Alliant Energy: Offers Local Artist’s Print to Benefit Hometown Care Energy Fund

Contact:
Karmen Wilhelm (319) 786-7788

Proceeds will provide heating assistance for low income families

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Dec. 7, 2004 – “Winter in the Heartland,” the second painting in Alliant Energy’s series by Iowa artist Kermit Solheim, is now available for sale as a standard or limited edition print and a holiday card. Proceeds from the project will assist low-income customers with heating costs through the company’s Hometown Care Energy Fund.

“Winter in the Heartland” depicts the beauty of winter and Alliant Energy’s dedication to the communities it serves. “With the holidays just around the corner, Alliant Energy’s limited-edition prints are ideal for wildlife, nature or farm art collections,” said Andy Burch, Alliant Energy customer assistance program manager.

The Hometown Care series began in 2003 with the print entitled “Hometown Harvest.” “Last year, the print sale generated $8,525 to help low income families in our service territory with their energy bills,” added Burch.

With funds from the limited edition print sale, and additional donations to the Hometown Care Energy Fund, Alliant Energy was able to help more than 1,800 families with heating costs in 2003 with an average grant of nearly $145. “We hope to help even more individuals and families this year with a gift that keeps on giving,” added Burch.

Through the Hometown Care Energy Fund, Alliant Energy offers free, confidential financial help for the elderly, disabled and families in need of assistance. Funds collected for the Hometown Care Energy Fund are paid to community-based non-profit organizations for distribution to customers in need.

Items range in price from $15 to $150. To learn more about Alliant Energy’s Hometown Care Energy Fund, or to purchase this year’s print and find out more about the artist, visit www.alliantenergy.com/hometowncare or call 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4268).

Alliant Energy is an energy-services provider that serves more than three million customers worldwide. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electricity and natural gas service remains the company’s primary focus. Other key business platforms include the international energy market and non-regulated domestic generation. Alliant Energy is a Fortune 1000 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.alliantenergy.com