Newark, NJ - September 18, 2006 (News Release)

Business and market leaders from throughout the state gathered today to learn about the latest trends in renewable energy financing, energy efficient technologies, and market transformation at the Clean Energy Conference. The event, hosted by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and its Clean Energy Program, featured a variety of speakers and market leaders who are investing in clean energy technologies.

"This conference and these leadership awards are more relevant than ever," said NJBPU President Jeanne M. Fox. "As the rest of the nation struggles to determine the best ways to leverage renewable energy sources to address climate change and our fossil fuel dependence, New Jersey has emerged as one of the leading clean energy markets in the nation. This conference brings together those state and business leaders who have helped make New Jersey a clean energy pioneer."

Using the theme "Clean Energy is Smart Business," the conference included discussions by leading energy experts, breakout sessions featuring practical applications of clean energy to business, and how to take advantage of financial incentives available to New Jersey businesses. Specific panel discussions were focused on Clean Energy Project Financing, Federal Tax Credits, Renewable Energy Certificate Markets, and "Green" Building Design. They also discussed different ways in which to reduce overall energy costs and improve the environment.

The second annual New Jersey Clean Energy Leadership Awards recognized those businesses and communities that have made the choice to take advantage of renewable energy and energy efficient programs. The 2006 Clean Energy Leadership Award winners include the following:

NJ Clean Energy Business Leader of the Year: New Jersey American Water (Cherry Hill, NJ)

Award Criteria: New Jersey business that demonstrates leadership by setting a higher standard for its industry through its clean energy goals and implementing clean energy projects that benefit business and are good for New Jersey.

New Jersey American Water, the Garden State's largest water utility, serving more than two million residents, is recognized in 2006 for its leadership in undertaking more than $5,000,000 in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects over the last 18 months. The annual savings from these measures equal 5,471,406 kWh; 1.02 million dollars and 3,268 tons of carbon reduction benefits - clean energy really is smart business.

NJ Clean Energy Market Innovator Leader of the Year: PowerLight (Lawrenceville, NJ)

Award Criteria: A clean energy business or organization that shows innovation in advancing New Jersey's clean energy market either through the introduction of new products or services, use of a dynamic business model, or by reaching new customers.

PowerLight has helped advance New Jersey's solar market as a leading provider of solar photovoltaic systems in the public and private sector. PowerLight is recognized for the introduction of its PowerTracker¨ technology which enables solar panels to automatically follow the path of the sun throughout the day to maximize the panels' energy generation. PowerTracker's design helps improve the return on investment for PowerLight's customers. The use of the PowerTracker system across three deployments in New Jersey totaling 994 kW will save 1,324,000 kWh year, and avoid 980,000 lbs of CO2 emissions.

NJ Clean Energy Manufacture Leader of the Year: BASF (Florham Park, NJ)

Award Criteria: A clean energy manufacturer based in New Jersey that has helped grow the market for clean energy technologies, stimulated economic development, and demonstrates that clean energy manufacturing in New Jersey is a winning strategy.

BASF, a global supplier in the housing and construction industry, is recognized for their Near Zero Energy Home in Paterson, NJ, which features a line of energy conservation products for home builders in the Green Buildings sector. This project served as a national pilot for the U.S. Green Building Council in expanding the market for high efficiency residential homes and as a template for affordable housing development for the City of Paterson, NJ.

NJ Clean Energy School Leader of the Year: Monmouth University (West Long Branch, NJ)

Award Criteria: A public or private educational institution that demonstrates that energy efficiency and/or renewable energy is just plain smart when it comes to saving energy, lowering costs, and protecting the environment.

Monmouth University, a small liberal arts college in West Long Branch, NJ, is recognized for its commitment and energy leadership encompassing renewables and conservation. The recent installation of a 454 kW solar PV system is noted as being the largest installation at an institution of higher education east of the Mississippi River - saving the University an estimated 468,569 kWh a year or $150,000 in electricity costs. In addition, the University has undertaken extensive building upgrades and renovations that will save 1,302,386 kWh annually and about $150,000, which contribute to the University's environmental stewardship and the reduction of greenhouse gases.

NJ Clean Energy Municipality Leader of the Year: Highland Park (Highland Park, NJ)

Award Criteria: A New Jersey city/town that demonstrates that energy efficiency and/or renewable energy is just plain smart when it comes to saving energy, lowering costs, and protecting the environment.

Highland Park, NJ, one of the State's first 'green communities,' is recognized for its record of accomplishment in using clean energy technologies. The Highland Park Green Community and municipal complex includes a PV installation on Borough Hall as well as energy efficiency retrofits to Police and Fire Department, Senior/Recreation Center, and the Library, and tree plantings throughout the community. It is estimated that their green savers program has saved approximately $14,000 a year with the PV system saving approximately 25 percent.

NJ Clean Power Purchaser of the Year: Sandy Alexander (Clifton, NJ)

Award Criteria: This award is presented to a company or organization that demonstrates leadership and helps advance the market through the procurement of renewable energy either through the New Jersey CleanPower Choice ProgramSM or through a competitive supplier and the purchase of renewable energy certificates.

Sandy Alexander, a New Jersey-based printer for Fortune 500 companies, was one of the first businesses to step up and commit to purchasing Jersey Atlantic Wind certificates from New Jersey's first coastal Wind Farm in Atlantic City. Sandy Alexander committed to purchasing 9,000 MWh per year of wind energy including a minimum of 1,000 MWh per year of Jersey Atlantic Wind for seven years. The purchase of New Jersey Atlantic Wind alone helps offset 1,196,330 pounds of CO2 a year. This commitment involved a notable degree of courage and business leadership, given the size of the purchase and the length of their agreement.

NJ Clean Energy YOUR POWER TO SAVE Project of the Year: ACUA (Atlantic City, NJ)

Award Criteria: A New Jersey-based project that demonstrates Your Power to Save by showing New Jersey communities, businesses, and residences that energy efficiency and/or renewable energy is just plain smart when it comes to saving energy, lowering costs, and protecting the environment.

Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) was the unanimous first choice as New Jersey's Clean Energy Project of the Year because of the size and scope of its renewable energy projects which include a wind farm, solar photovoltaic installation, and a landfill gas to electricity generator. ACUA gained national significance as the site of the first coastal wind farm in the US which includes 5 GE wind turbines with a total capacity of 7.5 MW of clean, renewable energy. The wind farm alone provides an estimated 30-60 percent of the wastewater treatment facility's demand and saved an estimated $167,000 in electricity costs from January - June 2006.

New Jersey's Clean Energy Conference and Leadership Awards brought together more than 500 leading businesses and energy professionals to learn, network, and discuss issues shaping the Mid-Atlantic energy market in general and the New Jersey energy market in particular. Event sponsors included more than a dozen clean energy market leaders, including General Electric, BP Solar, Dome-Tech Solar, Pfister, Fronius, Honeywell, New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, Community Energy, U.S. Green Building Council, FuelCell Energy, New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Public Service Electric & Gas, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, New Jersey Commerce, Economic Growth & Tourism Commission, EnergyBiz, and Energy Central.

To learn how your business or community can save energy and for more information on New Jersey's Clean Energy ProgramTM and the conference, visit www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate, and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by the NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and cable television. The Board has general oversight responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about the NJBPU, visit our web site at www.bpu.state.nj.us.

About the New Jersey Clean Energy Program

New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, established on January 22, 2003 in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses, and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills, and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its web site is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.