Blue Grass Energy "Beat the Peak" Energy Alert Program Uses Text Messaging to Immediately Communicate the Need to Reduce Power With Co-op Members

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TextPower Allows Utility to Dynamically Manage Peak Energy Power Consumption

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA--(Marketwired - May 22, 2014) - TextPower, a leader in innovative text messaging software solutions, announced today that Blue Grass Energy is using its SmartAlerts™ technology to encourage members to "Beat the Peak." The utility co-op's "Beat the Peak" program is designed to reduce energy usage during peak energy demands, which helps lower energy costs.

Founded in 1937, Blue Grass Energy today serves more than 55,000 members in 23 central and north-central Kentucky counties stretching from Berea to the Ohio River."With TextPower we've found a great partner -- they provide a reliable, cost-effective way to directly contact our members on a broad scale as part of our green energy program," said Ken Cooper, IT manager, Blue Grass Energy.Members opt-in to receive TextPower SmartAlerts™ that advise them of peak energy hours in order to conserve power. The messages are customized depending on the season and severe weather situations."Blue Grass is a great example of a rural co-op that is getting the maximum benefit of our technology by communicating with its members and staff in a preferred way -- with direct, real-time text messaging," said Mark Nielsen, Executive Chairman and co-founder of TextPower."Incorporating our texting platform into their systems provides bottom-line benefits by cost-effectively managing peak energy situations in real-time with members, significantly reducing the burden on staff and vastly improving the consumer experience and information flow," added Nielsen."Email is something you have to proactively make an effort to check but text messages can be seen on any phone, not just smartphones. TextPower is an important element of our communications system not only for energy emergencies but also for internal company events and announcements," Cooper explained.With employees and members opting in to receive texts, Blue Grass is able to cultivate a close-knit, user-friendly environment both internally and externally, which Cooper said is important to the organization's culture."We're able to provide a very human, personal touch leveraging a high-tech solution," said Cooper.Blue Grass Energy is one of the many utility co-ops throughout the U.S. that rely on TextPower SMS technology to help them communicate directly with their members and field personnel during peak usage periods, as well as during outages; to alert them of low balances and enable payment to avoid disconnects, and notify them during severe weather and other disaster emergencies. TextPower SmartAlerts can also be deployed for planned notifications such as load shedding, planned interruptions and pole inspections/right of way contractor notices.For more information about TextPower's services for utilities or other industries call 818.222.8600 or email Info@TextPower.com.

About TextPower, Inc.

TextPower, Inc. provides alerting and authentication solutions to a variety of industries worldwide using text messaging (SMS). The company's software and text messaging services help companies enhance their revenues, decrease costs and improve customer service. TextPower's authentication product, TextKey™, replaces the token or security fob previously needed to verify the identity of online users for password-protected applications. TextPower's mission-critical infrastructure employs geo-redundancy for the industry's highest reliability, providing delivery to virtually every cell phone in the United States and connections to most recognized wireless operators around the world. Visit http://www.TextPower.com, email Info@TextPower.com or call 888.818.1808 for more information.

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