For Immediate Release
November 19, 2001

Pepco today announced a $100,000 contribution to the Salvation Army to assist District of Columbia residents hurt by the downturn in the city`s economy following the events of Sept. 11.

Pepco Vice President Bob Grantley announced the contribution during a hearing of the D.C. Public Service Commission on utility emergency relief plans.

"We`re a part of the community in good times and bad and believe that our commitment to being a good corporate citizen is to be sensitive to our customer`s needs," Grantley said.

Pepco offers a variety of programs to help both low-income customers and those residential and business customers who have been affected by the current economic slowdown. These programs include deferred payment agreements, time payment and average payment plans.

District residents who have been out of work for more than 30 days or who meet income guidelines can contact the D.C. Energy Office to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Pepco`s Residential Aid Discount Program (RAD). Pepco routinely suspends bill collection action once the energy office notifies Pepco that an application has been submitted and is pending approval.

Grantley said nearly 8,500 District residents applied for assistance at the Joint Utility Discount Day sign-up on Oct. 18, more than double last year`s number. He added that Pepco and other city utilities are considering additional discount days, on a smaller scale, to ensure that more customers can benefit from these services.