PECO reminds customers to prepare for the cold

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - With fall officially here, PECO reminds customers to prepare now for colder weather energy usage by taking advantage of PECOÂ’s Web site, energy saving tips and assistance programs.

Customers can begin to save by visiting www.peco.com/save where there is a new Web-based, interactive home that takes visitors from attic to basement with energy saving tips and environmental information.

Visitors also will be able to access the companyÂ’s Web store for a 20 percent discount on energy efficiency products; energy calculators; assistance programs; and energy saving information.

Everyone can save money by reducing the amount of energy used in the home or office by following these simple energy efficiency tips:

• Install and use compact flourescent light bulbs and ENERGY STAR appliances.

• Have your furnace professionally inspected every two years. A well-maintained appliance will last longer, operate better and save you money.

• Replace the filter for your heat pump or furnace for the new heating season. Dirty filters block airflow and force equipment to work harder – this increases operating costs and can cause damage.

• Inspect the insulation between heated and unheated areas to ensure insulation is at least six inches thick. Insulation is the single most important energy conservation measure. It will deteriorate over time and occasionally needs to be reinforced.

• If your water heater is ‘warm to the touch’, it does not have built in insulation and should be wrapped with an insulation blanket.

• Inspect the caulking or weather stripping around windows, doors and any openings to the outside such as dryer vents or exterior outlets. A drafty house lets warm air escape and is much more costly to keep warm – especially on the coldest days of the season.

• Remove window air conditioners or install a cover to stop drafts.

The company offers a number of programs for low-and fixed-income customers including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides grants to help meet monthly heating costs. The programÂ’s eligibility is based on family size and income, and the application season begins in November of 2008. For more information and eligibility requirements call 1-800-34-HELP-4. Other assistance programs include:

• The Customer Assistance Program (CAP): Discounted electric and natural gas rates for low- and fixed-income customers.

• The Matching Energy Assistance Fund (MEAF): Funded by voluntary contributions of caring citizens and matched by PECO for up to $500 in total assistance for those who qualify.

• Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP): Provides conservation and weatherization assistance for qualified households year-round. For more information and eligibility requirements, call 1-800-675-0222.