Puget Sound Energy Selects Willdan to Implement $7.5 Million Small Business Direct Install Program Territory Wide

Feb 26, 2016 | Press Release

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WLDN) today announced that it has once again been selected by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to implement its Small Business Direct Install (SBDI) energy efficiency program, which serves the most difficult-to-reach customer base in PSE's 6,000-square mile service area. This is the third time Willdan has been selected for this two-year contract, with each renewal seeing an increase in the program budget. For 2016-2017, the program budget is $7.5 million, an increase of 38% over the value of the previous contract.

"Willdan's performance has shown that through personalized service and innovative enrollment programs, Willdan can create a customer experience that is beneficial for both the utility and for the utility customer," commented Tom Brisbin, President/CEO of Willdan Group, Inc. "This—plus our understanding of new and innovative energy efficiency technologies—enables us to assist utility customers in making strategic investment decisions related to their energy use."

One of PSE's largest customer-facing programs, the SBDI contract addresses an extensive region that spans both rural and urban geographies. It's intended to deliver to PSE customers 22.3 million kilowatt-hours of electric energy savings and 560,000 therms of natural gas energy savings, and offers expanded energy efficiency measures. These include HVAC and refrigeration measures for small grocers and convenience stores. Another important aspect of this latest contract is Willdan's commitment to actively engage trade allies to install a significant portion of the program. This approach will help to provide comprehensive service and support to utility customers across a region that is both broad and diverse.

About Willdan
Willdan provides professional consulting and technical services to utilities, public agencies and private industry throughout the United States. The Company's service offerings span a broad set of complementary disciplines that include energy efficiency and sustainability, engineering and planning, financial and economic consulting, and national preparedness. Willdan provides integrated technical solutions to extend the reach and resources of its clients, and provides all services through its subsidiaries specialized in each segment. For additional information, visit Willdan's website at www.willdan.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not purely historical, including statements regarding Willdan's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, representations, projections, estimates, plans or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risk that Willdan will not be able to expand its services or meet the needs of customers in markets in which it operates. It is important to note that Willdan's actual results could differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, a slowdown in the local and regional economies of the states where Willdan conducts business and the loss of or inability to hire additional qualified professionals. Willdan's business could be affected by a number of other factors, including the risk factors listed from time to time in Willdan's SEC reports including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the year ended January 2, 2015. Willdan cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Willdan disclaims any obligation to, and does not undertake to, update or revise any forward looking statements in this press release.

Willdan Group, Inc.
Stacy McLaughlin, 714-940-6300
Chief Financial Officer
smclaughlin@willdan.com
or
Investor/Media Contact
Financial Profiles, Inc.
Moira Conlon: mconlon@finprofiles.com
Tony Rossi: trossi@finprofiles.com
310-478-2700
Source: Willdan Group, Inc.