TMX group

PENN WEST ENERGY TRUST (TSX - PWT.UN) announces a $0.31 per trust unit 
cash distribution payable on November 15, 2005

CALGARY, Oct. 17 /CNW/ - Penn West Energy Trust ("the Trust") is pleased
to announce that, effective for the October 2005 distribution, it is
increasing its monthly distribution by 19 percent to $0.31 per trust unit. The
October 2005 distribution is payable on November 15, 2005 to unitholders of
record on October 31, 2005. The ex-distribution date is October 27, 2005.

In implementing its conversion in May of 2005, the Trust set its initial
monthly distribution at $0.26 per unit, subject to periodic review based on
asset performance, capital requirements and commodity prices. As a result of
its most recent review, the Board of Directors approved the increase in the
distribution rate to reflect the following;
-  current and forward commodity prices that have exceeded initial
   projections;
-  the implementation of a hedging program to increase the likelihood
   that realized future commodity prices will be in line with the revised
   projections;
-  the strong level of interest shown by other industry participants in
   the Trust's undeveloped land base;
-  anticipated production levels; and
-  capital requirements for 2006 and beyond.

The distribution increase is not expected to impair the Trust's ability
to fund its 2006 capital program from internally generated sources.

Penn West Energy Trust is a senior oil and natural gas energy income
trust based in Calgary, Alberta that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol PWT.UN.
%SEDAR: 00022266E