Cooper Power Systems and Itron Announce Availability of CENTRON II Meter with Integrated Power Line Carrier Communications

WAUKESHA, WI, and LIBERTY LAKE, WA, March 2, 2012-Cooper Power Systems andItron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today the availability of the Itron CENTRON II meter integrated with Cooper Power Systems Power Line Carrier (PLC) communications technology. This combined offering increases metering platform options and provides greater flexibility for utilities implementing large-scale metering systems.

Cooper Power Systems and Itron built on the foundation of their longtime working relationship to streamline the development effort for this offering — incorporating enhanced metrology and display capabilities as well as optional remote disconnect for utility customers.

"Utility customers have long used the proven and mature CENTRON meter for their residential metering needs and through true collaboration with Itron, Cooper Power Systems can now offer utility customers more choices when it comes to meters,"said Mark Thurman, president, Cooper Power Systems, a division of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE)."Cooper Power Systems is one of the first smart grid technology vendors to release integrated communications on the Itron metering platform-a clear indication of our leadership in offering multi-vendor meter solutions and ability to deliver on our customers' expectations to embrace new technology."

"Our collaboration with Cooper Power Systems and the resulting integrated product exemplify Itron's commitment to giving our customers a variety of deployment choices to meet their specific needs," stated Mark deVere-White, senior vice president of Itron Energy Group in North America and Latin America. "The adaptable CENTRON II meter offers the best in metering technology, including accuracy, reliability and serviceability. With the integrated Cooper Power Systems PLC communications, the CENTRON II provides the perfect platform to meet current and future business needs, with applications ranging from standard metering to smart grid initiatives."

About Cooper Power Systems:
Cooper Power Systems, a subsidiary of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), and a global manufacturer and provider of world-class power delivery apparatus and solutions for the utility, commercial, and industrial markets. The company maintains a complete portfolio of products and services required to transform, protect, connect, and build out an electric power system backbone.Smart apparatus ‐ voltage regulators, capacitors, reclosers, switchgear, smart sensors, and controls — integrated with enterprise level software and secure communications enable customers to increase productivity, optimize asset efficiency, improve system reliability, and reduce costs. Reliability and grid-point solutions include: Integrated Volt/Var Control (IVVC), feeder, and substation automation systems. End-point solutions include: Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Demand Response (DR). The company is a leading provider of engineering optimization and modeling tools. For more information, please visit www.cooperpower.com.

About Cooper Industries:
Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2011 revenues of $5.4 billion. Founded in 1833 Cooper's sustained success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation and evolving business practices, while maintaining the highest ethical standards and meeting customer needs. The Company has seven operating divisions with leading market positions and world-class 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 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 2011 fifty-nine percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and forty percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2011. For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.