Usource Announces Agreement with NH Association of Counties

HAMPTON, N.H., Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Unitil Corporation (NYSE: UTL) (www.unitil.com), today announced its non-regulated business affiliate Usource, LLC (Usource) has entered into the first state-wide electric and natural gas buying group to include all 10 New Hampshire counties.

The joint buying group, created effective January 11, was made possible through a newly forged venture between Usource and the New Hampshire Association of Counties. As part of the agreement, Usource will leverage its state-of-the art transaction and market monitoring platforms, market experience and access to a wide variety of electric and natural gas suppliers to attract the most competitive electric and gas rates possible for county facilities.

"Energy savings of as much as 9 percent and possibly more are estimated for all counties as part of the agreement," Usource Business Development Director Bill Kibler said. "The competitive electric and natural gas markets continue to see prices at five-year lows. In a time when all budgets are under the microscope you need to work with the 'Best in Class,' and that is Usource."

Usource is the second largest broker of electricity and natural gas in the country, operates in 18 states and manages over $500 million in energy contracts annually.

The New Hampshire Association of Counties represents the interests of county government in New Hampshire. Association activities include providing and coordinating training programs, supporting intergovernmental relationships with state and municipal officials and to act as a clearinghouse for information and best practices for efficient operation of county government in New Hampshire. The association also serves as an advocate on behalf of county government and its taxpayers before the New Hampshire Legislature, Executive Council and Governor's office.

About Unitil Corporation

Unitil Corporation provides for the necessities of life, safely and reliably delivering natural gas and electricity throughout New England. We are committed to the communities we serve and to developing people, business practices, and technologies that lead to dependable, more efficient energy. Unitil Corporation is a public utility holding company with affiliates that include Unitil Energy Systems, Inc., Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company, Northern Utilities, Inc., and Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. Together, Unitil's operating utilities serve approximately 100,900 electric customers and 70,800, natural gas customers. Other subsidiaries include Unitil Service Corp. and Usource, Unitil's non-regulated business segment.  For more information about our people, technologies, and community involvement please visit www.unitil.com.

SOURCE Unitil Corporation