Illinois Manufacturers' Association EndorsesNewEnergy to Supply Electricity to Members.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 1999--

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association has endorsed NewEnergy Inc. as the preferred supplier of electricity to its members for Illinois' newly competitive electric market. NewEnergy and the IMA have already begun raising awareness of the coming

"The Illinois Manufacturers' Association understands the immediate impact a competitive market can have for their membership," said Dr. Philip R. O'Connor, president of NewEnergy Midwest. "Lowering electricity costs is a way to control overhead costs, particularly for large consumers of electricity in the industrial sector. We are pleased to have been selected to create a savings program for the IMA membership and look forward to helping them transition into a competitive market."

The endorsement of NewEnergy comes as part of the Illinois Manufacturers' Energy Program, which is designed to create a comprehensive energy benefits program with suppliers for electricity, gas, and energy services for IMA members. The IMA will work cooperatively with NewEnergy and other program members to market the companies and their services to IMA members.

"The deregulation of the electric industry makes it possible for us to offer this kind of comprehensive program to our members, and we are extremely pleased to have NewEnergy as a partner moving into this market," said Gregory W. Baise, president and chief executive officer of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "NewEnergy is the most experienced energy service provider in the marketplace today, and I think that will be a tremendous benefit to our members, who will be dramatically changing the way they view and use their electricity.

"We worked with NewEnergy throughout the summer to register interested IMA members for the competitive market, and I encourage those members to finalize their deals as quickly as possible in order to maximize their savings in the competitive market. We also worked with NewEnergy over the summer to successfully lobby the legislature on matters relating to the competitive market."

IMA members will be receiving mailings that will explain the program to those who have been unable to attend any of the workshops hosted to date by NewEnergy. "We're excited about the responses we've received so far," said O'Connor. "Illinois consumers are ready for choice, and their early participation will be an important factor in making this market a success."

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association is the oldest and largest business organization of its kind in the nation, and is the leading voice for business in Illinois. Formed in 1893, the IMA has more than 3,000 member companies representing all facets of manufacturing in the state.

NewEnergy (formerly New Energy Ventures) is an AES company. AES Corp. (NYSE:AES) is a leading global power company that currently owns or has an interest in 105 power facilities totaling more than 31,000 megawatts in the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Hungary, Kazakhstan, China and the United Kingdom.

AES also distributes electricity to nearly 14 million customers. In addition to having assets in excess of $10 billion, the company has more than $5 billion of projects in construction or late stages of development. AES is dedicated to providing electricity worldwide in a socially responsible way.

NewEnergy is America's largest energy service provider. Formed in 1995 to serve customers in every state where a competitive energy market is emerging, this rapidly growing technology-based energy company is active today throughout the United States. With headquarters in Los Angeles, it has regional offices in Austin, Texas Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Tucson, Ariz. and the San Francisco Bay area.

NewEnergy strives to help its customers increase their profitability through integrated, high-value energy solutions. Its services include energy buying for its customers, energy efficiency services, site generation, and low-cost supply of energy-related equipment and supplies. More information on NewEnergy and its products and services is available at www.newenergy.com.