PRESS RELEASE

March 17, 2003 - Competitive Energy Services Announces Signing of Letter of Intent by State of Maine to Purchase Maine Renewable Energy

Competitive Energy Services, LLC ("CES"), of Portland, Maine, announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle with the State of Maine to sell Maine Renewable Energy to the State's small and residential accounts. This agreement was formalized today at a press conference hosted by the Maine Green Power Connection, at which Governor John E. Baldacci signed a Letter of Intent ( attached) to purchase electricity through Maine Renewable Energy.

Richard Silkman, Managing Partner of Competitive Energy Services, said, "We are delighted to be able to assist the State of Maine in meeting Governor Baldacci' s commitment to increase the percentage of electricity purchased by the State that derives from renewable generation sources."

Under the Letter of Intent, Maine will purchase electricity for approximately 800 small accounts, using about 8 million kWhs each year. The additional cost associated with the purchase of Maine Renewable Energy will be offset through energy conservation measures undertaken across state facilities.

"Competitive Energy Services has pledged to ensure that the State is held financially neutral by identifying and implementing energy conservation measures that will save the State at least as much as the additional cost the State will incur from its purchase of Maine Renewable Energy," said Silkman. " By explicitly linking energy conservation with the purchase of renewable electricity, the State is able to ensure that it does not worsen and already difficult budget situation, while at the same time, further improving Maine's air quality."

The energy conservation measures will be funded in large part through monies collected by the Maine Public Utilities Commission to support energy conservation efforts in Maine.



Competitive Energy Services, LLC d/b/a Maine Renewable Energy is licensed by the Maine Public Utilities Commission to supply electricity in Maine. Interested households and small businesses can sign up to purchase Maine Renewable Energy on-line at www.energymaine.com or can call Competitive Energy Services in Portland at (207) 772-6190.

Contact: Richard Silkman rsilkman@energymaine.com

Competitive Energy Services
148 Middle Street
Portland, Maine 04101
Phone:(207) 772-6190
Fax:(207) 722-6320