Austin Energy maintains the top performing renewable energy program in the United States, and is home to a comprehensive residential and commercial energy efficiency program.

Washington, DC—January 21, 2005—The Electric Drive Transportation (EDTA) announces the addition of Austin Energy to its Board of Directors. Austin Energy is the nation's 10th largest community-owned electric utility, serving 360,000 customers and a population of more than 800,000. Austin Energy maintains the top performing renewable energy program in the United States, and is home to a comprehensive residential and commercial energy efficiency program.

Austin Energy joins a diverse EDTA membership that includes several other utilities, including the New York Power Authority, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and Long Island Power Authority, as well as major automotive and other manufacturers, government agencies, universities and technology developers.

"There is a great opportunity for the increased use of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the transportation sector," says Roger Duncan, Deputy General Manager of Austin Energy. "The city of Austin is committed to providing its citizens with clean transportation alternatives, and EDTA gives us the opportunity to work with key decision makers to maximize our efforts."

EDTA President Brian P. Wynne says, "Electricity and transportation are converging rapidly to produce the benefits of reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency. We welcome Austin Energy as a new member and we are particularly pleased to have the leadership of Roger Duncan on the EDTA Board of Directors.

EDTA is the preeminent U.S. industry association dedicated to the promotion of electric drive as the best means to achieve the highly efficient and clean use of secure energy in the transportation sector. As a unified voice for the electric drive industry, EDTA's membership includes a diverse representation of vehicle and equipment manufacturers, energy providers, component suppliers and end users. EDTA supports the sustainable commercialization of all electric drive transportation technologies by providing in-depth information, education, industry networking, public policy advocacy and international conferences and exhibitions. For more information on EDTA, visit www.electricdrive.org.