Energy Solutions Must Be Implemented Now to Avoid Bigger Energy Shock Poised to Hit the San Diego Region Repeatedly in Coming Years.

Energy Editors

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2003

"Companies need to implement energy management and distributed generation strategies now to avoid future energy shocks," indicated Albert Thumann, Executive Director of the Association of Energy Engineers. The recently released comprehensive San Diego Regional Energy Office (SDREO) Infrastructure Study indicated alarming results:

-- California and San Diego remain a "very serious" supply and

infrastructure situation.

-- San Diego must secure new energy sources by 2005 in order to

avoid higher electric prices and reliability problems.

-- San Diego will need to rely on more energy efficiency, smaller

scale generation, and renewable energy technologies.

The 21st West Coast Energy Management Congress which will be held September 17 - 18, 2003 at the San Diego Concourse in San Diego, CA brings together some of the industry's top experts to discuss solutions for today's energy, facilities, and power management issues.

The SDREO study is a wake-up call for San Diego and the western region. The energy earthquake of 2000-2001 is simply a precursor of a bigger shock poised to hit the area, according to the study. The West Coast Energy Management Congress is the one place to get the facts on how to reduce the impact of energy price and supply disruptions. Keynote speaker David A. Rohy, Chairman of the Board of the San Diego Regional Energy Office, will detail the results and the recommendations of the San Diego Regional Energy Infrastructure Study. The outlook for the California energy market will be addressed by Michelle Mueller, Director of Commercial and Industrial Services at Sempra Utilities. In addition, John Geesman, Commissioner, California Energy Commission, will report on the results of competitive energy in California and where it is headed in the future.

According to Brian Douglas, Director of Events for AEE, "The West Coast Energy Management Congress could not be held at a better time. With California dealing with the impact of high energy costs contracts and serious economic impacts, this event will demonstrate advanced technologies and services available today to help commercial, institutional and industrial customers dramatically reduce their energy expenses and see an accelerated return on their investment. Furthermore, the exhibitors in the event will be on hand to discuss application needs, strategies, and practical cost-effective methods for reducing costs and improving a customer's profitability. With each new or retrofit project, we help to create jobs, bolster the economy, lessen our dependence on foreign oil, and enhance our environment. The event truly has a positive impact on our lives."

Complete show information, exhibitor profiles, conference agenda can be found at: www.energyevent.com