Energy Income and Growth Fund Declares Quarterly Distribution of $0.44 Per Share

WHEATON, Ill.--(Business Wire)--
Energy Income and Growth Fund (the "Fund") (NYSE Alternext US: FEN) has declared
its regularly scheduled quarterly distribution, payable on January 30, 2009 to
shareholders of record as of January 23, 2009. The ex-dividend date is expected
to be January 21, 2009. The quarterly distribution information for the Fund
appears below:

Energy Income and Growth Fund (FEN):
Distribution per share: $0.44
Distribution Rate based on the January 9, 2009 NAV of $15.50: 11.35 %
Distribution Rate based on the January 9, 2009 closing market price of $16.11: 10.92 %

The final determination of the source and tax status of all distributions paid
in 2009 will be made after the end of 2009.

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that
seeks a high level of after-tax total return with an emphasis on current
distributions paid to shareholders. The Fund focuses on investing in
publicly-traded master limited partnerships ("MLPs") and related public entities
in the energy sector which the Fund`s investment sub-advisor believes offer
opportunities for income and growth.

First Trust Advisors L.P., the Fund`s investment advisor, along with its
affiliate First Trust Portfolios L.P., are privately-held companies which
provide a variety of investment services, including asset management, financial
advisory services, and municipal and corporate investment banking, with
collective assets under management or supervision of over $18 billion as of
December 31, 2008 through closed-end funds, unit investment trusts, mutual
funds, separate managed accounts and exchange-traded funds.

Energy Income Partners, LLC ("EIP") serves as the Fund`s investment sub-advisor
and provides advisory services to a number of investment companies and
partnerships for the purpose of investing in MLPs and other energy
infrastructure securities. EIP is one of the early investment advisors
specializing in this area. As of November 30, 2008, EIP managed or supervised
approximately $340 million in client assets.

Past performance is no assurance of future results. Investment return and
principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate. Shares, when sold,
may be worth more or less than their original cost.

Principal Risk Factors: This closed-end fund invests in a portfolio consisting
primarily of securities issued by MLPs. Investment in the Fund involves risks of
fluctuations in energy prices, decreases in the supply of or demand for energy
commodities, increased government regulation, national disasters and various
other risks. The use of leverage for investment purposes increases both
investment opportunity and investment risk. The risks of investing in the Fund
are spelled out in the prospectus, shareholder report and other regulatory
filings.

The Fund`s daily NYSE Alternext US closing price and daily net asset value per
share as well as other information are available at www.ftportfolios.com or by
calling 1-800-988-5891.

First Trust Advisors L.P.
Press Inquiries:
Jane Doyle, 630-765-8775
Analyst Inquiries:
Jeff Margolin, 630-915-6784
Broker Inquiries:
Jeff Margolin, 630-915-6784

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