Waukesha Helps Platte River Power Authority Continue Environmental Stewardship in the State of Colorado

Waukesha, WI (February 19, 2007) – Platte River Power Authority is no stranger to Environmental Stewardship, and Waukesha Electric Systems recently became a part of that tradition when an agreement was reached to retrofill five 167 MVA (top rating), 230kV transformers with 17,200 gallons per unit (86,000 gallons total) of Environtemp® FR3® natural ester dielectric fluid from Cooper Power Systems. Environtemp® FR3® is a patented, fire-resistant natural ester dielectric coolant specifically formulated for use in distribution and power transformers where its unique environmental, fire safety, chemical and electrical properties are advantageous:

ENVIRONMENTAL
Made from a formulation which includes food-grade vegetable oils, this natural ester fluid does not contain any petroleum, halogens or silicones. It quickly and thoroughly biodegrades in both soil and aquatic environments, reducing environmental impact in the event of an accidental spill. And because it is 100% made up of a renewable natural resource, it replaces a depleting non-renewable resource in petroleum-based mineral oil.

FIRE SAFETY
FR3® has an exceptionally high fire point of 360 degrees C and flash point of 330 degrees C. It has the highest ignition resistance of less-flammable fluids currently available and is listed by FM Global and Underwriters Laboratories for use in complying with the National Electric Code (NEC) and insurance requirements. The National Fire Protection Association has no reports of fires or explosions involving transformers filled with FR3® fluid.

CHEMICAL & ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
Compatible with standard transformer insulating materials, components and fluid-processing equipment and procedures, FR3® demonstrates improved thermal characteristics with a viscosity closer to conventional transformer oil, superior dielectric strength and excellent chemical stability over time. Tests conducted by Cooper Power Systems indicate a dramatic increase in transformer cellulose insulation life, anywhere from 5–8 times. In addition, FR3® offers better loadbreak dielectric strength retention and superior resistance to coke and sludge formation which also can increase power equipment reliability and life.

While Waukesha has considerable experience building transformers designed for FR3® fluid and retrofilling other units originally designed for mineral oil, this will be the largest natural ester project since FR3's introduction. Platte River and Waukesha have agreed to work together to monitor and gather important data that will be important to better understand the long-term characteristics of this natural ester fluid and its benefits.

Platte River Power Authority (www.prpa.org) generates electricity utilizing coal, wind, natural gas and hydropower for its Colorado owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. As an example of its dedication to the environment, Platte River recently invested over $15 million in its Rawhide Energy Station, a coal-fired generator, already one of the cleanest coal facilities in the nation. In 2006, Rawhide became the first power plant to utilize biodiesel to start up the coal-fired boiler to further reduce emissions. For this and other environmental initiatives, the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce presented Platte River with the 2005 Environmental Business Award for Resource Conservation.

Waukesha Electric Systems, Inc. is the largest U.S. manufacturer of medium-power transformers and a respected supplier of large-power transformers; transformer, LTC and circuit breaker services, training, reverse-engineered components and replacement parts. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Waukesha, Wisconsin; Goldsboro, North Carolina and Dallas, Texas. Markets served include public power, investor-owned utilities, independent power producers, wind farms and industrial/commercial firms.