November 14, 2001
ROSEMEAD, Calif., Nov. 14, 2001-In keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving and the holiday season, Southern California Edison is inviting its customers to contribute to a special fund that helps elderly, disabled, and low-income utility customers pay their winter electric bills.
Contributions to Edison's annual Energy Assistance Fund (EAF) drive are matched dollar-for-dollar by the company's stockholders, doubling the benefit to those experiencing economic hardship this winter season. The fund has disbursed more than $11 million to 5,500 needy families over the past two decades.
"When cold weather arrives, some customers with limited financial resources find themselves facing a personal energy crisis," said Suzanne Middelburg, SCE's director of consumer affairs and customer satisfaction. "The EAF drive was established to help residential customers deal with such experiences."
The United Way of Greater Los Angeles distributes EAF contributions through more than 120 community agencies throughout central and Southern California. The agencies provide direct assistance to qualifying SCE customers. Since its creation, the fund has disbursed more than $11 million to families in need.
Customers can mail their tax-deductible contributions to: United Way Inc. Energy Assistance Funds, File 56825, Los Angeles, CA 90074-6825. A pre-addressed envelope with the United Way address is included with SCE customer bills. Donations also can be made online at www.unitedwayla.org/pages/socaled.html.
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An Edison International company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation's largest electric utilities, serving a population of more than 11 million via 4.3 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within central, coastal and Southern California.
