TXU Energy offers consumers a variety of ways to 'Beat the Heat' this summer DALLAS, June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TXU Energy is joining forces with Texas community organizations to promote several ways that customers can "Beat the Heat" this summer. Through this statewide summer initiative, TXU Energy will educate consumers on energy conservation, heat safety, bill- payment assistance, and summer protections regarding disconnects, deposit waivers and cancellation fees. "Research shows that many customers, especially the elderly, are most likely to be affected by the sweltering heat -- especially here in Texas," said Kelli Rod, director of community relations for TXU Energy. "We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of our customers during the blistering summer months. Through our efforts to educate customers and demonstrate ways to beat the heat, we are certain customers can save money and stay safe." TXU Energy community relations managers will host workshops in various cities to educate consumers on simple, low-cost ways to conserve energy inside their homes and promote heat safety. In total, TXU Energy will distribute approximately 30,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs to consumers through community organizations, which will have environmental benefits equivalent to preventing nearly 11,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the lifespan of the light bulbs. 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 your air conditioner run more efficiently. -- Light bulbs -- Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. You can run four compact fluorescent light bulbs for the same cost as running just one incandescent bulb. -- For more tips, please visit http://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. TXU Energy has also recently announced the following price reductions and enhanced residential customer protections: Price Reductions -- TXU Energy just reduced prices even further -- Earlier this year TXU Energy announced a two-phase price cut totaling 10 percent on our most popular month-to-month residential service plans in our traditional service area, including the plan that serves all legacy Price-to-Beat (PTB) customers who have not chosen another plan. A six-percent price reduction was delivered to these customers this past March and the remaining four-percent reduction was originally to be delivered if the announced merger transaction successfully closes. We recently accelerated this second phase. Customers are now receiving the additional four-percent price cut -- months earlier than originally planned and just as summer begins -- for a 10 percent total price cut delivered to date. -- We also announced a new third phase of price reductions -- an additional five-percent price cut that will be delivered if the proposed transaction closes, bringing the total potential price reduction for these customers to 15 percent. This potential 15 percent total price cut will deliver a total estimated annual savings of $400 million. -- Upon the closing of the transaction, these customers would also receive price protection at the 15 percent discounted price through December 2008, guarding them from any increases due to higher wholesale electricity prices. Low-Income Customer Commitments -- Discounts for Low-Income Customers -- After the Texas Legislature ceased funding the State low-income discount, TXU Energy stepped in and has voluntarily provided over $20 million in discounts to low-income customers since the beginning of 2006. This summer, even though the Texas Legislature has restored some funding for discounts to low-income customers, our low-income customers will continue to receive an automatic 10-percent discount funded by TXU Energy in addition to the other price reductions we've announced. This discount will come in addition to any state-provided low-income discount for eligible customers. No other incumbent retailer currently provides such support. In addition, if the transaction closes, TXU Energy has committed to continuing to provide $25 million per year to fund the TXU Energy low- income discount for five years. -- Additional Assistance for Customers through the TXU Energy Aid Program -- Since 1983, TXU Energy Aid has provided more than $40 million in bill payment assistance, helping more than 300,000 families throughout the state of Texas. If the merger transaction is successfully completed, TXU Energy has committed to continue our legacy of assisting customers in need by donating $5 million annually for the next five years, along with customer and employee donations, to help eligible customers with bill payment assistance. TXU Energy will distribute the $5 million gift back to local community organizations at a ratio of approximately $5 for every $1 locally donated. Enhanced Residential Customer Protections (TXU Energy will provide the following protections between July 1 and September 30, 2007.) -- Deferred Payment for Low-Income and Senior Customers -- Customers that are designated as low-income or are at least 62 years of age can avoid disconnection of service due to nonpayment by contacting TXU Energy and entering into a deferred payment plan. This deferred payment plan would allow the customer to pay as little as 25 percent of the current month's electric charges, with the remaining balance to be paid in equal installments over the next five billing cycles. -- Special Summer Deferred Payments for Low-Income Senior Customers -- Customers that are both designated as low-income and are at least 62 years of age can avoid disconnection of service due to nonpayment by contacting TXU Energy and entering into a deferred payment plan. This special, summer deferred payment plan would not require any payment of the current month's electric charges during this time period, but instead would require payment of 25 percent of the deferred bill(s) as part of the first electric bill issued after September 30, with the remaining balance to be paid in equal installments over the next five billing cycles. -- Deferred Payments for Critical Care Customers -- Customers designated as critical care will not be disconnected for non-payment. -- Eased Deposit Requirements for Low-Income Customers -- TXU Energy will also waive deposit requirements for low-income residential customers that are at least 62 years of age and for all customers with a good record of timely payments. TXU Energy is a subsidiary of TXU Corp. TXU Corp., a Dallas-based energy company, manages a portfolio of competitive and regulated energy businesses primarily in Texas. In the competitive TXU Energy Holdings segment (electricity generation, wholesale marketing and retailing), TXU Energy provides electricity and related services to more than 2.1 million competitive electricity customers in Texas. TXU Power has over 18,100 MW of generation in Texas, including 2,300 MW of nuclear and 5,800 MW of coal-fueled generation capacity. TXU Wholesale optimizes the purchases and sales of energy for TXU Energy and TXU Power and provides related services to other market participants. TXU Wholesale is the largest purchaser of wind-generated electricity in Texas and fifth largest in the United States. Power generation and related businesses, such as TXU Power and TXU Wholesale, plan to transition toward the new Luminant Energy brand. Visit http://www.txu.com/ for more information about TXU Energy and http://www.txucorp.com/ for more information about TXU Corp. DATASOURCE: TXU Corp. CONTACT: Lacy Walker, Corporate Communications of TXU Corp., +1-214-875-8046 Web site: http://www.txu.com/

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