Hampton, NH – March 13, 2000: Unitil Corporation (AMEX: UTL) (www.unitil.com) today announced a strategic partnership with energy analysis software provider Bentek, LLC, (www.rateminer.com) of Lakewood, CO. The first project together will be to incorporate Bentek’s RateMiner gas tariff analysis system into Usource, Unitil’s Internet-based energy marketplace.
Under the agreement, Usource will take advantage of RateMiner, a national database of more than 2,000 rates for 130 local utilities and an integrated software program that quickly and effectively analyzes energy savings. RateMiner is a powerful tool that will assist Usource to set better pricing targets on behalf of its customers, saving customers money on their energy procurement. In addition, RateMiner will allow Usource to better serve its customers through savings calculations, bill auditing and forward budgeting.
"Our partnership with Bentek will allow Usource to raise the bar in the Internet-based energy procurement arena, by extending its service offerings and providing increased value to our customers" said Unitil CEO Bob Schoenberger.
Porter Bennett, CEO of Bentek Energy, LLC, stated "RateMiner is a natural fit for Usource because it enhances the Usource customer focus. We are very excited about working with Usource on their continuous improvement process for the benefit of Usource customers."
Usource, an Internet based energy procurement system serving large commercial and industrial customers, was launched less than one year ago and continues to build its customer base in the Northeast. Usource employs the award winning Enermetrix.com Exchange developed by Enermetrix.com of Maynard, MA (www.enermetrix.com). Unlike many Internet sites that merely compare prices for standard offers by suppliers, Usource utilizes the Exchange as a live marketplace in which suppliers make firm bids against commitments by customers to buy their electricity and gas.
Unitil is a public utility holding company with subsidiaries providing electric service in New Hampshire, electric and gas service in Massachusetts, and energy services throughout the Northeast. The Usource product line is operated by its subsidiary Unitil Resources, Inc., and is available at www.unitil.com. Unitil’s other subsidiaries include Concord Electric Company, Exeter & Hampton Electric Company, Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company, Unitil Power Corp., Unitil Realty Corp. and Unitil Service Corp.
Bentek Energy, LLC, was founded in 1985 to help clients better understand and take advantage of the opportunities created by energy deregulation. The Bentek family of companies includes RateMiner and Bentek Consulting Services, LLC. Bentek Consulting Services provides proprietary and multi-client management and market research consulting services. BCS' multi-client studies focus on the needs of customers in critical market segments. These cost-effective tools give BCS experienced consultants a detailed understanding of customers needs and the competitive position of energy marketers. Using this information, BCS helps clients design products, target markets and achieve success in highly competitive energy markets. RateMiner, a Bentek company based in Lakewood, Colo., offers cost effective and comprehensive solutions to gas and electric tariff needs. RateMiner’s integrated tariff solutions include the availability of tariff rate books, daily-updated, accurate rate models, and advanced analysis software. More information about RateMiner can be found on the Internet at www.rateminer.com.
Additional information about Unitil and the Usource products and services is available at www.unitil.com, or by calling Deborah Overdeput at 603-773-6451.
Contact
Deborah Overdeput
overdeput@usourceonline.com
Corporate Office
Liberty Lane West
Hampton, NH 03842-1720
800/999-6501
