FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALPHA TEAMS UP WITH CUSTOMERS TO DEVELOP POWER SOLUTIONS FOR LATIN AMERICA

Bellingham, Wash., September 20, 2001 - Power system manufacturer Alpha Technologies recently worked with customers in Latin America to develop solutions to some unique powering needs.

Cable operators in the region needed to improve the overall reliability of their network, but were faced with frequent utility outages. The outages were, to a large degree, limited to specific utility power grids, and tapping multiple grids was conceived as a possible solution.

Alpha engineers developed a Dual Utility Switch (DUS) product that allowed operators to connect power system installations to multiple power grids. In the event of localized outage from the primary grid, the Alpha DUS automatically switched utility input to the secondary grid, significantly increasing overall network reliability.

"Alpha has a long history of developing power solutions specific to individual customer needs," commented Antonio Galvez, Alpha Sales Director for the region. "We're happy to see the positive results of this most recent effort," he continued.

Working together Alpha and the operators were able to develop a product that not only incorporated their current powering systems, but also helped maximize their overall system performance and reliability. The Dual Utility Switch is just one of the many products that Alpha has designed in conjunction with customers, and illustrates the Company's continuing commitment to the industries it serves.

Alpha Technologies Inc. develops power conversion, protection and standby products for telecommunications and cable television industries, including custom, application-specific power solutions. In addition to product development, Alpha Technologies provides a comprehensive range of installation and maintenance services to support its global customer base. Alpha Technologies is a member of The Alpha Group of companies.

The Alpha Group represents a global alliance of independent companies that share a common philosophy - create world-class powering solutions for communication, commercial, industrial and renewable energy markets.

For this and/or additional information in electronic form, go to www.alpha.com.