SpatialNews Press Release

Allegheny Energy Pilots Graphics Based Dispatch System from Utility Associates, Inc.

www.utility-associates.com

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Atlanta, GA., March 18, 2002 - Utility Associates announced today that Allegheny Energy, Inc. (NYSE: AYE) has successfully tested the first phase of their new dispatch system, AVaiL™. The new system will provide a unified view of data upon a geographical base - allowing for spatial coordination of crews and outages, thereby integrating vehicle position, power outage locations, and the power and road networks into one clear view.

Dispatchers can simultaneously view the location of all maintenance vehicles and power outages and assign maintenance crews accordingly. The system generates drive-time-zones that are based on the local road network, making the dispatching effort of the nearest crew a snap. The new system also allows dispatchers to automatically retrieve detailed driving directions. This capability is particularly valuable in emergency situations when non-local crews are called to work in unfamiliar territory.

Safety features are an integral part of the system. Distress signals can be sent from remote service areas where cellular and radio coverage is non-existent by utilizing the onboard satellite communications capability. Activating a distress signal is as easy as pushing a button on your key-chain, similar to the action required to remotely unlock a car door. This simple action causes an alert to be displayed on all dispatch workstations, allowing help to be sent far sooner than would otherwise be possible.

The Wireless-Matrix antenna that is being mounted on Allegheny Energy service vehicles has sophisticated electronics that utilize satellite technology to eliminate blackout areas. In addition, terrestrial signals are sent where coverage areas permit. Automatic switching to the terrestrial antenna reduces communication costs by allowing for a blended rate that is very affordable.

Allegheny's dispatch system is designed to perform under extraordinary conditions. Utility Associates has designed the system to provide adequate response times even under extreme outage conditions and has implemented sophisticated outage clustering to avoid display clutter for the dispatcher. Building the system to handle the worst- case scenario ensures that the system will perform well under light and heavy loads alike.

Utility Associates, the developer of Allegheny's dispatch system, is a privately held company based in Atlanta. Utility Associates also develops and markets the mobile work management software, PadWORKS, which enables companies to effectively manage their field operations and places valuable customer and facility-related information directly into the hands of employees working in the field.

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Mar 29, 2002 Jun 26, 2002