Key Utility Executives Share Their Perspectives on the Future of Solar Energy in the U.S.

Washington, DC - July 19, 2011 - Executives from top utility companies will meet for a lively discussion about the unique business opportunities and technical, regulatory, and business challenges that utilities face in their efforts to increase the percentage of solar energy in their portfolios on Wednesday, October 19th at Solar Power International 2011 (SPI). Senior executives from American Electric Power, Austin Energy, CPS Energy, Duke Energy, Florida Power & Light and PSEG Energy Holdings will share their views on the future of the solar industry and use of this energy resource in the U.S. The Utility Executive Panel will be held from 9:00am to 10:30am in Ballroom C of the Dallas Convention Center. SPI is presented by the by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA).

Panelists are:
• Robert Powers, President, AEP Utilities
Mr. Powers is President of AEP Utilities, responsible for AEP´s electric distribution operations that serve more than five million customers in 11 states. He also oversees regulatory and policy matters relating to utility operations. AEP currently purchases the power of a 10 MW solar plant in Ohio through a long-term power purchase agreement and recently announced plans to partner on the development of a 50 MW solar plant also to be located in Ohio.
• Larry Weis, General Manger, Austin Energy
Mr. Weis is the General Manager of Austin Energy and the former General Manager and CEO of the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) in Turlock, California. He brings more than 29 years experience in the electric and water utility industries. Austin Energy is the 9th largest community-owned electric utility in the nation and is recognized for highly competitive rates and excellent system reliability. The utility has established goals that 35 percent of the power it provides to its customers by 2020 will come from renewable resources and energy efficiency.
• Doyle Beneby, President and CEO, CPS Energy
Mr. Beneby joined CPS Energy, a municipal, as President and CEO in August 2010. Beneby has more than two decades of experience in electricity generation operations, new generation development, electric distribution operations, customer service and labor relations. Mr. Beneby joined CPS Energy after serving Exelon for eight years in various roles. CPS Energy is committed to bringing up to 100 megawatts (MW) of solar power to San Antonio as part of the Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP). STEP sets an ambitious goal of achieving renewable energy capacity equal to 20 percent of its total generation capacity by 2020.
• James Rogers, Chairman, President and CEO, Duke Energy
Mr. Rogers is chairman of the board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Duke Energy. In the course of his career, Mr. Rogers has served more than 60 cumulative years on the boards of Fortune 500 companies. He currently or has in the past served leadership roles for the Institute for Electric Efficiency, Alliance to Save Energy, National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency and World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Duke Energy is making significant investments in solar power, through both the company's regulated and commercial business lines.
• Armando Olivera, President and CEO, Florida Power & Light
Mr. Olivera is President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. He is a past chairman of the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council (FRCC), a member of the board of Enterprise Florida and a member of the Florida Council of 100 as well as a member of the Cornell University Board of Trustees and Cornell University Engineering Council. In the past two years, FP&L has constructed and commissioned three solar power plants that together create 110 megawatts of energy for 4.5 million customers throughout the state. In 2010 it ranked second behind Pacific Gas and Electric for the most solar integrated into a utility's grid.
• Randy Mehrberg, Executive Vice President Strategy & Development, PSEG Energy Holding
Mr. Mehrberg is a member of PSEG's corporate executive leadership team and has responsibility for overseeing the corporate balanced scorecard. His responsibilities include PSEG's emergent technology and transfer group, ensuring development of a corporate strategy that includes a comprehensive assessment of the role of technology in the future of the industry. PSEG has a diversified approach to solar investment on both the regulated and commercial business units. Public Service Electric & Gas, the regulated arm of PSEG, ranked third behind Pacific Gas and Electric and FP&L for the most new solar integrated into a utility's grid in 2010.

Take a front row seat at this exciting CEO Utility Panel. Registration is now open. Please visit www.solarpowerinternational.com to register today.
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Solar Power International 2011 (SPI), presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), is designed to serve and advance the solar power industry and draws more than 24,000 professionals representing over 128 countries. SPI 2011 takes place October 17 - 20 at the Dallas Convention Center. Registration, sponsorship, exhibitor and program information can be found at:www.solarpowerinternational.com.
 
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is an educational non-profit organization dedicated to helping utilities integrate solar power into their energy portfolios. With more than 825 utility and solar industry members, SEPA provides unbiased utility solar market intelligence, up-to-date information about technologies and business models, and peer-to-peer interaction. From hosting national events to one-on-one counseling, SEPA helps utilities make smart solar decisions. For more information, visit www.solarelectricpower.org.

Solar Energy Industries Association Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is working to build a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. www.seia.org