HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- KCP&L has selected Intergraph(R) smart grid technology for a demonstration project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 to improve network operations and efficiency in an economically challenged area of Kansas City, Mo.

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Using Intergraph utilities infrastructure and operations management technology, KCP&L will develop a comprehensive smart grid to improve reliability, increase energy efficiency and reduce costs in support of an urban revitalization program that could become a model for future efforts nationwide. Intergraph will provide KCP&L with its Smart Grid Operations Command-and-Control Center as well as related implementation, project management and training services.

"As an Intergraph customer for 20 years, we are confident in deploying the company's smart grid technology as the foundation for this crucial project," said Ed Matthews, smart grid director for KCP&L. "We look forward to expanding our use of Intergraph solutions to provide consolidated command and control of our smart grid network for optimal performance and service."

KCP&L has relied on Intergraph geographic information system (GIS) technology for many years to efficiently maintain and manage grid assets. The utility also leverages Intergraph InService mobile workforce management technology to empower field crews to work as productively and seamlessly as possible with the back office.

As a new addition to these solutions, KCP&L will now deploy the Intergraph Smart Grid Operations Command-and-Control Center. The command-and-control center will provide a GIS foundation to distribution management and SCADA functionality to maximize grid efficiency. By working with Intergraph on this smart grid project, KCP&L believes it will not only improve service to customers in the designated area, but also create new employment opportunities and foster economic development in Kansas City, as well as create a blueprint for future smart grid projects around the world.

"Utilities across North America are quickly realizing the unique value of Intergraph's geospatially-powered solutions for creating a common operating picture for the smart grid to achieve maximum efficiency and more informed decision-making," said Jay Stinson, vice president of Utilities & Communications at Intergraph. "We are excited to expand our expertise by working with KCP&L on this ARRA funded project that will have such a profound impact on both Kansas City and the electric industry as a whole."

For further details on Intergraph technology for electric utilities, please go to: http://www.intergraph.com/utilities.

About KCP&L

Operating from headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, KCP&L has evolved into a full-service energy provider and resource. The company was founded in 1882 and has become one of the Midwest's most affordable energy suppliers due to its leadership in fuel procurement, plant technology and efficient power production and distribution. KCP&L services more than 800,000 customers in 47 northwestern Missouri and eastern Kansas counties - a service territory of approximately 18,000 square miles. More information can be found at: http://www.kcpl.com.

About Intergraph

Intergraph is the leading global provider of engineering and geospatial software that enables customers to visualize complex data. Businesses and governments in more than 60 countries rely on Intergraph's industry-specific software to organize vast amounts of data into understandable visual representations and actionable intelligence. Intergraph's software and services empower customers to build and operate more efficient plants and ships, create intelligent maps and protect critical infrastructure and millions of people around the world.

Intergraph operates through two divisions: Process, Power & Marine (PP&M) and Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I). Intergraph PP&M provides enterprise engineering software for the design, construction and operation of plants, ships and offshore facilities. Intergraph SG&I provides geospatially-powered solutions to the defense and intelligence, public safety and security, government, transportation, photogrammetry, utilities and communications industries. For more information, visit www.intergraph.com.

(C) 2009 Intergraph Corp. All rights reserved. Intergraph and the Intergraph logo are registered trademarks of Intergraph Corp. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Web site: http://www.intergraph.com/