Located in Baton Rouge, Southern Power Systems installs, repairs, refurbishes, upgrades, and retrofits high-, medium- and low-voltage switchgear; circuit breakers; large and small power transformers; and transmission, distribution and generation systems for the utilities, construction and industrial markets. As an authorized ABB service provider, Southern Power Systems now provides sales and service for the entire ABB Power T&D product line. "Deregulation of the U.S. electrical power industry is forcing major changes in the power generation, transmission and distribution segments,” said ABB Power T&D Services Vice President and General Manager Joe Banasiewicz. “Many companies involved in the power industry are discovering the benefits of outsourcing service functions such as design, installation, operations and maintenance to specialists who can handle the additional workload while keeping abreast of industry innovations. "We see Southern Power Systems as the premier electrical T and D system service specialists in the Louisiana and Mississippi area. Combining SPS’s local capabilities and experience with ABB’s global technical and commercial strength allows us to offer our customers service packages that make good business sense in today’s market conditions,” he said. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., ABB Power T&D is a leading supplier of power transmission and distribution equipment, systems and solutions. It’s service division works throughout the world with utilities, independent power producers, industry and service companies like Southern Power Services to repair, maintain and upgrade electrical equipment and substations. "Our alliance with ABB Power T&D Service will enhance our local presence to include ABB’s global resources,” said G. Wade Giles, Southern Power Services’ president and general manager. “Our customers,” he added, “will benefit from ABB’s commitment to being a world leader in advanced technologies in the T&D market. The alliance will strengthen Southern Power Systems’ commitment to providing the best customer service available. ” # # # ABB Power T&D Services provides routine and upgrade services for utilities, industrial plants and independent power producers seeking to increase capacity, improve reliability and reduce costs. ABB Power T&D Services centers are located in Hazelton, Penn.; Charlotte, N.C.; Baton Rouge, La.; Minneapolis; Houston; Phoenix; Chicago; and San Francisco. Raleigh, N.C.-based ABB Power T&D Company Inc. and its parent, ABB USA, headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., are part of the worldwide ABB Group. The Group reported orders of $31 billion in 1998 and employs 175,000 people in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit ABB on the web at www.abb.com