Special Programs for Reduced Energy Rates

The soaring costs of electricity and natural gas have caused severe financial hardship for millions of Californians statewide. Following are some of the programs offered by Northern 
California utilities that can reduce your bills. If your energy provider is not listed, call your local utility to see if similar programs and services are available. If you have trouble reaching your local utility, the Senior Legal Hotline may have current information.

Many of these programs are offered only to low-income and/or to elderly or disabled customers. Typical maximum income levels are $1,833 a month for one or two people, $2,158 for three, $2,591 for four. Exact numbers and conditions vary, however, and are subject to change. You may, however, qualify for more than one of these programs at the same time.

Electricity and gas discounts for low-income customers
PG&E's CARE program offers a 15% discount on electric and/or gas bills. For an application call (800) 278-5472. CARE households are also exempt from the recent 9% electric rate increase.

SMUD's (Sacramento area) EAPR program offers up to 30 percent off on the first tier of electricity usage. Contact the California Department of Community Services and Development, (800) 433-4327.

Roseville Electric's EARP program provides a 15% discount. 
For an application, call (916) 774-5270.

Electricity discounts for life-support equipment users
SMUD's Life Support Program offers a discount of as much as 50% on a portion of electricity usage. Call (888) 742-7683. 
PG&E has a similar program - call (800) 743-5000.

Help with paying bills
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) provides once-a-year assistance for income-eligible customers. Contact the California Department of Community Services and Development, (800) 433-4327, for referral to an agency in your area. This federally funded program may be used in addition to any non-federal energy assistance program.

REACH, offered through the Salvation Army, offers urgent, once yearly assistance in paying energy bills to people who have received cutoff notices. Because this program is partly funded by the utility shareholders, however, funds are extremely limited at this time. Call (800) 933-9677.

Energy Efficiency Programs
Many utilities offer a variety of free and discounted assistance to customers enrolled in their low-income programs. For rental customers, the homeowner must agree. Assistance may include an energy audit, insulation, weatherstripping, minor home repairs, low-flow shower heads, compact fluorescent bulbs and appliance replacement. Funds are limited and there may be waiting lists. PG&E customers call (800) 933-9555 for the Energy Partners Program. SMUD: (916) 732-5659. Other utilities have similar programs. Call yours for information.

Third-Party notification
Many utilities have programs under which customers can ask to have a friend or relative notified in case a bill is not paid in time. This can help prevent cutoffs or other problems if you are afraid you might forget or misplace the bill, or might be away from home for a time due to illness. Call your local utility for information.
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If you are over 60 in California, you can get free advice by phone from the Senior Legal Hotline regarding your questions about energy rates or any other legal issue. Hours of operation are Mon.-Fri. 9 to 12 and 1 to 4, and to 7:00 p.m. Thursdays. You can also submit your question by e-mail.