The California Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy division has a variety of low income energy assistance programs available to households. Through the many public and private programs, consumers can qualify for savings on their winter heating bills, as well as improving the balance of their overall household finances. By coordinating both state and federal programs, as well as working with private utility program opportunities, most middle and low-income households can qualify for a variety of programs.
One of the primary government programs is known as Care, or the California Alternative Rates for Energy Program. Through the program, qualified households can receive discounts on their energy rates through a variety of utilities such as PGE (Pacific Gas and Electric), which are funded through surcharges from upper income households. Each utility coordinates these programs directly with consumers based upon the income qualifications set at the state.
Another public partnership program is the California Interfaith Energy Assistance Project, or CIEAP, which provides grants from the Hewlett Foundation to help families pay for a variety of expenses, including energy assistance, mortgage payments, groceries, medical and emergency expenses. The program provides grants on a local and regional basis in coordination with Catholic Charities of California, which provides low income assistance in specified California counties at high risk.
Families can also quality for the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program, or FERA, which provides allowances to households whose income slightly exceeds the fuel assistance standards for the federal government. Through the program, households can qualify for reduced rates directly through their specific utility company.
Additionally, many families can qualify for low or no-cost weatherization grants programs through the Low Income Energy Efficiency Program, known as Life. The program provides funds to help pay for insulation, energy efficiency applications as well as energy efficiency repairs to homes for low income families.
As one of the largest consumers of energy, California’s state agencies are responsible for allocating Liheap block grants through the Department of Health and Human Services. These grants cover the cost of Weathierization Assistance, Home Energy Assistance as well as Crisis Intervention for at-risk families. Families must meet income qualifications and submit their application to the proper agency on time.
A number of private programs also provide a safety net for California residents, including the Salvation Family Emergency Services Program. The program provides assistance in terms of energy support, as well as job training and temporary housing for at-risk families and individuals on an as-needed basis.
