APS Named Top Utility for Tech Innovation

September 17, 2008

Arizona Public Service (APS) and its parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corp., are ranked as the top energy utility for information technology (IT) innovation, according to Information Week, a leading information technology trade publication. The 2008 InformationWeek 500, which was released Monday night, also listed Pinnacle West among the top ten U.S. companies and highest among those based in Arizona.

InformationWeek identifies and honors the nation's most innovative users of information technology with the annual listing, now in its 20th year, and tracks the technology, strategies, investments and administrative practices of America's best-known companies. The list is unique among corporate rankings because it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders.

The company was cited on the strength of major APS information technology projects, including the award winning Transformer Oil Analysis and Notification (TOAN) system. The online system was developed to monitor major transformers for potential failure and enables APS to take preventive action. Other APS information systems projects include a cutting-edge transformation of the Distribution Operations Management System (DOMS); the installation of a new Energy Management System (EMS); and major back-office software implementations.

"We are proud to have a world-class IT organization comprised of some of the industry's most creative and dedicated people," said President and CEO Don Brandt. "Their projects create efficiencies that save customers money and set the stage for cost-effective ways to deploy applications.

"From nuclear power units to far-reaching new ideas like TOAN or the Solana Generating Station, the intellectual and technological capacity that enables APS to stay ahead of Arizona's electric generation and transmission infrastructure is very impressive." 

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Dan Wool
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