City of Waco Chooses Texas Commercial Energy as its Electricity Provider.

Business & Energy Editors

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2003

The City of Waco has selected Texas Commercial Energy (TCE) as its Retail Electric Provider (REP) in a competitive review designed to meet the city's specific budget and management needs. Effective January 2003, the contract is valued at more than $3.5 million annually and represents approximately 50,000,000 kWh in 672 accounts. Included is electricity for all street and traffic lights; all city buildings and facilities such as the convention center, zoo, and airport; parks and athletic fields; and city service facilities such as water pumping, water treatment, wastewater pumping, and the landfill.

Facilities Engineering Administrator Danny Jackson said, "We are convinced that the citizens of Waco are better served by our individualized review process and selection of the REP which most closely meets our needs." Before selecting TCE, Waco purchased electricity as a member of CAPP, the Cities Aggregation Power Project, which aggregated its electricity purchasing and chose a single energy provider in January 2002, which was the first year of deregulation.

"Pricing was an important part of Waco's RFP, but service-based criteria was also highly weighted," explained Jackson, who structured and led the RFP. "To properly keep up with our city's fiscal year, it is important that we have accurate, on-time invoices for everything we purchase."

"While Texas Commercial Energy's bid was very cost effective, the company also demonstrated that it could get the switching done faster than anyone else and that it had the billing technology to bill correctly and timely," Jackson said.

"Waco's RFP also included a unique approach to pricing," Jackson explained. "Our pricing requirements may have challenged some of the REP's, but TCE seized the opportunity to demonstrate that it has the technology and customer service orientation to enable individualized service."

Scott Hart, president of TCE, said, "After such a rigorous review, we are pleased that Waco's management gave TCE its vote of confidence."

"By seeking competitive pricing, progressive business processes and superior customer service, the City of Waco shows an appreciation for the full benefits promised by energy deregulation," Hart added.

About Texas Commercial Energy

Texas Commercial Energy is a leading provider of low cost energy in Texas with more than 1,500 industrial and commercial, multi-site contracts signed through December 2002. Launched in January 2002 as a Retail Electric Provider (REP), Texas Commercial Energy focuses on delivering low-cost, reliable commercial power, making it simple for customers to switch, and guaranteeing timely and accurate billing. To learn more about Texas Commercial Energy, visit its Web site at www.mytce.com.