Fiesta Mart Selects AES NewEnergy as Retail Electricity Provider for Texas Electric Choice Program

Business Wire, June 5, 2001

Business Editors

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2001

Fiesta Mart has become the latest major Texas customer to leave electric utility service in the state's Electric Choice Pilot Program by signing a contract with AES NewEnergy, America's leading retail electricity provider.

AES NewEnergy will serve Fiesta Mart stores throughout the Reliant and TXU utility service areas.

"The competitive retail market is off to a great start in Texas," declared Amy Gasca, vice president for AES NewEnergy. "Customers such as Fiesta Mart will be the market's first success stories. We are proud to have Fiesta Mart as a customer and look forward to helping Fiesta make a smooth transition to the competitive market."

Fiesta Mart is a Houston-based, independently owned food retailer that owns and operates more than 40 stores in Texas. The company has been offering quality foods and service in Texas since 1972. Fiesta Mart offers the highest-quality meat, grocery, fresh produce and seafood departments, world class delicatessens, beer and fine wines, as well as a variety of international and specialty foods and products. The company is privately held.

AES NewEnergy is America's leading retail electricity provider, serving commercial and industrial customers in competitive markets throughout the country. The company offers businesses energy-related products and services. AES NewEnergy is a subsidiary of The AES Corp. (NYSE:AES), a leading global power company composed of competitive generation, distribution and retail businesses around the world. More information on AES NewEnergy's products and services can be found at www.newenergy.com