self-contained power plants are designed to easily comply with environmental and zoning regulations," said Kabel. Additional advantages include mobility and speed of installation. These units can go from order to delivery, installation and operation in less than 30 days, while the siting and construction of a large power plant takes several years.

"When a region such as the western U.S. needs cost effective, immediate relief from energy volatility, our distributed power solutions are an attractive and effective solution," noted Kabel.

Further expanding its capability to serve the dynamic western U.S. energy market, GE Distributed Power recently added offices in Ontario and San Francisco, CA and Vancouver, WA to its existing network of sales and service centers. Launched in 1999, GE Distributed Power supplies midrange power generation equipment ranging from 300 to 15,000 kilowatts, replacement parts and services. Products include reciprocating generator sets, cogeneration systems, EIC power plants and long-term service agreements. Developmental programs include fuel cells and other emerging power technologies.

About GE Power Systems

GE Power Systems (www.gepower.com) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation technology, energy services and management systems with 2000 revenue of $15 billion. The business has the largest installed base of power generation equipment in the global energy industry. GE Power Systems provides equipment, service and management solutions across the power generation, oil and gas, distributed power and energy rental industries.

GE Distributed Power

GE Distributed Power (www.gedistributedpower.com) provides on-site power generation solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The business is GE Power System's go-to-market enterprise for gas engine/gen-sets and large diesel engine generator sets. GE Distributed Power is actively pursuing technologies such as micro-turbines, fuel cells, photovoltaics, wind power, and other green and renewable energy innovations to serve customers' needs for clean and reliable on-site power generation.