1045 Hickory Street
Pewaukee, WI 53072
Phone: (262)524-3300
Fax: (262)524-3319
www.cooperpower.com
News Release
Contact:
Correy Robertson
412-394-6611
correy.robertson@bm.com
Cooper Power Systems Envirotemp™ FR3™ Fluid Secures FERC Approval
for Capital Treatment
Bio-based dielectric coolant extends life of insulation systems, and retrofilling costs
can now be capitalized
WAUKESHA, WI, March 9, 2011 — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved an
accounting petition filed by Waverly Light and Power which allows utilities to capitalize all costs incurred
to retrofill a transformer with bio-based dielectric coolant, for the enhanced performance and extension
of useful life of the transformer, under the FERC Uniform System of Accounts. The market leading biobased dielectric coolant is Envirotemp™ FR3™ fluid, produced by Cooper Power Systems, a global
leader in dielectric fluids for the utility market. The approval comes in the form of a Letter Order from
Bryan K. Craig, Director and Chief Accountant, Division of Audits, Office of Enforcement, of FERC in
Docket No. AC11-2-000.
In the order from FERC, Mr. Craig affirmed that Envirotemp FR3 fluid from Cooper Power Systems
qualified under the Commission’s Uniform System of Accounts as “a minor item of property that did not
previously exist provided that a substantial addition results from its use.” Industry standard accelerated
life testing of transformers filled with bio-based FR3 fluid shows that it can extend insulation system life
many times over the historic industry standard, mineral oil. The ruling declares that a utility may
capitalize all of the costs incurred to retrofill a transformer with bio-based dielectric fluid.
Envirotemp FR3 fluid is a sustainable alternative to traditional mineral oil, offering numerous benefits
including exceptional fire-resistant properties and a reduced environmental impact, in addition to its
demonstrated ability to extend the life of a transformer’s insulation system. The bio-based fluid is listed
in the USDA BioPreferred program, and is derived from 100 percent edible seed oil, making its
biodegradation rate and completeness meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria for
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Cooper Power Systems – Page 2
"Ultimate Biodegradability" classification. Envirotemp FR3 fluid received the first published EPA
Environmental Technology Verification for transformer materials.
“FR3 fluid has been used in new and retrofilled transformers for over a decade because of its enhanced
fire safety and environmental benefits, not to mention its demonstrated asset life extension capabilities,”
said Tom Brockley, Business Unit President - Transformer Products, Cooper Power Systems. “This
ruling from the FERC acknowledges FR3 fluid’s benefits, and in addition, allows capitalization of all
costs incurred to retrofill a transformer. We anticipate that this FERC validation of our FR3 fluid
technology will provide a strong motivation to retrofill transformers with FR3 fluid.”
About Cooper Power Systems
Cooper Power Systems, Inc., with 2010 revenues of approximately $1.2 billion, is a division of Cooper
Industries plc (NYSE: CBE). Cooper Power Systems is a global manufacturer of world-class power
delivery and reliability solutions for the electrical and industrial markets. Through its Energy Automation
Solutions group, it is also a leading provider of software, communications and integration solutions that
enable customers to increase productivity, improve system reliability, and reduce costs. For more
information, please visit www.cooperpower.com or www.cooperpowereas.com.
About Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2010 revenues of
$5.1 billion. Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained success is attributable to a constant focus on
innovation, evolving business practices while maintaining the highest ethical standards and meeting
customer needs. The Company has seven operating divisions with leading market positions and worldclass products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and
CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGrawEdison power systems products. With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for
several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the
reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the
need for improved electrical safety. In 2010 fifty-nine percent of total sales were to customers in the
industrial and utility end-markets and thirty-nine percent of total sales were to customers outside the
United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 21 countries as of 2010. For more information, visit
the website at www.cooperindustries.com.
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