RE-SEARCH, INC. ANNOUNCES ON-LINE UTILITY CREDIT SCREENING

A new service allows utility companies to check an individual applicant against a database of participating utility company records to identify if the applicant is a "high risk" before new service is connected. The service also locates delinquent accounts to be approached for payment.

For more information, contact:

Jess Niederer
Re-Search, Inc.
(208) 461-2439               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RE-SEARCH, INC. ANNOUNCES ON-LINE UTILITY CREDIT SCREENING

Boise, Jul. 18, 2002 -- Re-Search, Inc., a Boise-based company, recently announced the completion of researchcredit.com; an automated, instant utility credit screening service. Public utilities including gas, electric, telephone and water may now access an online database to compare unknown applicants with records from other participating utilities. The mandate to serve all that apply, including customers who may have a history of delinquency with other utilities, has exposed utility companies to increasingly higher risks. Public Utility Commissions generally state that when a utility can demonstrate an evidence of risk, security may be required to lessen their exposure; however, retail credit history does not accurately predict repayment for essential utility services, and cannot be used. The on-line utility credit screening service unveiled by Re-Search, Inc. instantly identifies high-risk applicants and locates old accounts that can be approached for payment. The majority of utility customers pay their bills conscientiously and these customers should not be required to subsidize those who dont," said Jess Niederer, CEO Re-Search, Inc. Utilities share the common goal of maintaining a high level of customer service while controlling operating expenses. It is unfortunate that credit and collection costs represent a significant portion of those expenses; and this is what Re-Search is committed to change."
   Re-Search, Inc., located in Boise, offers nation-wide utility credit screening services. The Idaho company was developed in 1988 specifically for utility companies.

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