Cooper Power Systems Launches Security Update Qualification Program
New program helps utilities benefit by meeting NERC CIP requirements

October 28, 2009
WAUKESHA, WI

Cooper Power Systems, a division of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), today announced the introduction of a new program to qualify the applicability of Microsoft Security Updates to its products.  The program focuses on the company’s substation and feeder automation platforms that operate on a version of Microsoft Windows.  The qualification process provides users with timely information on the applicability of new security updates to Cooper Power Systems products and also interoperability test results.  The program is part of Cooper Power Systems’ ongoing “Helping Utilities Meet NERC CIP” initiative, which launched in January 2007 to help provide utilities with advanced automation and integration solutions that meet NERC CIP requirements.

“NERC CIP requires utilities to implement a security patch management process,” said Jacques Benoit, Cooper Power Systems’ Senior Analyst for Information Security.  “This program helps test the applicability of Microsoft Security Updates for many of its products as part of our quality assurance process. By making this information available to our customers in a timely manner, we help them meet this critical NERC CIP requirement.”

Patch Management and Configuration Management are key components in ensuring continued secure operation of control systems. Cooper Power System’s recently released YUKON IMS Configuration Manager software, providing utilities with an advanced tool to meet the Configuration Management requirement. Together, the patch management process and Configuration Manager help utilities meet key requirements of NERC CIP-003, 005, and 007.

“For more than a decade, Cooper Power Systems has been deploying solutions that enable utilities to move from manual to automated IED management processes,” said Tom Pitstick, Cooper Power Systems Vice President and General Manager for Energy Automation Solutions. “Customers who have selected our products for IED integration are now leveraging these solutions to implement a comprehensive security program. Cooper applies the same commitment to innovation and security to many other areas of the Smart Grid including AMI, demand response, distribution automation, and integrated Volt/VAR management.

Cooper Power Systems: Commitment to Smart Grid
Cooper Power Systems has long been a provider of comprehensive reliability and productivity solutions for utility, commercial and industrial customers. The Energy Automation Solutions (EAS) group within Cooper Power Systems is a leading provider of innovative smart grid technologies and solutions that enable customers to optimize their electrical grid performance. These solutions include Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Demand Response (DR), Smart Sensors, Power Systems Engineering Software and Services, Substation Automation and Feeder Automation.

About Cooper Power Systems
Cooper Power Systems, Inc., with 2008 revenues of approximately $1.4 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 either www.cooperpower.com or www.cooperpowereas.com.

About Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global manufacturer with 2008 revenues of $6.5 billion, approximately 88% of which are from electrical products. Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained level of 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 eight operating divisions with leading market share positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; CrouseHinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison 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 2008, sixty-one percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and thirty-seven percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2008. For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.