MANITOWOC, Wis., Apr 15, 2008 (PrimeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) announced that the SYSCO Corporation, North America's leading foodservice marketer and distributor, completed installation of Orion's energy-saving Compact Modular lighting platform at its Riviera Beach, Florida facility. This project marks the 59th SYSCO facility deploying Orion's lighting technology.

With this most recent project, SYSCO is now projected to save up to 34 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. This translates to approximately $2.85 million annually in reduced energy costs tied to lighting and over $350,000 in reduced cooling costs.

Environmentally, the power reduction stands to reduce SYSCO's corporate carbon footprint by over 33,000 tons per year, sulfur dioxide emissions by some 146 tons per year and nitrogen oxide emissions up to 70 tons per year, according to Environmental Protection Agency conversion formulas. According to the same formulas, the power reduction is the air-scrubbing equivalent of a 6,343-acre forest or removing 5,583 cars from the road and the conservation equivalent of saving 475,622 gallons of gasoline annually.

At SYSCO's Riviera Beach facility, the Orion platform will reduce the amount of electric power the refrigerated distribution center uses for lighting by an estimated 71%. It will also provide significant reductions in cooling costs as the high-intensity fluorescent lighting used in Orion's Compact Modular platform operates 1000 degrees F cooler than the high-intensity discharge lighting being replaced.

"Not only are we positioned to save significant money but we also benefit from improved light," commented Jim Simmons, operations vice-president of SYSCO's Riviera Beach facility. "Our employees are delighted with the new lighting and appreciate their improved environment."

Although the Riviera Beach facility added some 55,000 square feet of refrigerated space in the past year, energy expenditures are lower than before the addition. "Our electric bill is down 15% compared to last year at this time despite the extra refrigerated space," Simmons added. He credited Orion's Phase II controls -- which turn lighting on and off as needed based on motion -- for part of the savings.

"In today's increasingly competitive business climate we are proud to see our customers achieve sizable cost savings," said Neal Verfuerth, President and CEO of Orion. "These savings allow our customers to compete more effectively and, in many cases, the savings free-up cash for other important business investments."

The SYSCO Corporation named Orion "Vendor of the Year -- Facilities" late in 2007 in recognition of the significant cost savings and environmental benefits achieved. SYSCO Corporation is one of 90 Fortune 500 companies that utilize Orion technology to save money and lessen their carbon footprint.

About Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) is a leading power technology enterprise that designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting primarily of high-performance, energy efficient lighting systems and controls and related services, for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 3,300 facilities across North America. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced over 303 megawatts, enough electricity to power more than 250,000 homes per year, saving customers $304 million, and reducing indirect CO2 emissions by 3.8 million tons. For more information, visit www.oriones.com.

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SOURCE: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
          Media Contact:
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          ljd@oes1.com

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