April 2007 Archives

AT&T; announced recently that deployment and sales of its IP-based television service, AT&T; U-verse^SM TV, are accelerating, in what they say is part of a strong momentum in their overall video strategy. The company also said it plans to launch AT&T; U-verse in the Los Angeles area in the coming weeks, with additional launches are planned for later this year and next.

According to recently released figures, AT&T; U-verse TV has grown rapidly since January, with approximately 18,000 U-verse television and high-speed Internet subscribers currently in service. AT&T;'s average installation rate has ramped to approximately 2,000 installations a week—five times greater than its average rate in January.

In the first three months of 2007, AT&T; launched U-verse services in new markets, including Milwaukee, Kansas City, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Earlier this month, AT&T; announced that U-verse services were available to more than 200,000 households in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, less than one month after introducing service in that market.

The company says sales are gaining momentum across its video portfolio. Following a strong fourth-quarter 2006 in which AT&T; added 111,000 bundled satellite TV users, the company added a record number of users in the first quarter of 2007. Including U-verse and satellite customers, AT&T; added more than 180,000 video users in the most recent quarter, which is more than Time Warner, Comcast, Cox and Cablevision combined added for the full year in 2006.

"Our video strategy is showing strong momentum as we add new subscribers at an increasing rate," said Ralph de la Vega, group president-Regional Wireline Operations, AT&T.; "Consumers are clearly hungry for an alternative to cable TV, and AT&T; U-verse is a very attractive choice. We offer more High Definition channels than local cable companies in the markets we serve, the ability to record up to four programs at once, and the ability to set DVR recordings remotely using the AT&T; Yahoo!® portal or, soon, a mobile device."

For more information, check out the AT&T; press release.

Miss your chance to deduct energy-efficient home improvements from your 2006 tax return? H&R; Block has some tips on how to start preparing now to get the most out of your return in 2007.

The company says that taking pre-emptive steps can mean the difference between being tripped up by taxes or saving big bucks come 2008, but phasing in money-saving strategies at the right time is as important as any one move a taxpayer may be mulling.

"People tend to tune out taxes until late in the year," said H&R; Block Advice Delivery Manager Maggie Doedtman. "At that point, it's almost too late. If taxpayers didn't like their bottom line this year, it's time to see if there's anything they can do to get a better result next tax season."

For instance, taxpayers who adjust their withholding now will realize benefits for two-thirds of the year, compared to those who don't make the adjustment until late in 2007—when many Americans start thinking about their next tax return.

So if you are planning to make energy-efficiency improvements on your home to save money on your energy bills, H&R; Block says it can pay to be green if you get started now. A one-time, $500 credit for energy-efficient home improvements, such as replacing doors, windows and insulation, expires at the end of 2007. The amount covers improvements made in 2006 and 2007, and the value of the credit can be lumped together if you didn't claim the benefit this tax season.

If you want more tax tips, check out H&R; Block Offers Six Early Tips To Limit Tax Pinch in 2008.

MastioGale recently announced that PG&E; has been ranked number one in the western region and second in North America in their annual study that measures customer value of gas pipelines in the United States and Canada.

"PG&E; is honored to be recognized as one of the nation's most customer friendly natural gas pipeline operators," said Bob Howard, PG&E;'s vice president of gas transmission and distribution. "It's a testament to the dedication of the 20,000 men and women of PG&E;, who are focused on delivering better, faster and more cost-effective service to our customers."

MastioGale's annual study evaluated 53 natural gas pipelines in the United States and Canada, with the results determined through a detailed survey of their customers. The survey includes 24 different attributes that assess customer service levels and perceived customer value, and is designed to advance pipeline operators' understanding of the national market conditions.

PG&E; delivers natural gas to approximately 4.2 million customer accounts in northern and central California. The utility's service area stretches from Eureka in the north to Bakersfield in the south, and from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Sierra Nevada in the east. PG&E; has nearly 7,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines and more than 41,000 miles of gas distribution lines.

For more information, check out the PG&E; press release.

Netflix recently announced plans to stage a unique movie and music series this summer called Netflix LIVE! On Location. Headlining the traveling event will be actor Bruce Willis and his band, The Accelerators, who will play a live, public concert at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, prior to an outdoor screening of his 1998 film Armageddon.

Netflix said it will announce additions to the Netflix LIVE! On Location series in the coming weeks. The series will pair classic films with live musical performances by the films' featured stars in locations uniquely associated with the movies. Last summer, as part of a nationwide summer screening tour, Netflix brought Kevin Costner and his band to the cornfields of Dyersville, Iowa for an event attended by thousands at the shooting location of the 1989 classic, Field of Dreams.

Mr. Willis's concert and screening are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m. local time. The star and his band are expected to perform a 60-minute set of original blues music. Returning to the space center for the first time since the filming of producer Jerry Bruckheimer's sci-fi hit Armageddon a decade ago, Mr. Willis is expected to be welcomed by about 5,000 fans in the center's spectacular Rocket Garden.

"It is truly thrilling to return to The Kennedy Space Center to enjoy Armageddon with my band on hand," said Mr. Willis. "Movies have been my career, but music has always been my love, so I am excited about merging the two worlds in such a unique way and being able to share it with so many people."

"Netflix LIVE! On Location is a great way for us to share the Netflix experience with thousands of people around the country," said Leslie Kilgore, chief marketing officer for Netflix. "Bruce's popularity with movie fans is enduring, and we are delighted to be able bring him back to Kennedy Space Center for this one-of-a-kind event."

For more information, check out the Netflix press release.

ComEd recently announced that it has received the Peak Load Management Alliance's Outstanding Achievement in Demand Response award today for its portfolio of energy reduction programs designed for residential, commercial and industrial customers.

The PLMA, an association of leading energy organizations dedicated to developing and promoting consumer participation in power reduction programs, presented the award to ComEd executives at the group's annual awards ceremony earlier this month in Toronto, Ontario.

"We are very pleased to have received the PLMA's recognition for our customer participation energy reduction efforts," said Sharon Hillman, ComEd vice president of resource adequacy and environmental programs. "ComEd has taken an active approach regarding the development of its demand response programs, which have been one of the strongest in the nation for nearly three decades."

Demand response programs are a critical component to ensure the reliability of the regional electrical distribution network and reduce the need to add additional generation load during periods of peak customer demand.

Under ComEd's demand response programs in 2006, more than 61,000 residential, commercial and industrial participants reduced their electric load during times of peak power demand by up to 1,295 megawatts, which represents about 5.5 percent of ComEd's total peak distribution load of 23,613 MW. In one program for example, residential customers participating in the company's Nature First initiative can receive up to a $40 seasonal bill credit for allowing ComEd to cycle off their central air conditioning unit for brief periods during peak summer demand times.

ComEd customers, no matter what company they purchase their electricity from, can get more information at www.ComEdCARE.com.

The AT&T; Foundation—the philanthropic arm of AT&T;—and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) recently unveiled 32 locations that will house new community technology centers in low-income Hispanic communities through LULAC's Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative. The centers, which are planned to be operational by the end of May, are being supported by a $1.5 million grant that builds upon the success of the AT&T; Foundation's $1 million grant to LULAC in 2004.

"In addition to creating 32 new technology centers, the funds will also enable us to maintain 23 current locations established under the previous grant," said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. "More than 55,000 Latinos received access and instruction on computer technology through AT&T;'s support in 2004, and we expect this new grant to more than double the number of people we can help."

The grant to LULAC is a part of AT&T; AccessAll, a three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative to provide technology access to underserved communities. It will provide each new facility with computer equipment, personnel support, high-speed Internet service and videoconferencing. Eight of the new centers will be housed in LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC), and 24 will be implemented at non-LNESC locations.

Clients served by the community technology centers are low-income and/or first-generation Hispanic-American youth and adults. While a higher percentage of Hispanics are employed compared with any other ethnic group (64 percent employment rate versus 63 percent for the next highest, Current Population Survey, April 2006), Hispanics are far more likely than the average American to be among the working poor. In addition, according to a new study by Pew Hispanic Center, 53 percent of Hispanics who are not online say this is because they do not have access. Empower Hispanic America with Technology is aimed at combating these inequities by giving Hispanics the necessary skills, and access, to compete in today's technology-driven workplaces.

"In today's digital world, the impact of connecting underserved communities with technology resources is immeasurable as we look at economic mobility," said Sonya Medina, director of the AT&T; Foundation. "Our support for the Empower Hispanic America with Technology initiative reflects AT&T;'s commitment to strengthening education and community development opportunities through technology."

The LULAC-affiliated centers provide access to and instruction on modern computer technology in addition to assistance with resumes, college application preparation, GED preparation, financial aid research, and online citizenship services and job-search programs. Program participants use high-speed Internet access, computer equipment and basic office applications software to develop job skills, research career options, educational opportunities and other resources.

AT&T;'s signature AccessAll initiative is a landmark three-year $100 million philanthropic initiative that connects families and communities with technology tools that can improve lives. The program will provide technology access, tools and training to low-income families, underserved communities and the organizations that work to strengthen communities.

AT&T; and the AT&T; Foundation support efforts that enrich and strengthen diverse communities nationwide, particularly initiatives with an emphasis on education and technology and those that benefit underserved populations. Since 1996, the AT&T; Foundation has contributed more than $40 million in grants to organizations serving Hispanic communities across the country.

For a complete list of locations receiving assistance, check out the AT&T; press release.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $111.6 million in weatherization grants to 30 states and the Navajo Nation to make energy efficiency improvements in homes of low-income families. Weatherization can reduce an average home's energy costs by $358 annually. Total Fiscal Year 2007 funding is $204.5 million and will provide weatherization to approximately 70,000 homes.

"Weatherization is a valuable way to help save money and energy," DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner said. "This year, the Department of Energy's weatherization program will help nearly 70,000 families make their homes more energy efficient."

For every dollar spent, weatherization returns $1.53 in energy savings over the life of the measures. DOE's weatherization program performs energy audits to identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, which typically includes adding insulation, reducing air infiltration, servicing heating and cooling systems, and providing health and safety diagnostic services. Other benefits include increased housing affordability and property values, lower owner and renter turnover and reduced fire risks. In 2006, DOE helped weatherize approximately 96,500 homes.

On average, Americans spend five percent of their income on paying energy bills, but for lower-income households the costs average 16 percent. These costs can include anything from heating and cooling their homes to running the lights, computers and other appliances.

DOE's weatherization program grants are distributed by state energy offices through more than 900 local agencies. Every state, the District of Columbia, the Navajo Nation and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona will receive weatherization grants this year.

For more information, see the Department of Energy press release.

To celebrate Earth Day—while providing relief from recent electric rate hikes—a partnership of local governments and a consumer group in Chicago will be giving away more than 430,000 energy-saving light bulbs, representing enough electricity to illuminate the Sears Tower for a full-year.

Sponsored by the Northern Illinois Energy Project (NIEP), a nonprofit partnership of the Citizens Utility Board, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, and the City of Chicago, the program will distribute free bulbs at 40 Wal-Mart stores throughout the region, making this one of largest free lighting programs in Chicago-area history.

The money-saving Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) can save up to $30 over the lifetime of each bulb, while reducing energy consumption by 66 percent less than the standard incandescent bulb. The combined economic and environmental benefit makes the light-bulb giveaway an ideal program at a moment when the public is recognizing Earth Day, but also dealing with the impact of escalating electricity costs.

"NIEP is proud to help Northern Illinois families offset the hardship of rising energy costs while leading the way in the fight against global warming. This CFL give-away provides consumers with an easy way to save money on their monthly utility bills, while protecting the environment," said David Kolata, president of NIEP and Executive Director of Citizens Utility Board.

While the price of CFLs has decreased dramatically in recent years, the free giveaway affords consumers a chance to start changing their purchasing habits at no cost. "The real difference comes when people start changing all of their bulbs, and we view this promotion as a great way to get started," Kolata added.

The program is managed by NIEP which was formed with money obtained from a legal settlement with ComEd and aims to save money and conserve energy for utility customers.

The CFL promotion will be held on two consecutive Saturdays April 21 and April 28 during regular Wal-Mart store hours. Two CFLs will be distributed per person on a first come first serve basis at Chicago-area Wal-Mart locations.

For more information and a full listing of locations, check out the press release More Than 430,000 Free Energy-Saving Light Bulbs to be Given to Consumers Starting on Earth Day.

Best Buy recently announced the launch of a consumer electronics recycling grant program to help increase the recycling opportunities available in communities across the country. The company says the new program is part of its commitment to help consumers nationwide make safe, responsible decisions when disposing of old and unwanted consumer electronics.

The program will provide two types of grants—the first will provide support for events hosted by 501(C)3 nonprofit organizations. The second will support events hosted by other organizations in cities and townships across the country (e.g., cities, counties, public-private partnerships). Grants will range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the size and scope of each organization???s event program and the recycling need in the area.

???As the largest retailer of consumer electronics, we have a responsibility to help consumers make smart decisions when disposing of e-waste,??? said Brenda Mathison, director, environmental affairs, Best Buy. ???The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that consumers will retire two million tons of e-waste this year—rom cell phones and rechargeable batteries to televisions, computers and appliances. We see this grant program as a way to extend our reach in communities, supporting local programs that touch all consumers and help ensure these items are properly handled.???

The recycling grant program joins a number of Best Buy programs that the company says have helped more consumers recycle e-waste than any other retailer in the United States, including:

Free recycling drop-off kiosks
You can find these kiosks just inside the door of every U.S. Best Buy store and drop off items for free. In 2006, Best Buy collected more than 90,000 pounds of old cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and ink-jet cartridges.

Recycling events
Best Buy hosts and/or sponsor weekend recycling events in its store parking lots across the United States. Since 2001, these events have collected more than 5 million pounds of e-waste. In 2006, Best Buy sponsored or hosted 40 recycling events, collecting more than 1.8 million pounds of e-waste from consumers. This year Best Buy will hold events in Florida, Minnesota. Washington State, California, Massachusetts and several other states.

Services and haul-away programs
Best Buy says it recycled more than 13 million pounds of e-waste through its services and customer haul away programs in 2006. For a nominal fee, Best Buy will haul away and recycle your television, monitor, and appliances when new purchases from their stores are delivered to your home.

Mail-in cell phone recycling
New cell phone customers receive free, postage-paid envelopes to mail old phones to ReCellular, a cell phone reuse/recycling partner of Best Buy.

For more information on all Best Buy's recycling efforts, visit www.bestbuy.com/recycling.

TiVo is partnering with One True Media, a web-based service for creating and sharing video montages, to offer consumers the ability to easily share personal video content—incorporating their own digital videos and photos right to the TV.

You can now visit www.onetruemedia.com to create a digital video montage, complete with soundtrack, by uploading videos and photos and taking advantage of the site's simple editing tools. To share the montage, you create your own personal channel with TiVo, and then invite TiVo subscribers of your choosing to "subscribe" to the channel at no additional cost. TiVo users can then select a TiVo Season Pass™ recording that automatically adds the your latest videos to the their "Now Playing" list ??? the same location where they access all of their favorite television recordings.

TiVo says these easy-to-create-and-share video montages are ideally suited to all kinds of occasions: sharing a baby's first steps or child's birthday party; creating a tribute to Mom, Dad or grandparents; graduation; sharing post-game sports highlights with the team; or chronicling your summer vacation.

"TiVo continues to put convenience and control into the hands of consumers and we are pleased to offer our subscribers yet another easy-to-use, exclusive feature that brings a very personal touch to their TiVo experience," said Katie Ho, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at TiVo. "Rather than posting on public sites or huddling around a computer screen, people can now enjoy these special and personal moments on the best screen in the house???in the living room."

"One True Media has given people an exciting and fun way to make impressive video montages; now we're offering an ultra simple way for their friends and family to watch them on a big screen??? just like they would watch 24 or American Idol,'" said Mark Moore, CEO, One True Media. "We're thrilled that this relationship allows our users to benefit even more from this compelling new way to share life's greatest moments."

This new home movie sharing feature is accessible at no additional cost to the viewer. The ability to receive and view these videos is available free to 1.5 million broadband-ready TiVo Series2™ and TiVo Series3™ subscribers. For those publishing video, One True Media is providing a free trial on a limited basis, allowing you to send up to five creations at no cost through April 30, 2007. A standard subscription to One True Media offers memberships starting as low as $3.99/month or $39.99/year.

For more information, check out the TiVo press release TiVo and One True Media Offer Consumers Easy New Way to Share Home Movies with Friends and Family Across the Country, Right to their TiVo boxes.

In honor of Earthquake Preparedness Month, Southern California Gas Company (The Gas Company) reminded customers that advance preparation is critical during an earthquake emergency.

The natural gas provider offers these safety tips to help reduce the possibility of injuries or damage to property that may occur during a quake:

Before an earthquake

• Follow the rules contained in current plumbing codes, requiring that water heaters be secured to the wall studs to prevent them from moving or toppling over. The water heater should be fastened securely to the wall studs in two places—the upper and lower one-third of the tank—with heavy bolts and metal straps. A quake may cause an unsecured water heater to move, possibly breaking the gas connectors, which may result in a fire. The loss of a water heater also would deprive a home of a valuable water source that may be needed for cooking and drinking.
• Replace semi-rigid (aluminum or copper) gas appliance connectors with approved connectors made of corrugated metal. These are less likely to crack during an earthquake. Connectors and water heater strapping kits are available at most hardware and home improvement stores.
• Have a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench handy to manually turn off the gas meter should it be necessary.

After an earthquake

• Do not turn off the gas meter after an earthquake, unless there is the smell or sound of gas escaping.


• If an appliance appears to have a leak, turning off the valve between the appliance and gas line may stop the leak. If this does not stop the leak, the gas should be shut off at the meter.


• If there is the smell or sound of gas escaping, do not light a match, candle or cigarette, and do not turn electrical devices—not even a light switch—on or off. (If calling the Gas Company for assistance, call from a safe location, away from the leak.) The gas should be manually turned off at the meter. Using an adjustable wrench, make a quarter-turn of the valve, moving it from a vertical position to a horizontal position. This will shut off the flow of gas. (A diagram and instructions for turning off the gas meter are printed in the "Survival Guide" section of most telephone directory white pages).


• If the gas is shut off at the meter, do not attempt to turn it back on without the help of The Gas Company. Gas service should not be restored until The Gas Company determines that the customer's facilities, appliances or other gas equipment have been made safe.

Share these tips with family and friends to be sure everyone is prepared in the event of an earthquake. For more information, check out the Southern California Gas Company press release.

XM says it is now offering baseball fans the opportunity to send personalized voice messages from baseball stars Derek Jeter, David Ortiz and Cal Ripken, Jr. to their friends and family.

"Call Stars" is geared to enhance baseball fans' awareness of XM's comprehensive coverage of Major League Baseball. XM airs every MLB game for every team from Opening Night to the World Series.

Fans can visit www.xmradio.com/mlb to send a customized voice message from the New York Yankees' Jeter, Boston Red Sox slugger Ortiz, or Hall-of-Fame-bound Ripken. When fans arrive at the site, they choose a ball player and enter a friend's name, favorite team, hobbies, and other details. Friends will receive the voice message on their phone, email or by AOL Instant Messenger.

"Call Stars" offers the baseball fan a wide variety of choices for creating a personal message from Jeter, Ortiz, or Ripken. Messages from Ortiz are available in Spanish or English. This campaign marks the first time that this type of audio service has been available in Spanish.

"With baseball season underway, XM is truly thrilled to provide fans an interactive way to get excited about the game," said Vernon Irvin, Chief Marketing Officer at XM. "This viral marketing campaign engages fans in a way that is fun and effective, and it provides XM an ideal platform to
communicate directly to consumers."

In addition to carrying the games, XM has the nation's only 24-hour talk radio channel dedicated to Major League Baseball, MLB Home Plate (XM Channel 175). The channel covers every aspect of the sport 365 days a year with call- in shows, round-the-clock news updates, specials, and classic games.

For more information, check out the XM press release.

MINI USA and SIRIUS Satellite Radio last week announced that SIRIUS is available as a factory installed option with a lifetime subscription on the all-new 2007 MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S hardtops produced beginning this June. The lifetime subscription is transferable with the car from one owner to the next.

The factory-installed SIRIUS radio with a lifetime subscription will be available for an MSRP of $950. MINI USA will also offer SIRIUS, with a lifetime subscription, as part of its upgraded Audio Pack that also includes MINI's Hi-Fi sound system, for an MSRP of just $1,400.

"We are excited to offer our customers factory-installed SIRIUS radio with a lifetime subscription." said Rich Steinberg, head of MINI Product Strategy, "Now it makes the choice even easier for them to enjoy SIRIUS radio in their new MINI."

"With over 130 channels of The Best Radio on Radio, SIRIUS offers the ultimate choice in radio," said Doug Wilsterman, Senior Vice President and General Manager OEM Division for SIRIUS. "By including a lifetime subscription, owners can listen to SIRIUS for as long as they own their MINI."

Read the SIRIUS press release for more details.

TiVo and Verizon Wireless recently announced the availability of TiVo® Mobile scheduling, a downloadable application available only through Verizon Wireless. TiVo Mobile scheduling allows subscribers to purchase the mobile service through select Verizon Wireless handsets and schedule recordings on their Series2™ or Series3™ TiVo boxes.

TiVo and Verizon Wireless say they are bringing consumers the convenience of scheduling television recordings while away from the living room. Whether you are away from home or discussing TV at the water cooler, all that is needed is a select Verizon Wireless Get It Now®-enabled handset to schedule recordings on your TiVo box.

"TiVo continues to transform and revolutionize the way people control and watch television," said Jim Denney, vice president of product marketing at TiVo. "TiVo Mobile scheduling gives Verizon Wireless customers unprecedented control of their television experience and provides that control wherever they are."

Ryan Hughes, vice president of digital media for Verizon noted, "TiVo built its reputation by making television relevant to its customers, while Verizon Wireless built and maintains the nation's most reliable wireless network. This innovative service adds a new layer of relevance and immediacy, so even when they're thousands of miles away from their televisions, TiVo subscribers can program their favorite shows."

TiVo Mobile scheduling uses the award-winning TiVo interface to give subscribers the ability to easily search for and browse through listings to find shows that they want to record. Subscribers to the TiVo Mobile scheduling service will also have access to premium entertainment content that is updated daily, including a customizable channel lineup, the most popular and most recorded shows and a current list of recommendations from TiVo.

TiVo Mobile scheduling is available for $1.99 monthly access on select Get It Now-enabled phones, including the Samsung SCH-a950, Chocolate by LG and LG VX8300.

For more information, see the TiVo press release.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company recently announced that, for the second consecutive year, the company is rewarding customers who successfully took steps to cut their natural gas usage during the winter compared with their usage over the prior three winters. Customers who qualified for the company's 10/20 Plus Winter Gas Savings Program will receive bill credits expected to total approximately $50 million. An estimated 42 percent of eligible residential and business customers qualified for the credit, which will appear on their March or April PG&E; bill.

Qualifying residential customers are expected to receive an average credit of $20, small commercial customers are expected to receive an average credit of $109, and large commercial customers are expected to receive an average credit of $4,537.

"We developed and launched the 10/20 Plus Program two years ago as an incentive mechanism to help our customers conserve natural gas during the winter months," said Helen Burt, PG&E; senior vice president and chief customer officer. "This year, we enhanced the program to provide even more customers the ability to earn a credit, account for colder weather and compare usage over a three-year period. We are pleased with the early results, which show that our customers want California to continue being a leader in energy conservation."

Pacific Gas and Electric Company created the 10/20 Plus Program as a conservation incentive to encourage customers to reduce natural gas use during the winter, which in turn helps keep the overall market price of natural gas down. The incentive, a bill credit of up to 20 percent, was available to almost all natural gas customers.

To earn the 10/20 Plus Program credit, qualifying customers simply had to reduce their cumulative natural gas usage during January and February below the three-year historical average at their home or business. For every 1 percent decrease in usage, customers received a 1 percent credit up to 9 percent. Customers who reduced their usage by 10 percent or more received a 20 percent bill credit. Almost all PG&E; customers were eligible and automatically enrolled in the 10/20 Plus Program.

PG&E; says it is also helping customers reduce their energy use, through conservation and energy efficiency programs, including rebates for energy efficient appliances, on-line energy audits, and through programs to help low income households.

For more information, read the PG&E; press release.

The Verizon Foundation last week announced a $31 million investment to provide free online educational resources to teachers, students and community organizations through Thinkfinity.org, Verizon's comprehensive online portal to 50,000 standards- based, K-12 lesson plans and other educational resources provided by some of the nation's leading educational organizations.

The $31 million commitment, which will be distributed over three years, will allow leading educational organizations to continue to produce and expand the number of interactives and other educational resources available at www.thinkfinity.org.

The Verizon Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, which is deploying the most advanced wireline and wireless broadband networks in America. Thinkfinity is the Verizon Foundation's signature educational and literacy program, and includes the program formerly known as Verizon MarcoPolo, and the Verizon Literacy Network.

"Thinkfinity is a tremendous asset for teachers, students, parents and community organizations," said Tom Tauke, Verizon executive vice president - public affairs, policy and communications. "It's appropriate that our foundation supports a literacy and education program that is built on the technology that Verizon is deploying. The broadband networks we are building can provide a student anywhere, anytime access to the world's richest educational content created by the leading experts in the fields of history, science, mathematics and the arts."

Content for Thinkfinity is provided through the following leading organizations in the fields of education and literacy: the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Reading Association, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Center for Family Literacy, National Council on Economic Education, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Geographic Society and ProLiteracy Worldwide.

Also on Tuesday, the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History was announced as Thinkfinity's 11th content partner. The museum's electronic outreach program creates experiences that incorporate qualities of a museum visit with the flexibility and interactivity of online tools. As a partner, the museum plans to help create family and after-school offerings on Thinkfinity.org.

"Producing interactive, engaging lessons plans is a necessity to reach our children in the classroom today," said Charmona Whitfield, an instructional technology teacher for grades K-6 at Mosby Woods Elementary School in Fairfax, Va. "Because our kids have iPods, cell phones and X-boxes, they need to truly interact with what they are learning. To simply stand in front of them and talk is not enough. Thinkfinity makes learning fun."

Whitfield said Thinkfinity also provides practical benefits to teachers. "It's a time saver," she said. "It's concise, easy to navigate. You have very quick access to tried-and-proven lesson plans."

Thinkfinity combines authoritative, standards-based K-12 educational content and robust professional development with research and evidence-based resources and practices for literacy across the lifespan.

Research published in the Peabody Journal of Education (2006) showed that providing state-of-the-art educational resources had a positive effect on student achievement, especially in schools that traditionally lacked such resources.

"Thinkfinity is an exemplary online platform for delivering high-quality resources to a wide range of stakeholders that support lifelong learners in school and beyond the school day," said Dr. Trina Davis, president-elect of the International Society for Technology in Education. "Taking an integrated approach in providing stellar resources and focused professional development assures that the needs of 21st century learners will be met in schools and communities across the country."

For more information, check out the Verizon press release.

AT&T; and USA Gymnastics recently announced their effort to give a behind-the- scenes look at the nation's top gymnasts in a 25-episode online series, USA Gymnastics: Behind the Team, as they prepare to represent their country on the world stage through 2008. The series will be included as exclusive content available on the AT&T; blue room Team USA site

"Behind the Team will provide an insider's look at the USA Gymnastics story over the next 17 months," said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. "This series will chronicle the athletes, coaches, events and training activities that combine to produce some of the finest gymnasts in the world and prepare them for international competition. Behind the Team will also help people understand how the sport and the U.S. training system have evolved over time."

"Through more than two dozen webisodes, this series will explore the world of one of the most watched sports in the Olympic movement," said Jason Simpson, director of Olympic integration, AT&T.; "With such great consumer demand for Olympic sports content, AT&T; is thrilled to exclusively offer this compelling program leading up to the 2008 Beijing games."

The Behind the Team online series will include interviews with current and former athletes and coaches, as well as video of training camps and competitions. The first webisode will debut on the AT&T; blue room in April 2007, with new webisodes introduced through August 2008. Webisodes will also be archived on the site.

AT&T; is an official partner of the U.S. Olympic Team and USA gymnastics, providing financial support, products and services to America's athletes. AT&T; will serve as the official telecommunications services partner of the U.S. Olympic Team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

For more information, check out the AT&T; press release.

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® focused its weekly series "Jackson Hewitt Tax Time Tips" on reminding homeowners about the tax credits available for certain home improvements.

This Week's Tip: Homeowners who made energy-efficient renovations in 2006 should take advantage of several tax credits when filing their 2006 tax return.

"2006 was the first active year of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allowing homeowners who made certain types of improvements to claim beneficial credits on their 2006 tax returns," notes Mark Steber, Vice President, Tax Resources of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "The Act recognizes a wide range of improvements, from replacing leaky windows to adding insulation. Owners of multi-family units, single family homes, condominiums, co-ops and town houses are all eligible, and improvements must have been made to a primary home within the United States between Jan. 1, 2006 and Dec. 31, 2006 to qualify."

Tax credits vary based on the type of improvement. Qualified energy efficiency improvements and qualified residential energy property costs have a total lifetime limit of $500 and may include certain other limitations. Qualifying expenses and improvements include:

• Adding insulation, exterior doors, and installing metal roofs with a cost-efficient coating allows you a tax credit of 10 percent of the cost.
• Exterior windows are eligible for a tax credit of 10 percent of the expense up to lifetime total tax credit of $200.
• The cost of purchasing and installing qualified heat pumps, central air conditioners, circulating fans, furnaces and hot water heaters is not limited to 10 percent. Heat pumps and central air conditioning units are limited to $300 while furnaces and hot water heaters are limited to $150 and circulating fans are limited to $50.

A tax credit of 30 percent of the cost, up to $2,000, of installing solar water heating systems and solar panels used to generate electricity in your home is available. Additionally, you are eligible for an additional credit of $500 for each half kilowatt of production capacity from fuel cell equipment installed in your home each year.

Steber reminds homeowners that home-related expenses—often the most significant items on a tax return—offer taxpayers the opportunity to itemize a wide range of deductions as well as enjoy other tax benefits. "Working with a tax preparer can help consumers uncover the extra value in a home as it relates to filing their annual tax returns," he said.

Information on all of the credits and deductions relating to a home can be accessed by visiting www.jacksonhewitt.com.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) formally approved AT&T; California's application for a state-issued authorization to provide video service in California as part of "The Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006," which became law on January 1, 2007.

"The CPUC's approval of our application brings Californians one step closer to finally having a real choice to cable TV," said Ken McNeely, President, AT&T; California. "After more than 40
years of the status quo, Californians are now beginning to see the benefits of a competitive marketplace for both TV/video and other broadband services."

"At AT&T;, we're hard at work with cities across California as we upgrade our fiber-optic network to bring consumers the most advanced Internet Protocol (IP)-based TV/video services and faster Internet access speeds. Harnessing the power of IP, we're helping usher in a new era of innovative, next- generation services and new choices for Californians. We look forward to rolling out our TV/video service—AT&T; U-verse(SM)—in cities throughout [California] as soon as possible."

For more information, see the AT&T; press release.

The General Services Administration (GSA) today awarded Qwest Communications International Inc. a stake in Networx, the largest communications services contract in the world. Qwest will participate in the U.S. government program that is valued at approximately $20 billion over the next 10 years to provide leading-edge voice, data and video services, including managed and secure advanced data networks, to federal agencies nationwide.

Today, Qwest is a leading provider to more than 50 federal government agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Department of Justice and the Department of Treasury. The Networx Universal award enables Qwest to aggressively compete for billions of dollars of additional federal government communication business.

"This is a big win for Qwest that complements our progress over the last five years and is a testament to Qwest"s status as a leading, national, tier-one communications provider," said Qwest Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard C. Notebaert. "All Qwest customers across the nation will see benefits. Qwest already is offering to its business customers many of the advanced features that are required in Networx and customers will continue to benefit from Qwest"s investments in broadband technologies to support next-generation applications that are anticipated by GSA."

The Networx program will provide comprehensive, best-of-breed communications and networking services and technical solutions to all federal agencies. It will allow the agencies to focus resources on building a seamless and interoperable operating environment while GSA ensures agency access to the best technology industry has to offer.

"Although Qwest is already a leading supplier to the U.S. government, this award enables us to grow our federal business," said Diana Gowen, senior vice president and general manager of Qwest government services. "It"s also good for government customers because including Qwest in Networx provides federal agencies with more choices, which will enable creative solutions and excellent price performance for the U.S. government and the taxpayers."

"A Networx Universal spot is akin to a 'Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval' for data and voice product portfolios, customer service and national network capabilities," said analyst Mark Winther, vice president of worldwide telecommunications at IDC. "Networx Universal winners secured the endorsement of one of the most discriminating customers in the world, in one of the most complex and thorough communications proposals ever. Networx winners will attract additional business and residential customers that want to work only with the best."

In addition to Networx, Qwest recently has received other large awards from the U.S. government. In November, Qwest was the winner of a contract worth up to $100 million from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to provide bandwidth transmission services for connecting military installations located across the West to the Global Information Grid (GIG) over the next 10 years. And last month, Qwest announced it will be the sole provider of telecommunications services to federal agencies in nine Western states in a contract from the GSA worth at least $10 million.