Mark Crowson Joins Power Line Services as New CEO

HOUSTON, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Power Line Services ("PLS"), the electric transmission and energy services construction and maintenance company owned by Energy Capital Partners ("Energy Capital"), today announced that Mr. Mark Crowson has joined PLS as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Crowson brings with him 30 years of management experience in the electric utility and the power transmission and distribution construction industry.  He has a diverse background and a track record for driving growth.  Prior to joining PLS, Mr. Crowson was Vice President & Power Market Director for Henkels & McCoy, one of the largest privately held engineering, network development and construction firms serving the communications, information technology and utility industries.  Mr. Crowson also worked for over 20 years at TXU and its numerous predecessor companies in various roles including distribution engineering, transmission engineering, distribution operations, region management and asset management.

Perry Cole, an Energy Capital Managing Director and interim CEO at PLS stated, "We are very excited that Mark has decided to join and lead the PLS team.  He brings strong operations, cost management, customer and industry relationships and will provide hands on growth-oriented leadership with a proven commitment to safety.  We are confident that Mark's leadership will help PLS capitalize on its significant market opportunity."

Mr. Cole added, "Energy Capital continues to believe that infrastructure spending on new construction in the electric transmission and oil and gas sectors will continue to accelerate.  We are committed to growing and supporting PLS as it executes its plan to expand market share."

"I am very excited to be taking on this new role and working with the PLS management team," said Crowson.  "Power Line Services is well-positioned to successfully expand the relationships with existing clients and grow the highly regarded regional business to a nationwide electric transmission and energy related electrical services company.  I am optimistic that with the strong support and backing of Energy Capital Partners, Power Line Services has the critical mass to take on large grid projects and position itself to capitalize on the significant new electric transmission construction activity."

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