Stay cool. Stay safe. And, save money. That’s what TXU Energy is sharing with people across Dallas and Fort Worth today, as the company joins the Visiting Nurse Association and Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County for TXU Energy’s 14th annual “Beat the Heat” program this summer.

With the warmest days of the year upon us, the company and the social services agencies are working together today to educate local-area seniors and others who are confined to their homes about ways to prevent heat-related emergencies and manage their energy consumption through the local Meals on Wheels programs in Dallas and Tarrant counties.

Collectively, both programs serve more than 10,000 people across Greater Dallas and Fort Worth.

"With the heat as extreme as it is here in Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s crucial to foster awareness and understanding about the physical and financial risks that can accompany our summer temperatures – and how those most at risk can protect themselves from the challenges that can come with it,” said Kelli Rod, vice president of community affairs, TXU Energy. “Together with the Visiting Nurse Association and Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County, we are pointing consumers to the solutions, tips and support they can use to keep their health and household budgets safe this summer, no matter how hot the temperatures get.”     

Some of the recommended heat safety tips include:

• Drinking one glass of cool water for every 20 minutes of heat exposure
• Wearing loose, light-colored absorbent cotton clothing
• Avoiding hot foods and heavy meals

Recommended energy-saving 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.
• Light bulbs - Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs. You can run four CFLs for the same cost as running just one incandescent bulb.
• 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 and around air ducts, windows, plumbing pipes, fireplace flues, attic entrances and recessed light fixtures.
• Air-conditioning filters - Clean or replace the filter in your air conditioner monthly to help it run more efficiently.
• For more tips, please visit txu.com/energytips.

Research shows the elderly and young children are most likely to be affected by the heat. This summer, TXU Energy is partnering with community organizations in Houston and Dallas to promote heat safety. In addition, the company will distribute heat safety information to approximately 15,000 Texans.

In addition to promoting heat safety and conservation, TXU Energy continues to provide financial support for families who experience unexpected financial hardship with their electricity bills. To date, the TXU Energy Aid^SM program has given more than $72 million to help more than 415,000 valued customers cover their electricity bills. The company contributes $5 for every $1 its employees and customers contribute to the program, and selected social service agencies administer 100 percent of the funds to families in need across the state. TXU Energy will contribute $5 million annually through 2012 to the program. 

About the Visiting Nurse Association
The Visiting Nurse Association delivers a full range of high quality and compassionate home health care following discharge from the hospital, for rehabilitation therapies, chronic diseases, and hospice for adults in the final phase of a terminal illness. VNA also provides the Meals on Wheels program in Dallas County. VNA’s mission includes service to elderly, frail, disabled and dying individuals who have no means to pay for health care and hospice.

About Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County
Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County is a local nonprofit agency dedicated to providing fresh, nutritious, ready-to-eat meals and other services to homebound residents of the county who are unable to prepare meals for themselves and have no one to help them on a regular basis. Meals are prepared in the agency’s central kitchen to ensure the highest quality food at the lowest cost. The services allow our elderly, disabled, and chronically ill neighbors to remain living at home for as long as possible, maintaining their independence and dignity.
 
About TXU Energy
TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retail electricity provider, powering the lives of more Texans than any other retailer. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to choose options that best meet their needs, including exceptional customer service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other electricity-related products and services. Visit txu.com for more information about TXU Energy. REP #10004.