Spectrum was even able to order her a new gas range that arrived two days before Easter dinner, leaving her “tickled to death for a stove that is too pretty to use.” She finally felt she had her home back. Sandra plans to pay that kindness forward by volunteering with Spectrum in the future.Įarly Retirement Brought Financial Hardship
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Spectrum was able to step in and have subcontractors install a new forced-air unit, ducts, floor insulation, and perform a water heater flue repair. Spectrum was able to offer to assess Sandra's home for energy efficiency improvements and discovered her old forced-air unit heated her attic more than her home, and that she had air leaks which caused drafts throughout her entire house. Later that winter, the gas was turned off to her range, leaving her with just a microwave for cooking.įortunately, Sandra's friends recommended that she contact Spectrum Community Services (Spectrum), the agency that administers the LIHEAP program for Alameda County. Sandra expressed, “How could I have an energy bill of over $100! I live alone! … petrified to turn my heater on and have to pay another $100 for heat!” She felt trapped between either feeling cold in her home or paying a utility bill worth almost 10 percent of her net income. However, the winter season of 2017 brought a shock. With her pension set in place and living in her family home, she was prepared to retire gracefully in the community that she grew up in. Sandra M., of San Leandro, CA, is the first-born daughter of hard-working third-generation immigrants. Sandra joined the work force at 17 years old eventually working at Golden Grain Macaroni Company for 25 years. Services provided include attic insulation, energy efficient refrigerators, energy efficient furnaces, weatherstripping, caulking, low-flow showerheads, water heater blankets, and door and building envelope repairs which reduce air infiltration.Ĭlick here for more information about ESA The Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) provides no-cost weatherization services to low-income households who meet the CARE income guidelines. Call your electric utility if your family qualifies.Ĭlick here for more information about CARE and FERAĮnergy Savings Assistance Program - Provides no-cost weatherization services. FERA is available for customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. The Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA) - Bills some of your electricity usage at a lower rate.įamilies whose household income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances will qualify to receive FERA discounts, which bills applies a 12% discount on their electricity bill. Low-income customers that are enrolled in the CARE program can potentially receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and potentially a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill.California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) - Provides a 30-35% discount on your utility bill.Other Income Qualified Utility Assistance Programs NOT Administered by CSD
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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.Įducation on basic energy efficiency practices and instruction on the proper use and maintenance of installed weatherization measures. 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. Such an example would be a household receiving a 24-48 hour disconnect notice or service termination by their utility company. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides assistance to low-income households that are in a crisis situation. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides one-time financial assistance to help balance an eligible household's utility bill. There are several portions of the program that help accomplish this goal, such as: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services.
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. What is LIHEAP and what services are available?
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