PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD ADOPTS POLICY TO CONTINUE CONSERVING ENERGY News Release Contact: Christina Montoya, Vice President-Marketing and Communication 915-594-5596 (office), e-mail: cmontoya@epwu.org Date: January 28, 2009 El Paso — El Paso Water Utilities is proud to announce $2.6 million in savings in 2008, due to new peak pricing rates that were negotiated with El Paso Electric.  In return for the lower rates, EPWU agreed to manage its electricity use so as to minimize power use during times of high energy demand.  EPWU is the largest single customer of the Electric Company, and the first to implement such a contract. Today, the PSB approved an Energy Policy and implementation plan that will accomplish that, without endangering the supply and quality of water for our customers.   The policy calls for several energy saving measures and programs at all EPWU facilities, including employee participation.  Some examples include the purchase of highly efficient electric motors and other technology, and exploring strategies with staff to operate pumps and other equipment more efficiently.  The policy also calls for yearly goals in reducing energy usage in the water and wastewater divisions. If the policy is followed closely, it could result in $170,000 in yearly savings for EPWU.  The policy also addresses gas usage, which could result in an additional $17,000 in yearly savings.  EPWU hopes to improve its energy efficiency by 5% by 2013. “With the negotiation of new electric rates and the implementation of the first phase of energy efficiency improvements, we are already on our way to meet this goal,” said President and CEO Ed Archuleta.  “We feel confident that we can do this with the coordinated effort of all our employees, consultants and suppliers.”