November 8, 2002

ROSEMEAD, Calif., Nov. 8, 2002 - With the holidays just around the corner, Southern California Edison is asking its customers to join in the spirit of giving and help others who are unable to pay their electric bills because they have lost their jobs, are elderly or disabled. 

For more than 20 years, customer contributions to the annual Energy Assistance Fund (EAF) have been matched dollar-for-dollar by Edison International shareholders.  The fund has distributed more than  $11 million to nearly 160,000 SCE customers since it was created to help those experiencing financial hardship during the winter months.

"Because of the generosity of our customers, employees and shareholders, the Energy Assistance Fund brings financial relief to residential customers who cannot afford to pay for power during the cold winter months," said Suzanne Middelburg, SCE's director of consumer affairs and customer satisfaction.

The United Way of Greater Los Angeles distributes EAF contributions through more than 100 community agencies throughout SCE's service territory.  The agencies provide direct assistance to all qualifying SCE customers. 
 
A tax-deductible donation can easily be made online by visiting http://www.unitedwayla.org/pages/socaled.html.  For added convenience, a United Way pre-addressed  envelope is included in SCE's November customer bill.  Donations can also be sent by mail to:  United Way Inc. Energy Assistance Fund, File 56825, Los Angeles, CA  90074-6825. 

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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 12 million via 4.3 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within central, coastal and Southern California.  For more information on the California electricity market, see www.sce.com.