There are several sources of assistance for California residents who struggle with paying their electric bills. California electric bill assistance programs are in place for those times in which life’s emergencies might leave you struggling to prevent a disconnection of service.
As a California resident, you may be able to take advantage of the CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) Program. This program allows participants to have discounted electric bills, making them more affordable. The 20% discount can help you make ends meet. If you receive other public assistance, you probably qualify for CARE.
The Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) administers the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for California residents. This program may directly pay your electric bill or could even provide weatherization for your home. If you are in immediate need, facing shutoff within 48 hours, seek help from CSD as well.
If you qualify for CARE, you may also benefit from the Energy Savings Assistance Program. This program can provide many different weatherization help for your home, helping you lower your energy needs. Contact your electricity provider to find out more about this program and to apply.
The government is not the only one providing assistance to California residents in need of help with their electric bills. The California Interfaith Energy Assistance Project, American Red Cross, and Salvation Army all provide energy assistance. Contact your local office for more information.
If your family’s income is just outside the income guidelines of the above programs, you may still be able to get electric bill help from the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program. This is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and can be applied for through your electric company.
Long is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Industrial Relations. He subsequently received his Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. His Certificate in Financial Planning was issued by Florida State University.
Long has achieved the Accredited Credit Counselor and Accredited Financial Counselor certifications through the Association for Financial Counseling, Planning and Education. Long originally achieved the Certified Credit Counselor designation through the National Institute for Financial Education.
In addition to years of nonprofit leadership, Long has been an innovator in the field of volunteer tax return preparation programs. He assists volunteer associations and nonprofit organizations who seek to integrate credit counseling and asset-building programs with free personal income tax preparation. His approach to using free credit reports as both an incentive and a screening tool for placement into asset-building programs has been shared with members of the National Community Tax Coalition, the EITC-Carolinas Initiative of MDC, Inc. and nonprofit groups across the Carolinas.
Long assists members of our armed forces in the Carolinas, Iowa, Rhode Island, Georgia and Germany with financial readiness. Please support our Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors!
Favorite quote:
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
Thomas Jefferson
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