Energy Giant Now Relies on Up-To-The-Second Weather Service for Power Trading

Gaithersburg, MD (July 11, 2002) – AEP Energy Services has purchased and deployed AWS MesoStreamer as the primary weather information and analysis tool for its power trading operations, AWS Energy Services, a division of AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc., announced today. AWS MesoStreamer gives energy traders access to up-to-the-second weather data as well as specialized forecast validation tools that can enable them to quickly identify and take advantage of weather changes that impact prices and result in profitable trading opportunities.

"MesoStreamer is a valuable tool that helps us anticipate changes in the market and manage our risk more effectively,” says Bill Reed, Senior Vice President, Energy Trading, AEP Energy Services."

Jeff Manna, Meteorologist for AEP Energy Services explains that "The weather data presented in MesoStreamer is truly unique and not available from any other weather information provider. The data is updated every second and is much more detailed. The MesoStreamer software has proven to be very useful in our daily activities. Using this real-time software has become, and will continue to be, an essential tool in what we do each day at AEP. This is very current, accurate information that gives me valuable insight into meteorological conditions that affect the market."

MesoStreamer is an online application which provides instantaneous weather information and analysis designed specifically for energy traders and distribution operators. It is powered by the vast AWS WeatherNet network, which is comprised of more than 5,000 automated monitoring systems across the U.S. The Web-based product delivers real-time WeatherNet data, allowing energy traders to monitor changing weather conditions by the second, including instantaneous mesoscale weather information and analysis.

For more information about MesoStreamer, visit www.aws.com/energy or contact Bobby Wallace at 301.258.8390, ext. 1630.

About AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc.

AWS Convergence Technologies, Inc. (www.aws.com) owns and operates the largest network of weather stations in the world. This real-time network gathers comprehensive, up-to-the-second weather information from more than 5,000 communities and powers the company's various products and services, including: WeatherBug™, an online weather service that provides live neighborhood conditions to more than seven million PC users; WeatherNet for Broadcast, which delivers real-time weather information to more than 80 million US households through partnerships with 105 local television stations; WeatherNet for Education, which provides engaging weather information and educational tools to schools and colleges, including an innovative set of online lesson plans and software called WeatherNet Classroom; and AWS Data Services which uses AWS' unique weather network and software to provide high-value solutions for vertical industries such as energy, retail, and transportation.