In an effort to help ratepayers with bill assistance and bolster community resources for residents who may be financially struggling, San Diego Gas & Electric announced it is providing $16 million to increase assistance programs.
The company said it will fund a new $10 million program to support local nonprofit, community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide essential services to vulnerable customers. The company is also immediately increasing funding for its Neighbor-to-Neighbor bill assistance program to $6 million while doubling the financial support available to each qualifying customer and expanding eligibility to ensure more customers can take advantage of the program.
“The unprecedented natural gas prices in the Western U.S. this winter have put a strain on families, and we must do more to help ease the financial burden facing our customers,” said SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn in a statement. “We are listening and remain focused on supporting the communities we serve during this challenging time. This additional funding will continue our efforts in assisting customers experiencing hardships.”
According to SGD&E, March natural gas commodity prices are forecasted to be significantly lower than January and February. The company credits this prediction to the restoration of service to “a critical out-of-state pipeline”.
The company said it will begin collaborating with local nonprofit organizations and seek proposals for the new $10 million initiative that support programs that uplift vulnerable and lower-income residents, including seniors and those who are food insecure. Additional details about the program are expected to
The Neighbor to Neighbor Program, which is funded entirely by SDG7E shareholder dollars, is intended to provide eligible customers with up to $300 to offset outstanding bills. With the additional funding, eligible recipients may now receive up to $600 per household per year.
Customers may apply by calling 2-1-1 San Diego or 2-1-1 Orange County for assistance with the program.be announced in the coming weeks.
More information on assistance programs can be found at sdge.com/assistance.
