Sharyland Utilities Selects Power Line Services to Build 75-Mile CREZ Transmission Segment

HOUSTON, June 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Line Services ("PLS"), the electric transmission and energy services construction and maintenance company owned by funds controlled by Energy Capital Partners, LLC, today announced that Sharyland Utilities, L.P. ("Sharyland") has awarded the company a contract for transmission and infrastructure services as part of the utility's Competitive Renewable Energy Zone ("CREZ") initiative.  The contract encompasses construction services for two segments of 345 KV transmission lines totaling approximately 75 miles in Texas.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to work for Sharyland in building its part of the vitally important transmission lines to support the Texas Competitive Renewable Energy Zones," said Mark Crowson, President and CEO of PLS.  He added, "Our team is focused on completing the construction of this important transmission line with excellence in project management and an industry leading commitment to safety."

Under the contract, PLS will oversee, manage and perform all construction activities related to the two segments: Silverton-Nazareth (48 miles) and Nazareth-Hereford (27 miles).  Construction is set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year with the completion of both segments scheduled for May 2013.

"PLS and its subsidiaries do quality work, and we are glad to have them on board," said Mark Caskey, Senior Vice President of Sharyland Utilities.  "We are especially glad to have a local company work on a project of such importance to the State of Texas."

The CREZ initiative was established by the Texas Legislature in 2005 to help encourage the development of wind generation in Texas by facilitating the construction of needed electrical transmission lines to the areas of the state determined to have superior wind resources.  These transmission lines are expected to improve the Texas electric transmission system and provide related benefits to customers.

About Sharyland Utilities

Sharyland Utilities, L.P. is a Texas-based public electric utility that is fully regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.  Sharyland Utilities is committed to providing quality customer service, affordable rates, safe and reliable electric delivery, and increased investment in the electric grid of Texas.  Sharyland Utilities is unique in that it serves retail customers throughout Texas in both competitive and non-competitive areas of the state.  Sharyland Utilities currently serves approximately 42,000 customers in 29 counties throughout Texas.  Its corporate office is located in Dallas, with additional offices in Amarillo, Brady, Celeste, Colorado City, McAllen, Midland, and Stanton.  Sharyland Utilities is privately-owned by members of the family of Ray L. Hunt, and is managed by Hunter L. Hunt.  For more information, please go to www.sharylandutilities.com.

About Power Line Services

PLS is a provider of electrical infrastructure construction, maintenance and inspection services to many of the nation's largest utilities, regional cooperatives, renewable energy developers, commercial and industrial customers, and major oil and gas companies.  PLS is a company started by Energy Capital that has thus far integrated four strong regional companies: Sun Electric, TESSCO, Auger Services and AIR2.  The company currently has approximately 1,000 employees, a fleet of over 1,200 pieces of specialized utility construction equipment and is actively looking to expand the services it offers and its geographic footprint.  For more information, please visit its website at www.powerlinesinc.com.

About Energy Capital Partners

Energy Capital is a private equity firm focused on investing in the power generation, midstream gas, renewable and electric transmission sectors of North America's energy infrastructure.  Energy Capital's management has substantial experience leading successful energy companies and energy infrastructure investments.  Energy Capital has offices in Short Hills, New Jersey and San Diego, California.  For more information, visit www.ecpartners.com.

SOURCE Power Line Services