Agreement Between Level Propane and Eight States Enhances Propane Service for Citizens; Cold Winter Draws Company and Attorney Generals Into Voluntary Settlement.

Business Editors

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 20, 2001

Level Propane Gases, Inc., the nation's largest independent distributors of propane to residential customers, announced today an agreement reconciling consumer complaints reached by a joint effort with the attorneys general of eight states.

These disputes arose because of strained relations with Level customers following an energy crisis in one of the coldest winters in recent history.

The agreement, known as an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, sets forth improvements in business practices that Level Propane instituted to improve customer relations. The company will also contribute $700,000 among Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Missouri, New Mexico, Tennessee and Wisconsin for educational purposes.

The AVC acknowledges that Level Propane does not admit to any wrongdoing and it further states that Level Propane maintains that it did not violate any state consumer protection laws.

"Level Propane entered into the agreement because we want to hold ourselves to a higher standard," said William H. Maloof, CEO of Level Propane. "We are always seeking to improve our operations for the benefit of our customers."

Customers can now expect upgrades and an enhanced level of service. Level has made improvements in its dispatch area and call center as well. By providing written confirmation of customer requests and simplification of its contract terms, Level has developed new methods to help its customers.

Level Propane throughout the past year has made numerous improvements to its service equipment, policies and procedures all of which have assisted in an improved service capacity. These improvements include more delivery trucks, more delivery personnel, more customer services personnel, and additional phone lines. The improvements are expected to result in prompt deliveries, decrease customer wait times and the elimination of busy signals in the future.

The Company currently employs an advanced communication system that uses satellites to route all customer inquiries through its call center in Cleveland. The call center is in direct communication with all of its service and delivery trucks in the U.S.

Level Propane is pleased to have worked with the attorneys general of the eight states to conclude an agreement that will insure their customers a higher level of service. Customers can have confidence in Level Propane for future service as a result of its joint agreement with the respective attorneys general.