Optimal Technologies International Inc. recently announced that Winston Hickox, an industry veteran with unparalleled experience in environmental policy and regulation, has joined its Board of Directors. As a clean technology and environmental policy expert, Winston Hickox was chosen to join Optimal based on his clear understanding of the environmental impact of power generation and his commitment to making power production more efficient in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Hickox recently served as the Chair of the California Market Advisory Committee in support of the implementation of the state's first-in-the-nation comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction program. Hickox is the former Secretary of the State of California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and was at the forefront of legislation for lower greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars. For more than seven years, Hickox also maintained the role of special assistant to the Governor and deputy secretary for Environmental Affairs under California Governor Jerry Brown. Prior to his political experience, Hickox managed a series of real estate investment initiatives.

Optimal Technologies, which recently announced $25 million in financing from Goldman Sachs International, is continuing to grow as an organization. Building upon momentum brought by the recent investment, along with welcoming Hickox to its Board of Directors, Optimal Technologies has also recently announced a new office location in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina to serve as its U.S. headquarters.

"Optimal understands the need for a sustainable solution to address our nation's growing demand for energy. The company is developing a comprehensive technology platform that will make the power grid more efficient, reliable and responsible," said Hickox. "By joining Optimal, I aim to help guide the company toward its goal of implementing its technology which helps to eliminate blackouts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy operating costs. The changes that Optimal's technology can produce are closely aligned with my work at Cal/EPA and in the investing community."

Optimal's technology platform and suite of products addresses inefficiencies and problems in the power grid, and help utilities, businesses and consumers better understand and manage energy utilization. With 45 patent applications in progress, the product suite includes AEMPFAST, an analytical, planning and operational software platform that provides granular visibility over an entire power network, and SUREFAST, a mass market solution that automates and optimizes energy usage in the commercial and residential buildings, to be launched in 2008.

"As an authority in environmental policy and government, with a strong financial background, there is no doubt that Winston will be an asset to our organization," said Roland Schoettle, CEO of Optimal. "Winston shares a clear vision in making power generation, transmission and distribution more environmentally responsible and efficient. His experience will support the unique initiatives of Optimal Technologies to build products that help people utilize energy to its fullest potential while remaining environmentally conscious."

In conjunction with the recent investment, Michael Linse of Goldman Sachs International was also recently added to Optimal's Board of Directors.

About Optimal Technologies
Optimal Technologies develops solutions to help power utilities, businesses and consumers maximize their energy usage. The company's mission is to enable a more efficient, reliable and environmentally responsible electric power grid. Optimal's unique products and services have the potential to create unprecedented industry, economic, environmental and consumer benefits worldwide. The privately held company is financed by Goldman Sachs International.

Wed Jan 02 09:05:00 CST 2008