August 11, 2003

ROSEMEAD, Calif., Aug. 11, 2003 — Warning that prolonged periods of excessive heat can jeopardize your health and life, Southern California Edison (SCE) is reminding customers to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related hazards when temperatures rise.

“Customers shouldn’t put themselves at risk for heat stroke because of concerns over high electricity bills,” said Suzanne Middelburg, SCE’s manager of consumer affairs.  “We have a variety of special rate programs for qualified customers that can help them manage their electric bills while remaining comfortable on hot summer days.”

Income-qualified residential customers can apply for California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), which offers a 20% discount on electric bills.  SCE’s Medical Baseline program offers additional discounts to customers with qualifying medical conditions and to those who use electric medical support equipment. 

To avoid heat stroke, SCE offers the following hot-weather safety tips:

  • The severity of heat disorders tends to increase with age—heat cramps in a 17-year-old may be heat exhaustion in someone who is 40, and a potentially lethal heat stroke in a person over 60.
  • Elderly persons, small children, invalids and those on certain medications are particularly susceptible to hot temperatures and heat stroke.
  • Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled for the coolest part of the day.
  • Dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing since it reflects heat and sunlight, and helps our body maintain normal temperature.
  • Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids.
  • Spend time in an air-conditioned building or home to reduce the risk of heat stroke.

For more information on CARE, Medical Baseline or hot-weather safety tips, please visit www.sce.com/warm.

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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 4.5 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within central, coastal and Southern California.