GRIDPOINT

GridPoint Welcomes Michael Carlson, former Xcel Energy CIO and Architect of SmartGridCity

ARLINGTON, VA – May 6, 2009 − GridPoint, Inc., a leading smart grid company whose software platform benefits electric utilities, consumers, and the environment, announced that it has appointed Michael J. Carlson to an executive position within the company. The former Xcel Energy Vice President and Chief Information Officer has been a key player in designing and implementing the utility’s groundbreaking smart grid project, the $100 million SmartGridCity in Boulder, Colorado.

“Mike brings to our team a unique combination of technology and utility industry experience along with a track record of innovation. We welcome his expertise as we help utilities create a clean and efficient 21st century electric grid,” said Peter L. Corsell, CEO, GridPoint.

At Xcel Energy, Carlson was responsible for increasing the value that technology delivers to the organization by leveraging the utility’s IT portfolio, including both technology and process, across the company. Additionally, he was responsible for the utility’s Smart Grid strategy, and his organization included the Utility Innovations Group, which is the technology R&D function for Xcel Energy. Previously at Xcel Energy, he served as the Vice President for Business Transformation & Customer within Business Systems, after originally starting with the company as the Director of the Program Management Office.

“GridPoint has established itself as a leading solution provider with an excellent understanding of the utility’s technology needs. GridPoint’s strength lies in its flexible software platform, which makes it easy to create a comprehensive smart grid plan and adopt solutions as needed,” said Carlson. “I look forward to continuing my work advancing the Smart Grid as a part of a truly visionary company with an outstanding group of professionals who are committed to transforming the utility industry.”

Carlson has more than 24 years of experience in finance and technology, focusing his expertise in the application and delivery of technology to drive business value. Carlson joined Xcel Energy in 2002 from Arthur Andersen, LLP, where he was a practice director in the areas of technology integration and financial operations.

GridPoint is working with utilities nationwide including Austin Energy, Duke Energy and Xcel Energy as a SmartGridCity consortium partner. GridPoint’s software platform applies information technology to the grid, enabling smart grid solutions including energy efficiency, load management, renewable energy management, energy storage management, and electric vehicle management. It also offers homeowners benefits including real-time energy management for greater efficiency, reliability and savings. GridPoint has raised over $220 million in equity capital. The World Economic Forum selected the company as a Technology Pioneer in 2008.