BCTC and Hydro-Quebec Named Joint Winners of the Edison Award, Electric
Industry's Most Prestigious Honor

    




    
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<p><span class="xn-location">HOLLYWOOD</span>, Fla., <span class="xn-chron">June 16</span> /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, at its annual Convention and Expo in <span class="xn-location">Hollywood</span>, Fla., the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) named British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC) and Hydro-Quebec joint winners of the 2010 Edison Award, the electric utility industry's highest honor, recognizing outstanding leadership, innovation and exceptional contributions to the American and international industry. A panel of former electric company chief executives selected BCTC and Hydro-Quebec for their joint submission, earning the two Canadian utilities the 83rd annual award.</p>
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<p>"Partnerships are great for business, and the electric utility sector is no exception," said EEI <span class="xn-person">President Tom Kuhn</span>. "Technological innovation works toward the industry's goal of creating a more reliable grid. There seems to be a bright future for the LineScout Technology, and I am very proud of the energy put forth by these two companies to bring this achievement to light."</p>
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<p>In an effort to improve reliability, inspections, and safety, Hydro-Quebec Research Institute (IREQ) developed LineScout Technology (LST), a robotic device able to inspect high-voltage transmission lines across long passages. IREQ worked extensively with BCTC to implement LST on BCTC's large water crossing transmission lines, some of which were built more than 30 years ago and pose unusual challenges during inspection.</p>
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<p>"At Hydro-Quebec, we strongly believe that true innovation is a product of open collaboration," said Thierry Vandal, Hydro-Quebec's President and CEO. "Our Research Institute has been committed to working with utilities from around the world for 40 years now. Receiving the esteemed Edison Award for our work with BCTC on the LineScout Technology gives us the opportunity to reconfirm our deep commitment to our clients, our partners and the electrical industry."</p>
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<p>The remote-controlled robot uses cameras to inspect line conditions and discover irregularities, while also employing a smart navigation system to pinpoint locations in need of attention. The LST is able to maneuver obstacles such as splices, hardware components and aviation warning markers. Unlike with conventional transmission line servicing, the robot can service the lines while they are energized, saving precious company resources, reducing safety risks and downtime.</p>
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<p>"BCTC believes in the value of technology -- how it can benefit the people of British Columbia, improve employee and public safety, and ensure we get the most from the transmission grid," said <span class="xn-person">Janet Woodruff</span>, BCTC's Interim President. "The Edison Award is a great honor and a testament to our dedication to technology, innovation, and the power of partnerships to harness the possibilities of the grid."</p>
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<p>Hydro-Quebec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole shareholder is the <span class="xn-location">Quebec</span> government. It uses mainly renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and supports the development of wind energy through purchases from independent power producers. It also conducts research in energy-related fields, such as energy efficiency. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.hydroquebec.com">www.hydroquebec.com</a>.</p>
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<p>Next October, Hydro-Quebec will host the 2010 1st International Conference on Applied Robotics for the Power Industry (CARPI 2010). For information on the event, visit: <a href="http://www.carpi2010.org/index.php?lang=en">http://www.carpi2010.org/index.php?lang=en</a>.</p>
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<p>BC Transmission Corporation is the Crown corporation responsible for managing the province's publicly owned electrical transmission system and moving electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed. Under BC's new Clean Energy Act, BCTC and BC Hydro will become a single entity that will plan and deliver the clean energy required to meet British Columbia's growing demand for electricity. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.bctc.com">www.bctc.com</a>.</p>
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<p>The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies. Our members serve 95 percent of the ultimate customers in the shareholder-owned segment of the industry, and represent approximately 70 percent of the U.S. electric power industry. We also have more than 65 International electric companies as Affiliate members, and more than 170 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate members.</p>
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For further information: Dan Riedinger, EEI, [phone]; Stacey Masson, HQ, [phone]; Jason Keenan, BCTC, [phone] Web Site: http://www.eei.org http://www.hydroquebec.com http://www.bctc.com