December 4, 2000

ROSEMEAD, Calif., Dec. 4, 2000-Southern California Edison is inviting its customers to join in the holiday spirit by contributing to a special fund that helps elderly, disabled, and low-income utility customers pay their winter electric bills.

Contributions to Edison's 18th annual Energy Assistance Fund (EAF) drive are matched dollar-for-dollar by the company's stockholders, doubling their benefit to those experiencing economic hardship this winter season. 

"When cold weather arrives, some customers with limited financial resources find themselves facing a personal energy crisis," said Suzanne Middelburg, Edison's consumer affairs manager.  "The EAF drive was established in 1982 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 qualified SCE customers.  Over the past 18 years, the fund has disbursed over $10 million to families in need. 

Customers can mail their tax-deductible contributions to:  EAF Fund, P.O. Box 78833, Los Angeles, CA 90076-0833

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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.