GPU Energy Makes PaPUC Year 2000 Filing.

READING, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 1999--Metropolitan Edison Co. and Pennsylvania Electric Co. both doing business as GPU Energy, today filed documentation concerning their Year 2000 program status with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC).

GPU Energy also submitted Year 2000 contingency plans for all mission-critical systems and components that are not already remediated and tested for Year 2000 readiness.

"Mission critical" for GPU Energy includes any system needed to provide safe, reliable power, or through which GPU Energy responds to its customer inquiries, said Carl Brooks, GPU Energy vice president of human and technical resources and executive sponsor of the Year 2000 effort.

"We have made it our mission at GPU Energy to successfully manage Year 2000 so that power flows to our two million customers with minimal interruptions and operational stability is achieved in a safe, efficient manner," said Brooks. "In addition to updating our equipment and software, GPU Energy has prepared contingency plans to address unforseen developments, including those that might result from businesses upon which GPU Energy relies for its products and services," he said.

However comprehensive the approach, it is good business to have contingency plans that address potential problems in business operations. Having contingency plans in place is a reflection of the significance GPU Energy places on providing safe, reliable power to its customers. GPU Energy's plans are designed to minimize unexpected failures; their existence does not suggest a catastrophic event.

"We are pleased to have reached this milestone for GPU Energy's assets," said Dick Becker, GPU Energy manager, Information Technology Strategy and project manager for the Year 2000 program. "Out of the thousands of mission-critical systems to be tested and remediated, only a handful remain, and our Year 2000 team is poised to continue its efforts to reduce even further the likelihood of failure related to Year 2000," he said.

"These efforts include, among other things, further verification of the activities already completed and testing of the contingency plans through drill," said Becker.

GPU Energy has a full-time Year 2000 project office focused on minimizing Year 2000 challenges. Additionally, all business units are participating in a broad-based program to address Year 2000 concerns. At GPU Energy, a five-step program has been used to inventory, assess, remediate, test and monitor mission-critical equipment, systems, and processes that may have a potential Year 2000 risk.

Customers with questions or comments about the Year 2000 program at GPU Energy can submit them to GPU Energy's Year 2000 project office via the Year 2000 mailbox at [e-mail]. There is also a toll-free number dedicated to answering Year 2000 questions. That number is 1-888-GPU-4Y2K or 1-888-478-4925. Or, visit our website at www.gpu.com.

GPU Inc., headquartered in Morristown, N.J., has three domestic operating utility subsidiaries -- Jersey Central Power & Light Co., Metropolitan Edison Co. and Pennsylvania Electric Co. -- all doing business under the trade name of GPU Energy. It serves approximately 2 million customers in a service area encompassing about half the land areas of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The subsidiaries have assets that are used and/or maintained by GPU Generation Inc., GPU Nuclear Inc. and GPU Service Inc.