CHICAGO, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- S&C Electric Company, a leading Smart Grid player shaping the future of reliable electrical delivery, is investing in the future with a striking new addition to Chicago's high-tech scene - the company's Advanced Technology Center (ATC).

The ATC features a high-power testing laboratory that will enable S&C to test its Smart Grid products at home rather than at labs outside the U.S., as it was limited to in the past, thus accelerating the development and delivery of solutions critical to integrating renewable energy resources to the grid - particularly at the distribution level. Such innovations include the highly sophisticated automatic service restoration, energy storage and power quality equipment needed for the Smart Grid.

In addition to accelerating innovation, this advanced testing facility also provides a location for independent quality and performance verification testing, which customers often require before deploying equipment on their systems. The ATC will also house S&C's research and development offices, plus expanded polymer molding operations.

"The ATC is a testament to our strong commitment to ongoing research and development to transform the delivery infrastructure that will power the intelligent grid, "said John Estey, president and CEO of S&C. "In just the first week of operation, S&C has already used the facility to qualify a new rating for Custom Metal-Enclosed Switchgear. This higher capability will provide an enhanced level of safety for operating personnel in the field."

Additionally, the newly completed lab has already proven beneficial as part of S&C's research and development process in demonstrating how existing solutions can be enhanced. Fault interruption testing performed on S&C's unique Fault Filter® Electronic Power Fuse, for example, demonstrated the fuse's remarkable current-limiting capability, and will permit select models to be assigned an increased interrupting rating - from 40,000 to 63,000 amperes symmetrical.

The 43,000-square-foot ATC is one of the most environmentally-friendly facilities of its kind in the world, and the first industrial building in Chicago to be Gold Certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). It features a "green" roof garden and fully complies with the City of Chicago's Green Building Policy. Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley attended the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2008, along with a host of civic leaders representing city, state, and federal governments, as well as the city's Rogers Park community.

About S&C Electric Company

S&C, headquartered in Chicago, IL, is applying its heritage of innovation to address challenges facing the world's power grids and thus shaping the future of reliable electricity delivery. The mission of employee-owned S&C is to continually develop new solutions for electricity delivery, fostering the improved efficiency and reliability required for the intelligent grid. Additional information about S&C is available at www.sandc.com.

SOURCE S&C Electric Company