MANITOWOC, Wis., Oct 29, 2008 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) today announced that Orion Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq:OESX) won its 2009 Inspiring Efficiency Impact Award. The award is presented for significant contribution to market transformation either through the implementation of a specific program or through a policy change that has reduced energy consumption and/or increased market penetration of energy-efficient products.

This is MEEA's 5th annual competition recognizing leaders who deliver groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency across five categories: Education, Impact, Marketing, Innovation and Leadership.

"Many years ago, Orion realized that the path to a more energy efficient America was through advocating sound energy policy, enlightened energy efficiency legislation and real life energy saving solutions to the U.S. business community," stated Neal Verfuerth, president and CEO of Orion Energy Systems. "This is why we have worked closely with state, regional and national energy efficiency groups like Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and the Alliance to Save Energy. This award belongs to all of us who have labored on behalf of the significant contributions of energy efficiency to the economy and the environment."

Orion Energy Systems designs, manufactures and implements energy management systems, consisting of high-performance, energy-efficient lighting, controls, and direct renewable solar technology for commercial and industrial customers. Orion's patented high-intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting platform uses 50 percent less energy than traditional HID technologies. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced 357 megawatts, enough electricity to power more than 298,000 homes, saved companies more than $400 million in energy costs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 million tons.

Orion and the other winners will be honored at a special Inspiring Efficiency Awards Dinner and Gala on January 8, 2009, as part of MEEA's highly-regarded Midwest Energy Solutions Conference (www.meeaconference.org) taking place January 7-9, 2009, at InterContinental Chicago, the first ENERGY STAR certified hotel in Chicago. A sixth award, the Inspiring Efficiency Chairman's Award, will be announced at the Gala to honor an organization or individual that has provided exemplary leadership and support to MEEA throughout the organization's history.

For more information about Orion and its Inspiring Efficiency IMPACT Award, contact Linda Diedrich at (920) 482-1988 or ljd@oes1.com.

About MEEA -- The Source on Energy Efficiency

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (www.mwalliance.org) is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.

MEEA promotes the market transformation of energy efficiency technologies, processes and best practices within a 12-state area, through policy advocacy, program design and facilitation and piloting of energy technologies. MEEA bridges the gap between policy adoption and program implementation.

Energy efficiency is the critical first step in meeting our nation's myriad energy challenges because of low entry costs, proven and emerging technologies, ease of implementation, fast return on investment and measurable results. Through our diverse network of members and regional allies, MEEA possesses the practical experience and informed vision to effect positive change today and by supporting the region's stakeholders to achieve their efficiency goals for the future.

For more information about MEEA and the Inspiring Efficiency Awards, contact Stacey Paradis at 312-587-8390, x12 or sparadis@mwalliance.org.

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, controls and related services for commercial and industrial customers without compromising their quantity or quality of light. For more information, visit www.oriones.com.

The Orion Energy Systems, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4540

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.

Orion Energy Systems Inc.
          Media Contact
          Linda Diedrich, Director Corporate Communications
          (920) 482-1988
          ljd@oes1.com

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