Customers do not have to wait until Winter to apply for assistance

MAYS LANDING, N.J. - Just before the cold weather sets in is typically when people who need help paying utility bills apply for grants. During this summer of record breaking temperatures, energy bills can become a struggle to pay. Atlantic City Electric wants its customers to know there is help available now if they are having difficulty paying their energy bills.

The TRUE Grant assists customers who are ineligible for low-income programs by providing up to $750 toward their Atlantic City Electric bill. Web Address: www.ahanjtrue.org; Phone: 856-964-6887 for Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Cumberland and Salem Counties; Phone: 732-244-9041, ext. 10 and 11 for Atlantic, Cape May and Burlington counties.

The Universal Service Fund helps ensure that income-eligible New Jersey utility customers pay no more than six percent of their annual income for their natural gas and electric services combined. Customers are advised that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which supports the Universal Service Fund may be limited due to a likely cut in federal funding. Web Address: www.state.nj.us/bpu/residential/assistance/usf.html. Phone: 800-510-3102.

NJ SHARES provides assistance to New Jersey customers in need of temporary help paying their energy bills. Web Address: www.njshares.org; Phone: 866-NJ SHARES (866- 657-4273).

Customers can also get help by contacting our Customer Care Center at 1-800-542-3780 and asking about Budget Billing or by registering for My Account, a Web-based interactive tool that is free and easy to use. My Account provides customers with a detailed analysis of their specific electric use and offers ways to save energy and save money on their monthly energy bill.

As with all programs, there are restrictions so please call for eligibility requirements. Atlantic City Electric also wants to remind customers that conserving energy can lead to savings.

Customers can conserve energy by doing the following:

• During hot weather, a central air conditioner can account for 30 percent of a customer's energy bill. Atlantic City Electric suggests checking the air filter regularly - a clean air filter improves system efficiency, which should lead to energy savings.
• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit, a reasonably comfortable and energy-efficient indoor temperature.
• Have a professional check your air conditioning system to ensure that it works properly and is not leaking coolant.
• Be sure all windows are shut and outside doors are closed when the air conditioning is on.
• It is important not to have lamps, televisions or other heat sources close to the air conditioner thermostat. Heat from these sources may cause the air conditioner unit to run longer than it should.
• Check to ensure that no furniture or other obstacles are blocking ducts or fans. This will enable cooled air to circulate freely, making your home more comfortable.

To learn more, visit www.atlanticcityelectric.com/energy/conservation/ .

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Atlantic City Electric, a public utility owned by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe, reliable and affordable regulated electric delivery services to more than 540,000 customers in southern New Jersey.