Helping those who can’t pay electric bills

With cooler weather surely around the corner, Southern California Edison is asking its customers to help those who have lost their jobs, are disabled or are elderly pay their electric bills by donating to the Energy Assistance Fund.

“Income-qualified customers can receive up to $150 per year, or $200 per year for an all-electric home,” said Rose Pearson, consumer affairs manager for Southern California Edison.

“In the past, EAF contributions were used to pay winter bills, but beginning Jan. 3, 2006, contributions will be given year-round to help pay for higher electric bills during the summer months. All donations to EAF are matched by Edison International shareholders.”

Customers can donate by enclosing their tax-deductible contribution in the postage-paid envelope included in the utility’s November electric bill. Contributions can also be made online at www.sce.com/eaf.