Stay cool. Stay safe. And save money. That’s what TXU Energy is sharing with people across Houston tomorrow as the company joins Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston 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 agency 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 program, which serves more than 4,500 people across Greater Houston.

"At the heart of it, our Beat the Heat program is about safety and awareness,” said Kelli Rod, vice president of community affairs, TXU Energy. “Last summer was one of the hottest on record in Texas, and this summer’s predictions point to warmer-than-usual temperatures. So we’re joining Interfaith Ministries to advise people of the potential health and financial risks that can accompany our hot summer weather—and what they can do to keep themselves safe from the physical and financial strain that can come with it.”   

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 Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston
A United Way agency, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM) brings people of diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration and service. IM provides four main services including Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston which delivers more than one million meals each year to seniors in Harris county; Refugee Services which, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, resettles hundreds of refugees in Houston each year; Office of Disaster Preparedness and Response (ODPR) which facilitates communication on behalf of Houston’s faith communities during relief and recovery efforts and; Interfaith Relations which provides a safe harbor for greater Houston through its many interfaith programs and dialogue efforts. More information can be found at www.imgh.org.

About Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston
Interfaith Ministries' Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston program provides a home delivered meal to home-bound seniors over 60.  The program also delivers breakfast and weekend meals to the most frail and isolated seniors.  The nutritional support helps seniors stay independent and in their own homes.   Each meal includes an entree, two 1/2-cup servings of fruit or vegetables, bread, milk and whole fruit or dessert. This service is available to homebound individuals 60 years old and older and spouses of current service recipients. There is no fee for this service.  Sign up by contacting us at 713-533-4978.
 
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.