Conectiv Urges Safety Around Power Equipment
Electricity is Hazardous, Despite Television Stunt

WILMINGTON, Del. -- At 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, NBC will air an episode of the "reality" show, "Fear Factor," in which competitors will stand at a high-voltage electrical substation and receive "minor" nuisance shocks. In fact, there is no such thing as a "minor nuisance shock."

As an electric utility serving more than 1 million customers in the Mid-Atlantic region, Conectiv Power Delivery is concerned that the show could trivialize the potential dangers of contact with electric transmission and distribution equipment, thus leading viewers to approach these facilities without the appropriate caution.

If you are planning to cover this show in entertainment news, please take note of the attached letter from Tom Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute. We share his concerns about this program. Should you cover the show, we strongly encourage you to include some words of caution to the viewing public.