APC by Schneider Electric

Palatine, Ill., (USA), September 21, 2009 — Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced its sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2009 as part of its commitment to help people make the most of their energy^SM. The Solar Decathlon challenges students from 20 university teams from the United States, Canada, Germany and Spain to design, build and operate energy efficient, solar-powered houses at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The houses will be assembled in a solar village that will be open to the public from Oct. 9 to 13 and Oct. 15 to 18, 2009, and will feature energy efficiency and renewable energy exhibits with strategies to reduce consumption of fossil fuels and lower utility bills. The Solar Decathlon demonstrates innovative clean energy technology research and development; shows consumers the benefits of solar-powered living; and develops a well-trained workforce who is uniquely prepared for green jobs.

Contestants will be required to connect their houses’ electric systems to the local Washington, D.C., utility service provider through a “micro-grid” consisting of electrical infrastructure. Schneider Electric has donated the micro-grid design, site and engineering services, as well as the required electrical distribution equipment for the event. For the first time in the Solar Decathlon’s history, teams will compete in a net-metering contest, which allots points to teams that produce more energy than they utilize. Surplus solar energy will be sold back to the utility provider to meet the energy needs of the greater D.C. community. Additionally, Schneider Electric products have been donated for use in Solar Decathlon homes.

“Schneider Electric is proud to sponsor the Solar Decathlon and encourage students and the community to think about active energy solutions that can be implemented today,” said Amelia Huntington, President, Schneider Electric U.S. “By contributing our expertise, as well as our energy management and technology solutions, we can raise awareness of the opportunities to make energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green.”

By sponsoring the 2009 Solar Decathlon, Schneider Electric is able to share broad-based knowledge and resources, as well as its passion with a new generation of energy enthusiasts. Sustainable development is a real and essential opportunity for mobilization, growth and differentiation, and Schneider Electric is committed to producing innovative and effective solutions to curb energy waste, promote production and influence consumption habits that respect the environment.

For additional information on Schneider Electric and its role in the 2009 Solar Decathlon, visit www.sereply.com and enter keycode: k525w.