Arnhem, 8 March 2007

Michiel Boersma, chairman of Essent NV's Executive Board: "We have devoted considerable attention the past three years to Operational Excellence, safety and sustainable development. This has resulted in an effective and more customer-focused organisation, cost savings and a significant increase in the number of customers for Groene Stroom, our green electricity product. The effect was that in 2006 we established an excellent foundation for Essent's continuity and its further growth in Northwest Europe. The merger announced between Essent and Nuon is the next logical step."

Successful Operational Excellence Programme

The year 2004 saw the birth of the Operational Excellence Programme, with its focus on improving effectiveness and quality. The programme produced improvements in customer satisfaction, effectiveness and safety. Adjusted for non-recurring items, operating expenses rose 3% compared to 2005. However, as a percentage of gross profit, these expenses decreased to 71% in 2006 (2005: 74%). Customer satisfaction continued to improve. Moreover, the scorecards kept by the supervisory authority DTe for Essent (as supplier and network company) show that the company's score for all indicators such as timely processing of relocations and invoices was constantly over 98%.

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