LEAWOOD, Kan. – August 11, 2008 — The Board of Directors of Tortoise Energy Capital Corp. (NYSE: TYY) today declared the company's third quarter 2008 distribution of $0.43 per share, compared to $0.42 in the previous quarter and $0.41 in the same quarter of the prior year. The distribution will be paid on Sept. 2, 2008 to stockholders of record on Aug. 21, 2008. This represents a 2.4 percent increase over the prior quarter's distribution and a 4.9 percent increase over the same quarter of the prior year. A portion of this distribution is expected to be treated as return of capital for income tax purposes, although the ultimate determination will not be made until determination of our earnings and profits after our year-end. Based on current financial information, this distribution is estimated to consist of 100 percent return of capital for book purposes.

About Tortoise Energy Capital Corp.

Tortoise Energy Capital Corp. provides financing for master limited partnerships (MLPs) in the energy infrastructure sector, focusing on crude oil and refined petroleum products MLPs and natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines MLPs. Tortoise Energy Capital Corp. seeks to provide its stockholders a high level of total return with an emphasis on current distributions.

About Tortoise Capital Advisors

Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC is a pioneer in capital markets for master limited partnership (MLP) investment companies and a leader in closed-end funds and separately managed accounts focused on MLPs in the energy sector. As of July 31, 2008, the adviser had approximately $2.6 billion of assets under management. For more information, visit our Web site at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.

Contact information: Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC Pam Kearney, Investor Relations, (866) 362-9331, pkearney@tortoiseadvisors.com