Cox Communications Completes Fuel Cell Projects in California

ATLANTA, Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications announced today the completion of a fuel cell project in Orange County, Calif. through a partnership with UTC Power, a United Technologies Corp. company (NYSE: UTX). The Orange County installation joins two fuel cells that were announced in January at Cox's San Diego location. Combined, the three installations produce enough clean energy to annually power 1,200 average-sized homes by generating a total of 1.6 megawatts.

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The fuel cell projects are part of the nationwide Cox Conserves program that is designed to reduce the company's carbon footprint by 20 percent by 2017, and promote eco-friendly behavior among its employees, communities and other corporations.

"At Cox Communications, we're deploying technology that benefits our customers and our communities," said Jay Rolls, senior vice president of technology, Cox Communications. "The fuel cells enable us to be good environmental stewards, as well as embrace a technology that positively impacts our operating costs."

Located at Cox Communications' Rancho Santa Margarita facility, the 800kW Orange County installation provides nearly 60 percent of the building's electricity requirement. This is Cox Communications' second alternative energy project in the area, which joins a 100kW photovoltaic (PV) rooftop solar array. Combined, Cox's two alternative energy installations in Rancho Santa Margarita offset the annual amount of pollution produced by more than 850 cars.

In San Diego, a 400 kilowatt (kW) installation was completed at Cox Communications' facility on Federal Boulevard that provides nearly 60 percent of the facility's electrical load requirement. A second 400kW installation for a separate building at the facility provides 100 percent of that building's electricity requirement. The fuel cells build upon Cox Communications' environmental stewardship in the area. In 2010, Cox San Diego was identified as a 2010 Waste Reduction  Award Winner by Cal Recycles, was previously named the City of San Diego's Recycler of the Year and  presents its annual Cox Conserves Heroes award program.

Cox Communications is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises and participates in Cox Conserves, the company's national sustainability program. Combined, Cox Enterprises' alternative energy projects prevent nearly 21,000 tons of greenhouse gases from entering the environment on an annual basis.

"The fuel cells at our Cox Communications facilities in California represent an important step in our overall Cox Conserves program," said Keith Mask, assistant vice president of energy management and engineering, Cox Enterprises. "The three new alternative energy installations are making a substantial impact on helping us reach Cox Conserves' goal."

Through Cox Conserves, Cox Enterprises has solar installations at several of its subsidiary locations, including: Phoenix, Ariz.; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.; Atlanta, Ga.; Macon, Ga.; Bordentown, N.J.; and Portland, Ore. The three fuel cell projects join one in Oakland, Calif. at Cox's KTVU television station, a FOX affiliate.  

About Cox Conserves:

Launched in 2007, Cox Conserves seeks to reduce Cox Enterprises' energy consumption by embracing renewable forms of energy, conserving natural resources and inspiring eco-friendly behavior. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader.com) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 60,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices. For more information, visit CoxConserves.com.

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for five years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

About Cox Enterprises:

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of nearly $15 billion and more than 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications, Inc. (cable television distribution, telephone, high-speed Internet access, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Manheim, Inc. (vehicle auctions, repair and certification services and web-based technology products); Cox Media Group, Inc. (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers, advertising sales rep firms, Valpak and Cox Digital Solutions); and AutoTrader.com (online automotive advertising and Kelley Blue Book, vAuto and HomeNet Automotive subsidiaries).  Additionally, Cox operates Kudzu.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications