Provides tips to conserve energy, stay safe and save money during
the summer
DALLAS--(Business Wire)--
TXU Energy is committed to supporting the health and well-being of
its customers during the hot summer months. Research shows that
certain individuals, especially the elderly and children under the age
of five, are most likely to be affected by the sweltering heat -
especially here in Texas. Consumers will learn how to Beat the Heat
with simple energy conservation and heat safety tips that will help
them reduce the costs of summer electricity bills and avoid
heat-related illnesses.
"Helping customers save money while remaining safe and cool during
the Texas summer heat is a priority for TXU Energy," said Kelli Rod,
vice president of community relations for TXU Energy. "That's why we
make a concerted effort to educate consumers and demonstrate ways to
beat the heat."
TXU Energy's community relations team will educate consumers and
collaborate with partnering organizations in various communities
across the state to educate consumers on easy, low-cost ways to
conserve energy inside their homes and promote heat safety. In
addition, the company will distribute compact fluorescent light bulbs
(CFLs) to consumers through community organizations. On average, each
CFL uses up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs and can save
$20 to $30 per bulb in energy costs over its lifetime.
Some of the recommended energy conservation tips include:
-- Temperature settings - Set thermostats at about 78 degrees
during the summer. Turn thermostats up or down automatically
without sacrificing comfort by installing a programmable
thermostat. Use ceiling fans in the "down" mode at the highest
speed to push cooler air back down into the room.
-- Window treatments - Install storm or thermal windows and doors
or double-paned glass. A less expensive alternative is plastic
sheeting, which can be temporarily fastened over doors and
windows to prevent drafts and retain cool air.
-- Air leaks - Check for air leaks in air ducts, windows,
plumbing utilities, fireplace flues, attic entrances and
recessed light fixtures.
-- Air Conditioning filters - Clean or replace your air
conditioner's filter monthly to help it run more efficiently.
-- Light bulbs - Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs
with CFLs. You can run four CFLs for the same cost as running
just one incandescent bulb.
-- For more tips, please visit www.txu.com/energytips
Some of the recommended heat safety tips include:
-- Drink one glass of cool water for every 20 minutes of heat
exposure.
-- Avoid eating hot foods and heavy meals.
-- Wear loose, light-colored absorbent cotton clothing.
Summer Protections
In addition to Beat the Heat, the company recently announced a
comprehensive set of customer protection programs for the summer:
Summer Moratorium on Disconnects
-- Customers designated as low-income or at least 62 years of age
can avoid disconnection of service due to non-payment by
contacting TXU Energy at (800) 242-9113 and asking for a
deferred payment plan.
Customers designated as both low-income and who are at least 62
years of age, or who can show that disconnection of service will cause
a person residing at their residence to become seriously ill or more
seriously ill, can avoid disconnection of service due to non-payment
by contacting TXU Energy at (800) 242-9113 and asking for a deferred
payment plan.
Waiver of Deposits
-- TXU Energy waives deposits for residential customers who are
at least 62 years of age and for any residential customer with
an electric bill payment history of no more than one late
payment during the prior 12-month period.
$250 Million Commitment to Customer Assistance and Energy
Efficiency Initiatives
These customer protections are in addition to a comprehensive set
of commitments announced last year that represent a commitment of $250
million through 2012, including:
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-- $125 Million Commitment to Low-Income Customer Discount Program
TXU Energy plans to invest $125 million through 2012 (or
approximately $25 million per year) to a special year-round low-
income discount program. TXU Energy is the only retail electric
company in Texas that voluntarily provides an approximate 10
percent discount for participating low-income customers. This
discount is in addition to the one provided by the System Benefit
Fund - the state directed program for low-income assistance on
energy bills.
-- $25 Million Commitment to TXU Energy Aid(SM) Program
Working with more than 800 social service agencies statewide, TXU
Energy currently administers and helps fund the TXU Energy Aid(SM)
program, which benefits low-income customers, senior citizens and
other customers who have an emergency need for bill payment
assistance. TXU Energy plans to contribute $5 million per year for
TXU Energy Aid(SM) through 2012, in addition to any funds received
from customers and employees for this important program. This
program is the largest bill payment assistance program among
electricity companies in the nation.
-- $100 Million Commitment to Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Investments
Additionally, TXU Energy plans to spend $100 million through 2012
to help customers reduce the amount of electricity they use
through energy efficiency and conservation initiatives. A
substantial portion of this commitment is dedicated to helping
lower the overall usage of low-income customers through
conservation, weatherization and energy efficiency. This will
ensure that low-income customers, as well as other TXU Energy
customers, receive the benefits of the commitment the company has
made to increase overall investments in energy efficiency and
conservation.
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About TXU Energy
TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retailer that provides
electricity and related services to more than 2.1 million electricity
customers in Texas. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products
and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to
choose options that best meet their needs, including 24/7 customer
service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative
energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other
electricity-related products and services. Visit www.txuenergy.com for
more information about TXU Energy.
TXU Energy
April Martin, 214-206-6270
Copyright Business Wire 2008
