MidAmerican Energy Implements DTN MxVision WeatherSentry And Lightning Manager for Advanced Predictive Weather Technology

Customized weather information helps wind energy company better track severe weather and potential lightning strikes to improve employee safety and energy service

MINNEAPOLIS (September 17, 2008) — DTN/Meteorlogix, the leading business information services company focused on agricultural, energy and weather business markets, today announced MidAmerican Energy Company, the largest utility in Iowa serving several customers in Iowa, Illinois, South Dakota and Nebraska, has implemented DTN MxVision WeatherSentry® Wind Energy Edition and Lightning Manager®.

MxVision WeatherSentry Wind Energy Edition helps wind power professionals monitor and track potentially harmful weather conditions that might endanger the safety of employees or disrupt service to customers. As one of the most advanced weather services available, wind energy professionals are able to monitor weather patterns for multiple operation locations and receive instant alerts via e-mail or cell phone, immediately notifying them of approaching hazardous weather conditions. Alerts can be customized to inform varying individuals at different locations of specific weather information that is most important to their business operation needs.

"Ensuring employee safety and reliable energy operations are our greatest priorities," said Tom Budler, general manager, wind development for MidAmerican. "MxVision WeatherSentry provides accurate, real-time information for specific weather conditions most important to our energy operations, which is invaluable."

In addition, MidAmerican managers have access to DTN/Meteorlogix expert meteorologists available in an online forum to provide not only regional but industry-tailored weather information.  Any specific questions posed by industry professionals can be answered quickly and accurately.

MidAmerican also has access to DTN/Meteorlogix Lightning Manager providing employees with real-time lightning information including the location of strikes as they approach. The advanced lighting tracking system allows the company to create custom advisory and warning zones, notifying managers if lighting strikes within a 60-mile radius of a designated area. It also archives 24-hour strike data for document, analysis and reporting. Alerts and notifications can be sent to cell phones or other mobile devices ensuring safety for employees out working on turbines.

"The weather information needs of wind energy businesses primarily hinge on lightning, wind and ice conditions," said Robert Gordon, chief executive officer, DTN/Meteorlogix. "By using MxVision WeatherSentry Wind Energy Edition and Lightning Manager, MidAmerican Energy employees can use their PC or cell phone to monitor approaching weather conditions to accurately pinpoint potential damage and restore operations."

In 2008, a 12-month, third-party study by ForecastWatch.com found DTN/Meteorlogix precipitation forecasts outperformed all others in the industry – and they had 40 percent greater accuracy than those of the National Weather Service.

About MidAmerican Energy
MidAmerican Energy Company, Iowa's largest energy company, provides electric service to 720,000 customers and natural gas service to 702,000 customers in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota. It is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Information about MidAmerican is available on the Internet at www.midamericanenergy.com.
 
  About DTN
DTN, a private company based in Omaha, Neb., is the leading business information services company focused on agricultural, energy and weather business markets. The company delivers business critical information to more than 700,000 subscribers across its vertical markets. For more information about DTN visit www.telventdtn.com or call 952.851.7216.