(ZBB) & Project Partners Determine Site for Project in Southern California

MILWAUKEE, WI — (Marketwire) — 03/21/13 — ZBB Energy Corporation (NYSE MKT: ZBB), a leading developer of intelligent, renewable energy power platforms and hybrid vehicle control systems, today offers an update to the project previously announced on September 8, 2010, taking place in conjunction with Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI) and other complementary partners.

This project allows ZBB to demonstrate the integration of an advanced energy storage system at a yet to be publicly disclosed location in Southern California. The project is partially funded from the California Solar Initiative Research, Development, Deployment and Demonstration Program (CSI RD&D), and will provide for storage technologies to be integrated at the selected location. The objective of the project is to demonstrate the combined value of a photovoltaic (PV) energy source and energy storage.

“Based on the proactive leadership of partners for projects such as this, as well as recent announcements regarding long-term procurement goals relating to energy storage and distributed generation incentive programs in California, we are excited about size of the opportunity and near-term realization of the project, which is slated to be commissioned this summer,” said Eric Apfelbach, President and CEO of ZBB Energy.

About ZBB Energy Corporation

ZBB Energy Corporation (NYSE MKT: ZBB) designs, develops, and manufactures advanced energy storage, power electronic systems, and engineered custom and semi-custom products targeted at the growing global need for distributed renewable energy, energy efficiency, power quality, and grid modernization. ZBB and its power electronics subsidiary, Tier Electronics, LLC, have developed a portfolio of integrated power management platforms that combine advanced power and energy controls plus energy storage to optimize renewable energy sources and conventional power inputs whether connected to the grid or not. Tier Electronics participates in the energy efficiency markets through their hybrid vehicle control systems, and power quality markets with their line of regulation solutions. Together, these platforms solve a wide range of electrical system challenges in global markets for utility, governmental, commercial, industrial and residential end customers. Founded in 1986, ZBB’s platforms ensure optimal efficiencies today, while offering the flexibility to adapt and scale to future requirements. ZBB’s corporate offices and production facilities are located in Menomonee Falls, WI, USA with offices also located in Perth, Western Australia. For more information, visit: www.zbbenergy.com.

About Itron, Inc.

Itron is a global technology company. We build solutions that help utilities measure, manage and analyze energy and water. Our broad product portfolio includes electricity, gas, water and thermal energy measurement and control technology; communications systems; software; and professional services. With thousands of employees supporting nearly 8,000 utilities in more than 100 countries, Itron empowers utilities to responsibly and efficiently manage energy and water resources. Join us in creating a more resourceful world; start here: www.itron.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements made in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are intended to be covered by the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seek,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements in this press release may address the following subjects among others: statements regarding the sufficiency of our capital resources, expected operating losses, expected revenues, expected expenses and our expectations concerning our business strategy. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, as a result of various factors including those risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. We urge you to consider those risks and uncertainties in evaluating our forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein (or elsewhere) to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

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ZBB Energy Investor Relations Contact:

Lewis W. Kreps
Three Part Advisors, LLC
www.threepa.com
214-599-7955

or

David Mossberg
Three Part Advisors, LLC
817-310-0051

Itron Investor Relations Contact:

Sharelynn Moore
Vice President, Corporate Communications