WSI Expands Energycast PowerTrader & GasTrader Coverage to West Coast and Texas Markets; Meteorologists Provide Weather Forecasts and Consulting That Energy Traders Can Translate Into Power.

Business/Technology Editors

BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 5, 2001

At a time when energy supplies are of high concern, WSI Corporation today announced expansion of their Energycast PowerTrader and Energycast GasTrader services to include two additional major market areas: West Coast and Texas.

Already covering the Northeast and Southeast energy pool areas, Energycast PowerTrader and Energycast GasTrader are Internet-accessible, trader-centric weather forecasting services, providing short-range (0-6 day) and mid-range (6-10) day forecasts. WSI also provides a 3-month seasonal forecast that is released earlier and more frequently than conventional sources. WSI's state-of-the-art modeling capability provides traders with the most up to date weather information, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding market trends and pricing. Information is customized by power pool, and census regions so traders have a better understanding on how weather will impact their particular area, and the energy market in general.

"Energy traders need to know the impact of weather on the energy markets," said Jeff Shorter, vice president of WSI. "With the addition of the West coast and ERCOT, WSI can now communicate timely weather information for most of the nation. This addition expands our very successful service in NEPOOL, NYPP, PJM, SERC, and ECAR.

WSI meteorologists support the trading team as consultants by answering customer-specific questions and delivering customized weather information directly to the trading floor via structured bi-lateral daily conference calls, a printable document, and an interactive web site. They also alert traders of weather changes that can affect market prices.

"Energy traders must have the most accurate and frequently updated weather information possible to help drive their decisions and price predictions," said Ed Krapels, director of Energy Security Analysis, Inc. Gas and Power Services, "and WSI meteorologists are tuned to the weather needs of their client traders."

Sales information about Energycast PowerTrader and Energycast GasTrader is available by calling John Bosse, director of sales, Energy Services for WSI, at [phone].

About WSI

WSI Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Landmark Communications, is one of the world's largest suppliers of real-time weather data, imagery, programming and weather forecast services to customers in the broadcast, aviation, energy, and government markets. More information about WSI can be found at www.wsicorp.com. WSI's premier online weather site for travelers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts including golfers, sailors and boaters can be found at www.intellicast.com.

About ESAI 

Since its inception in 1984, Energy Security Analysis Inc. (ESAI) has been dedicated to monitoring, analyzing, and synthesizing information about world-wide energy markets. Tapping the talents of its senior-level staff, ESAI provides clients with unparalleled insight into where the markets have been and where they are headed. ESAI provides ongoing systematic analysis of energy prices in the oil, natural gas, and energy markets. For more information on ESAI services, see www.esai.com.

Energycast and WSI are registered trademarks and Energycast PowerTrader and Energycast GasTrader are service marks of WSI Corporation