SAVE MONEY ON HOME INTERNET WITH THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY

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If your utility does not offer the Energy Savings Assistance Program, you may be eligible to receive services through the state of California’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Weatherization program administered by the Department of Community Services and Development.  The program provides free home energy efficiency upgrades and health and safety improvements to qualifying low-income households.  To apply or for more information visit www.csd.ca.gov or call 1 (866) 675 - 6623.

The Single-family Affordable Solar Homes Program (SASH) is a ratepayer-funded program through the California Public Utilities Commission that provides up-front rebates to help low-income homeowners access the benefits of solar power.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded energy assistance program provides income-qualified households a one-time financial assistance to help pay their utility bill. Funds pledged to assist customers are distributed through local community-based organizations, assistance agencies and certain government agencies.

The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) assists low-income households that are in a crisis, such as a household that has received a 24- to 48-hour disconnect notice or service termination by its utility company, or a household facing an energy-related crisis of life-threatening emergency, including matters related to a combustible (gas) appliance.

For more information or to apply, click here or call 1 (866) 675 - 6623.

The Telecommunications Education and Assistance in Multiple Languages (TEAM) program provides services to limited English proficient consumers with telecommunications issues by focusing on three services components - consumer education, complaint resolution, and outreach. 

The Community Help and Awareness of Natural Gas and Electric Services (CHANGES) program provides services to limited English proficient consumers who need help with energy issues. The program provides consumer education and complaint resolution (between the consumer and utility).

For more information, click here.

Utility customers having difficulty paying their utility bill can receive relief through the Energy or Gas Assistance Fund.  This program may be able to provide a one-time grant that would be applied to your utility bill.  The utilities work together with United Way, who work with volunteer nonprofit, community based organizations which help qualify customers apply for assistance. 

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) - The CARE rate is available to eligible income qualified households and offers a discount of about 30% on your electric bill and 20% on your natural gas bill.  Customers who may not qualify for CARE may be eligible for a rate discount through the Family Rate Assistance for Energy (FERA).  This program reduces the electric bills for qualified households by 18%.  Both programs have the same application and it is easy to apply.

The utility's Level Pay Plan helps you to budget your utility bill by allowing you to pay the same amount each month based on your average usage during the previous year. 

The Level Pay Plan is not a discount program and does not involve savings or lower rates.  It is simply a budgeting tool. 

If someone in your household uses medical equipment on a regular basis, you may qualify for the Medical Baseline Allowance Program.  The program allows you to be billed at a lower rate to offset the cost of operating the medical equipment.

Eligible households could lower the cost of their phone bills with the California Lifeline Program.  In addition, the LifeLine program offers a discount on talk cell phone plans and you may also qualify for a free cell phone.