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Company Press Release

SCE Urges 'Bee-Wary' Around Electric Meter Cabinets

ROSEMEAD, Calif., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of the ongoing migration of Africanized honey bees to the southland, Southern California Edison officials today warned customers that bees and other flying insects can build their nests in electric meter cabinets.

``We encourage customers to be aware that an outdoor meter cabinet, like those which sometimes contain the electric panel and SCE meter, can represent an ideal home for bees, wasps and other flying insects,'' said Suzanne Middelburg, SCE manager of consumer affairs. ``They offer protection from the elements and usually are undisturbed except for a monthly visit from our meter reader. Residents should be alert for the hum of bees or wasps when opening a meter cabinet.''

Other common nest sites for bees include empty containers, fences, old tires, garages, sheds, and any dark area in or around buildings.

``Killer'' bees have been reported in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Imperial counties in recent weeks. The insects are similar in appearance to European bees, but are much more aggressive and attack in larger numbers.

Anyone encountering bees should move away quickly, go indoors or find shelter. Anyone attacked by bees should call 911 for assistance.

Information on Africanized honey bees is available from the Los Angeles County bee hotline, 1-800-BEE-WARY.

An Edison International company, Southern California Edison is the nation's second largest investor-owned electric utility, serving more than 11 million people in a 50,000-square-mile area within central, coastal and Southern California.

SOURCE: Southern California Edison