Monroe County converts pad-mount and overhead transformers to Cooper Power
                     Systems' Envirotemp(R) FR3(TM) fluid

    WAUKESHA, Wis., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Power Systems today
announced that Monroe County Electric Co-operative has converted to
Envirotemp(R) FR3(TM) fluid in their pad-mount and overhead transformers.  The
first pad-mount units were installed over the past month.  Future overhead
transformers will be FR3-fluid filled.  The utility is also proceeding with
trial tests on their voltage regulators.
    Monroe County joins Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and
Tipmont REMC as utilities that have made system-wide commitments to soy-oil
based dielectric fluid.  The co-op's service area includes Monroe, Randolph
and St. Clair counties, home to bedroom communities of St. Louis, Missouri.
    "This changeover makes sense for us on a number of levels," said Alan
Wattles, president/CEO, Monroe County Electric Co-Op.  "The benefits of
Envirotemp FR3 fluid correspond to issues that matter greatly to our
constituency, including fire safety and environmental stewardship. The
communities we service are growing rapidly, over three percent annually for
the past eight years, and FR3 fluid allows us to run heavier loads through the
current system without having to purchase additional equipment, keeping
capital expenditure costs down."
    Wattles added, "FR3 fluid comes from a renewable source that lessens our
dependence on foreign oil.  This decision supports the soybean farmer, both
locally and across the nation.  Soybean plays an important role in the
agricultural landscape of Illinois and we're proud to do our part to keep it
vital and strong."
    Choptank Electric Co-operative in Maryland and Homeworks Tri-County
Electric Co-op in Michigan have also incorporated Envirotemp FR3 fluid into
their distribution systems.  The United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean
checkoff championed Monroe County's decision.
    "The soybean checkoff continues to proudly support biobased energy
solutions like Envirotemp FR3 fluid that create a best-case scenario for
farmers and our rural neighbors," said Todd Allen, USB New Uses Committee
Chair and a soybean farmer from Arkansas.  "This transformer fluid is safe to
the environment and is an efficient solution for co-ops that also creates a
new market for U.S. soybeans.  What better group to support soy-based
technology than the rural cooperatives that supply energy to farmers across
the country."
    Each acre of soybeans produces enough oil for four overhead transformers.
The U.S. transformer industry requires almost 75 million gallons a year for
all new transformer installations - equivalent to 1.2 million acres of soybean
production.
    Manufactured from edible seed oils, Envirotemp FR3 fluid is a
biodegradable dielectric fluid that has the highest flash/fire points in the
industry.  Envirotemp FR3 fluid is a Factory Mutual approved and Underwriters
Laboratories(R) classified less-flammable fluid.  It extends paper insulation
life five to eight times, lowering life cycle costs.  The increased insulation
life translates to extended and enhanced transformer life, or the ability to
carry higher loads during peak demand periods without leading to premature
insulation failure.  The enhanced performance allows utilities to manage their
assets more profitably and forestall costly capital expenditures.
    "Cooper Power Systems recognizes Monroe County as one of the leaders in
the utility industry, balancing the needs of environmental stewardship,
support for the agricultural community, fire safety, and performance in their
selection of FR3 fluid," said Patrick McShane, product line manager, Cooper
Power Systems.

    Company Information
    Cooper Power Systems is a subsidiary of Cooper Industries (NYSE: CBE), a
diversified worldwide manufacturer of products for the electrical, commercial
and industrial markets. CPS manufactures distribution transformers,
distribution switchgear, reclosers, capacitors, protective relays, voltage
regulators, automated switches, cable accessories, surge arrestors,
transformer components and dielectric fluids, fuses and tools and it provides
engineering services for the electrical and industrial markets.

    Contact:
    John Pepper
    412-394-6603

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