Southern California Edison Encourages Customers` Responsible Pet Ownership to Help Reduce Dog Bites of Meter Readers

ROSEMEAD, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
This is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and Southern California Edison (SCE)
is reminding customers to be responsible pet owners and help prevent dog bites
of its field based customer service employees such as meter readers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 4.5 million
people are bitten by dogs nationwide every year. The most frequent victims of
dog bites are small children and the elderly. Other frequent targets are postal
employees and utility meter readers. So far this year, dogs have bitten nine SCE
employees. In 2008, 37 employees were injured in dog attacks.

Nearly every weekday, SCE`s approximately 2,500 meter readers and field
employees must deal with angry, frightened pets or unsecured animals. Dog
attacks result in injuries to employees as well as lost productivity.

"These dog bites and attacks on meter readers are largely preventable. We
appreciate customers taking the time to secure their animals so they do not pose
a threat to employees. This will ensure workers can complete their jobs quickly
and safely," said Kevin Ellison, SCE`s director, Meter Services.

SCE encourages dog and pet owners to practice these simple safety tips:

* When a meter reader comes to your home, keep your dog or pets inside, away
from the door.
* Pets need attention. Those that have been tied up for long periods or have
little social interaction tend to be more aggressive and may turn into biters.
* Obedience training can be beneficial in teaching dogs proper behavior and
helps owners control their animals in most situations.
* Do not allow your dog to roam neighborhoods unsupervised.
* Report any dogs running loose in your area to the local animal control
department.

Customers can check their monthly bills for the dates when utility workers will
conduct meter readings. On those days, gates should be left unlocked, and dogs
or other pets should be confined in a safe section of the property. For making
special access arrangements, customers can call SCE at (800) 655-4555. Visit
www.sce.com/Safety/worker/meter-reader.htm for other helpful tips.

About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of
the nation`s largest electric utilities, serving a population of more than 13
million via 4.8 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area
within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

Southern California Edison
Media Contact:
Lois Pitter Bruce, (626) 302-2255

Copyright Business Wire 2009