November 29, 2000

ROSEMEAD, Calif., Nov. 29, 2000-Southern California Edison is offering a new way for its small-business customers to quickly and easily obtain financing to purchase energy-efficient and other electrical equipment.

Through an agreement with Aetna Capital, businesses can lease or purchase new or used equipment-ranging from $1,000 to $150,000-for manufacturing, industrial, technological or other applications.

"Companies often need help financing the technologies that will help them be more productive, use less energy, and grow," said Steve Culbertson, an SCE program manager.  "This program provides such assistance and includes an application process that is simple and fast."

The program can be used in conjunction with SCE's energy efficiency programs, Express Efficiency, Savings By Design and Standard Performance Contract.  Each program enables businesses to receive financial incentives for installing energy-efficient equipment or including energy-efficient design elements in new, renovated or existing businesses.  Businesses can finance the equipment through Aetna Capital, take advantage of the financial incentives offered by the energy efficiency programs, and save each month through reduced energy consumption.

"This is just one of the powerful business solutions we are introducing for our business customers," said Culbertson.

For more information about the leasing program, call 1-800-522-3862.

###

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.