ATLANTA, May 14, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Advanced Control Systems (ACS), a leading global provider of smart grid solutions to the electric power industry, announced today its FASTapps(tm) self-healing feeder automation system has been named a finalist in the "Best New Product" category of the fifth annual Buildy Awards, part of Connectivity Week and the Gridwise Expo.

The "Best New Product" award honors a manufacturer whose new product or service overcame a significant challenge, enhanced, or simplified the smart device connectivity process. ACS marketing director Jeff Smith remarked, "We are honored to be named a finalist for this award. It's gratifying to see FASTapps gaining recognition as an innovative and effective tool for utilities seeking increased security, quality, and reliability of their power delivery."

FASTapps was developed with input from ACS' customer base of over 250 utilities and provides a wide range of benefits for utilities seeking a cost-effective approach to smart grid feeder automation. Unlike other feeder automation schemes, FASTapps does not rely on pre-defined switching sequences or proprietary hardware sets to perform restoration. FASTapps utilizes a substation-based dynamic network model and is based on ACS' leading fault detection, isolation, and restoration (FDIR) technology deployed worldwide. FASTapps also includes optional Volt/VAR control capabilities to support system loss reduction programs.

"We are pleased with the success of the FASTapps system and with the tremendous interest in this solution within the industry," noted ACS technology director Gary Ockwell. "Utilities are excited about FASTapps because it delivers self-healing distribution system capability with support for an open systems smart grid strategy." In April 2008, ACS successfully completed its latest FASTapps delivery for Oklahoma City-based OG&E Electric Services.

The "Best New Product" winner will be determined based upon voting by attendees at Connectivity Week, May 20-22, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, a national convention which draws leaders from many sectors of the energy industry. For more information visit: www.connectivityweek.com.

About Advanced Control Systems:

Advanced Control Systems, an EFACEC company, is a provider of smart grid solutions to the global electric power industry. The ACS software suite provides integrated distribution and outage management, simulation, optimization, and enterprise business intelligence. ACS automation product lines include a wide range of flexible and cost-effective substation, distribution, and feeder automation solutions. ACS is powering the utility of the future -- today. For more information, visit www.acsatlanta.com.

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