GPU Energy Joins New EPA Environmental Protection Initiative.

MORRISTOWN, NJ--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 13, 1999--

GPU Energy has announced it has become a Charter Partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new voluntary partnership aimed at reducing emissions of the greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

GPU Energy uses SF6 as an insulating material in electrical transmission and distribution equipment such as circuit breakers and is among the first users of this material to act to protect the climate.

Nearly 50 electric utilities, including GPU Energy, and local governments are Charter Partners in the EPA's SF6 Emissions Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems.

"By joining EPA in this new effort, GPU Energy demonstrates leadership and its commitment to improving the environment," said Chuck Mowbray, GPU Energy environmental affairs director.

"GPU Energy's decision to work with EPA to endeavor to reduce SF6 emissions demonstrates a true commitment to protecting the environment," said Director of EPA's Office of Atmospheric Programs, Paul Stolpman.

Director of EPA's Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division, Kathleen Hogan added, "EPA applauds GPU Energy as an industry leader for their efforts to reduce emissions of SF6. By joining with EPA in this new partnership, GPU Energy is showing that protection of our global environment and good business can go hand in hand."

Electrical power systems that join the partnership agree to take a leadership role in reducing these emissions and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which details the roles of both EPA and the partner for furthering the goal of emissions reductions.

According to the terms of the MOU, partners agree to estimate emissions of SF6; establish a strategy for replacing older leaking pieces of equipment; implement SF6 recycling; ensure that only knowledgeable personnel handle SF6; and submit annual progress reports. EPA will be a clearinghouse for technical information on successful strategies to reduce emissions; serve as a repository for data on the emissions reduction achievements of the partners; and work to obtain commitments from all electric power system operators to join the partnership and recognize partners for achievements.

GPU, Inc., headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey is a registered utility holding company. GPU's three domestic utility subsidiaries--Jersey Central Power & Light, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company--do business under the trade name of GPU Energy, and serve approximately two million customers in a service area encompassing about half the land areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. GPU's other subsidiaries include: GPU Advanced Resources, Inc.; GPU International, Inc.; GPU Generation, Inc.; GPU Nuclear, Inc; GPU Service, Inc.; and GPU Telcom Services, Inc. (http://www.gpu.com)