CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Feb. 19, 2009) – Penn West Energy Trust (“Penn West”) (TSX:PWT.UN) (NYSE:PWE) confirms that its February 2009 cash distribution will be CDN$0.23 per trust unit payable on March 13, 2009 to unitholders of record on February 27, 2009. The ex-distribution date is February 25, 2009.

The CDN$0.23 per unit is equivalent to approximately US$0.18 per unit (before deduction of any applicable Canadian withholding tax) using currency exchange of one Canadian dollar equals US$0.80. Registered unitholders with U.S. addresses will receive their distributions directly from Penn West’s transfer agent, and will be paid in U.S. currency using the exchange rate in effect on the record date. Non-registered U.S. unitholders will receive their distributions through their brokers.

Penn West trust units and debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols PWT.UN, PWT.DB.B, PWT.DB.C, PWT.DB.D, PWT.DB.E and PWT.DB.F and Penn West trust units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PWE.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Penn West Energy Trust
William Andrew
CEO
(403) 777-2502
Email: bill.andrew@pennwest.com

OR

Penn West Energy Trust
Jason Fleury
Manager, Investor Relations
(403) 539-6343
Email: jason.fleury@pennwest.com

OR

Penn West Energy Trust
Investor Relations
(403) 777-2500 or Toll Free: 1-888-770-2633
(403) 777-2699 (FAX)
Email: investor_relations@pennwest.com

OR

Penn West Energy Trust
Suite 200, 207 – 9th Avenue S.W.,
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1K3,
Toll Free: 1-866-693-2707
Website: www.pennwest.com