Emergency assistance programs offer much-needed support for individuals and families struggling to pay their energy bills. These programs provide financial aid to those facing temporary financial hardships or unexpected emergencies, ensuring that they can keep their lights on and homes warm. By offering assistance with energy bills, these programs help prevent individuals from falling into further financial distress or risking having their utilities shut off. This support provides a crucial safety net for vulnerable populations, ensuring that they can maintain a basic level of comfort and security during difficult times. Overall, emergency assistance programs play a vital role in helping individuals and families stay afloat during times of need.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a utility payment program that can offer income-eligible residents of Sacramento, Sutter, and Yuba counties a credit to their energy bill(s). HEAP is available to customers of PG&E, SMUD, and those who heat their homes using wood, propane, or oil purchased from a vendor. Along with the credit, clients will receive valuable information about energy conservation and practical tips on how to save energy and keep their utility bills at a manageable level.
Priority for HEAP services is given to applicants that meet the following criteria Are income qualified. Have a high energy burden (the percentage of the household income that is spent on the energy bill(s). Have a member of the household that is part of a vulnerable population (i.e. seniors over 60 years of age, disabled persons, and children under 5 years of age). HEAP assistance is calculated based on household size, household income, and the percentage of income spent on energy bills, known as the energy burden. Other factors considered include funding availability and the cost of energy within the county where the household resides. HEAP provides one payment, typically ranging from $300-$600 every 12 months. Processing of your credit can take 8-12 weeks from the time you apply, which varies based on applicant volume. If you receive a HEAP credit, you are still responsible for paying your utility bill while the credit is being processed.
https://www.communityresourceproject.org/Services/Utility-Assistance
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federally funded program aimed at assisting low-income households that pay a high portion of their income to meet their energy needs. LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services.There are several portions of the program that help accomplish this goal, such as: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides one-time financial assistance to help balance an eligible household's utility bill.
The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides assistance to low-income households that are in a crisis situation. Such an example would be a household receiving a 24-48 hour disconnect notice or service termination by their utility company. Another example would be a household facing an energy-related crisis that could be deemed potentially life-threatening in the household, such as a combustible appliance. LIHEAP Weatherization provides free energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households to lower their monthly utility bills while also improving the health and safety of the household's occupants. Education on basic energy efficiency practices and instruction on the proper use and maintenance of installed weatherization measures. Energy budget counseling. LIHEAP, Workers installing AC, stove, refrigerator, clothes dryer. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to eligible low-income households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs. https://www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx
250 Harris Ave, Suite 3, Sacramento, CA 95838 Phone: (916) 567-5200
250 Harris Ave, Suite 3, Sacramento, CA 95838 Phone: (916) 567-5200
California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and provides two basic types of services. Eligible low-income persons, via local governmental and nonprofit organizations, can receive financial assistance to offset the costs of heating and/or cooling dwellings, and/or have their dwellings weatherized to make them more energy efficient. This is accomplished through these program components: The Weatherization Program provides free weatherization services to improve the energy efficiency of homes, including attic insulation, weather stripping, minor housing repairs, and related energy conservation measures. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides payments for weather-related or energy-related emergencies.https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1540 Program Contact 1-866-675-6623
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and provides two basic types of services. Eligible low-income persons, via local governmental and nonprofit organizations, can receive financial assistance to offset the costs of heating and/or cooling dwellings, and/or have their dwellings weatherized to make them more energy efficient. This is accomplished through these program components: The Weatherization Program provides free weatherization services to improve the energy efficiency of homes, including attic insulation, weather stripping, minor housing repairs, and related energy conservation measures. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides payments for weather-related or energy-related emergencies.https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1540 Program Contact 1-866-675-6623
SMUD Energy Assistance Program
SMUD offers discounts to eligible residential customers to help lower bills.The Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) provides a monthly discount on a qualified customer's energy bill. First, find out if you qualify using the tool below and then get access to the online application. See common discount amounts https://www.smud.org Address: 6301 S St, Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (888) 742-7683
SMUD offers discounts to eligible residential customers to help lower bills.The Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) provides a monthly discount on a qualified customer's energy bill. First, find out if you qualify using the tool below and then get access to the online application. See common discount amounts https://www.smud.org Address: 6301 S St, Sacramento, CA 95817 Phone: (888) 742-7683
The Salvation Army in Sacramento
The Salvation Army in Sacramento is committed to serving the local community by providing a breadth of social service assistance. Assistance programs are based on residence, income qualifications and availability of funding. https://sacramento.salvationarmy.org/sacramento_metro/family-services
North Highlands Family Services: 3213 Orange Grove Ave. North Highlands, CA 95660 (916) 678-4010
Food Boxes & Fresh Produce: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9AM - 1PM Food for Seniors: 60 years old + 4th Monday & Thursday, 9AM - 1PM
Alhambra Community Center: 2500 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817 Contact them: Call (916) 678-4010, prompt #2, Monday - Thursday 8AM - 12PM
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
Long-term monthly discounts on your energy bills
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity. Participants qualify by meeting income guidelines or enrolling in certain public assistance programs. https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/california-alternate-rates-for-energy-program.html
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program
Households of three or more can save on their electricity bill
The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program helps eligible customers pay their energy bill. Income-qualified customers get an 18% monthly discount on electric rates. Participants must be a household with three or more people. https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/family-electric-rate-assistance-program-fera.html
Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH)
PG&E contributed $55 million to provide more help for past-due bills
The Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) program is administered by the Dollar Energy Fund for PG&E. More customers are now eligible for payment assistance, and benefits have increased up to $2,000 as of July, 2024. REACH currently offers two types of relief. You may qualify for one of these programs depending on your household income. https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/relief-for-energy-assistance-through-community-help.html
Arrearage Management Plan (AMP)
If you are enrolled in CARE or FERA, you may be eligible for up to $8,000 in debt forgiveness through AMP.Who is eligible for AMP?
Residential customers who: Are enrolled in California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). Owe at least $500 or more on their gas and electric bill OR (for gas-only customers) owe at least $250 or more on their gas bill. Are more than 90 days past due. Have been a PG&E customer for at least six consecutive months. Have made at least one on-time payment, within the past 24 months. https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/arrearage-management-plan-amp.html