Vigo County School Board Partners With Energy Systems Group to Improve Schools


TERRE HAUTE, IN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- January 8, 2007 -- Eight Vigo County School Corporation facilities will undergo a number of energy efficiency upgrades in the coming months thanks to a signed agreement between the Vigo County School Board and Energy Systems Group (ESG). The $10.2 million energy-savings performance contract (ESPC), designed to pay for itself through energy and operational budget savings, will develop, finance, and construct facility and related infrastructure improvements as well as implement a Strategic Master Energy Plan™ (SEMP) at the Terre Haute, Ind., schools.

Through the ESPC, ESG's approach will allow the school officials to install building renovations without increasing capital budgets or raising taxes on the community. Coupled with ESG's SEMP process, which provides comprehensive energy and facility planning and policy implementation to promote energy awareness and conservation, Vigo County Schools will address the complete spectrum of energy concerns from finances, consumption, education and planning.

"ESG's financial and facility modernization approach enables us to improve our learning environments for our kids without the need to find additional funding sources or raise taxes," said Danny Tanoos, Superintendent of Vigo County Schools. "The efficiency gains also allow us to better meet future energy cost changes and ensure our ability to focus our budget dollars on our primary mission of education."

"By leveraging ESG's skills in project development and delivery to implement long-term cost reductions and facility improvements, Vigo County School Corporation will be turning energy into assets," said ESG President Jim Adams. "We are delighted that the Vigo County School Board has once again placed their trust in our capabilities to deliver results that create a win-win situation for the schools and the community."

ESG will start project installation immediately and expects completion prior to the fall 2007 semester. The improvement project spans Dixie Bee Elementary, West Vigo Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Middle, McLean High, Hoosier Prairie Elementary, Ouabache Elementary, Deming Elementary, and DeVaney Elementary Schools and includes:

--  construction management services for a new gymnasium and classrooms;
--  new central heating and cooling plants;
--  comprehensive lighting replacements;
--  control system modernization;
--  automated utility meter reading
--  HVAC distribution system improvements; and
--  interior renovation services.
    
This project reflects a continued effort of the administration to implement a SEMP™ to provide modern and comfortable learning and working environments for the children, staff and community of Vigo County.

"This is ESG's third project with Vigo County Schools, and we're excited to be able to serve the community through this efficiency and facility improvement program," noted Doug Tischbein, ESG's Indianapolis Regional Director. "Our ability to combine financing, energy performance contracting and Strategic Energy Master Planning™ is a powerful means to upgrade facilities, preserve precious budgets, and maintain a focus on the effective use of energy in the school system."

Through this agreement, ESG will also provide ongoing support services to ensure that the school system's savings are being achieved. Furthermore, through the SEMP process, ESG will continue to offer additional alternatives and ideas to improve future efficiencies and further reduce costs and improve operations at school facilities.

Energy Systems Group is an award-winning energy solutions and performance contracting company improving energy efficiency and delighting clients through offices in Indianapolis, Evansville, Baltimore, St. Louis, Chicago, Atlanta, Clearwater, Raleigh, Nashville, Louisville and Richmond. To learn more about Energy Systems Group, visit us at www.energysystemsgroup.com. ESG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vectren Corporation.

Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than one million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectren's nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the Midwest and Southeast. These include gas marketing and related services; coal production and sales; and energy infrastructure services. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.

Contact Information: For further information contact: Ted Photakis Energy Systems Group 812-471-5000