For Release: 03/29/2006

Michigan Gas Utilities is Back!

Natural gas customers of Aquila will continue to contact that company during a transition period of several months.

Monroe, MI – With the purchase of Aquila’s Michigan natural gas distribution assets, WPS Resources Corporation (NYSE: WPS) has also renamed the company. WPS officials weren’t sure what to call the new company upon closing April 1, 2006. The Michigan utility employees had an idea, though – to revert to its former name, Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU).

“We heard from employees loud and clear,” said new MGU President Gary Erickson. “They were proud of the old name and WPS Resources is pleased to be able to bring it back. It feels right.” Erickson is the former president of Upper Peninsula Power Company, also a subsidiary of WPS Resources.

“We’re excited to join the WPS Resources family,” said Chuck Hauska, MGU Vice President - Operations. “WPS has ingrained a solid customer focus at all of its locations. Like us, they focus on respect for customers, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders. And we’re pleased to return to our roots a bit by once again taking the name of Michigan Gas Utilities.”

While WPS Resources Corporation has closed its transaction purchasing the Michigan natural gas assets of Aquila Corporation, customers of the utility will continue dealing with Aquila, especially for customer service issues, through a transition period of several months. During the transition, which will be transparent to customers, MGU will gradually assume responsibility for all activities formerly processed by Aquila.

Customers are being notified of the closing and transition through advertisements and a billing insert.

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Editor’s Note: MGU employees celebrated becoming a WPS Resources company by attending a welcoming reception, affixing new MGU decals to company vehicles, and attending a sign-changing ceremony at their locations. Photos are attached for possible publication.

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