Low Income Usage Reduction Program helps about 8,000 Low- and fixed-income customers save each year PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- PECO today announced that its Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) was recognized by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as one of the nation's most exemplary energy efficiency programs. Applicants were judged after a national search and expert panel of review on their ability to help customers reduce their energy use and cost through energy efficient practices in addition to operating a program that utilities can replicate with similar results. The official ACEEE award ceremony will take place in California this September. "LIURP is a comprehensive program designed to help low- and fixed-income residential customers reduce their energy usage and improve bill payment while learning how to manage their utility bills," said Valeria Bullock, senior analyst in the office of Universal Services and project manager of the LIURP program. "We work hard at assisting our customers, and this recognition is definitely a 'feather' in our cap because it shows we're making a difference with those who need a little help." PECO's Universal Services' program portfolio, which includes LIURP, is the largest in the commonwealth and one of the biggest in the country. The program assists approximately 8,000 low- and fixed-income customers each year. With an annual budget of $6.475 million, homeowners and renters learn how to reduce their energy usage through remediation measures and conservation education. In order to be eligible, customers need to have an income that is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) in addition to being a high energy user. LIURP services include an energy audit, follow-up services and on-going reinforcement and coaching. Weatherization measures often include appliance, heater and air conditioner repair or replacement, installing energy efficient light bulbs and adopting basic conservation measures, for example, caulking around doors and windows. For more information about LIURP and PECO's Universal Services programs, customers can call 800-675-0222. Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility serving 1.6 million electric and 480,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2006, the company delivered 38.2 million megawatt-hours (Mwh) of electricity and 76.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas to residential, business and institutional customers. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations. Contact: Cameron Kline PECO 2301 Market Street, S14-1 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-841-5555 DATASOURCE: PECO CONTACT: Cameron Kline of PECO, +1-215-841-5555 Web site: http://www.peco.com/

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