FIGHTING CRIME TOGETHER - EFFICIENTLY!

ALAMEDA, Calif., September 1, 2005 — It's no surprise to find crime fighters populating television shows and comic books, but now they're popping up at Alameda Power & Telecom!

As part of the 22nd National Night Out, celebrated August on 2, Alameda Power & Telecom joined the Alameda Police Department in a unique community awareness campaign.

National Night Out is held annually to celebrate crimefree neighborhoods and communities. It is designed to highlight crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, and to foster community partnerships. Neighborhood Watch groups turn on their porch lights and throw block parties, and "McGruff the Crime Dog" even comes by to visit!

This year, Alameda Power & Telecom employees joined Alameda Police officers at 15 block parties, encouraging residents to use exterior lights for safety and to use efficient light bulbs when doing so. Free ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs, as well as energy-efficiency tips and treats, were distributed to more than 200 Alamedans.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs offer great peace of mind when used in exterior lighting, such as porch lights, because they can be depended on for years without worrying about premature burnouts. An ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent can last six times longer than an incandescent bulb. It also saves money over its lifetime because it draws only one-fourth the electricity of an incandescent.

The annual National Night Out event brings police, community groups, and neighbors together in thousands of cities and towns across the country, and it serves as a reminder that prevention depends on people looking out for one another and paying attention to their surroundings.

Alameda Power & Telecom believes installing compact fluorescents is the perfect statement to capture both the symbolic message of National Night Out and highlight the importance of energy efficiency, as it binds safety, efficiency, and community connection all into one.