Past-due bills can pile up quickly so credit bureaus, consumer finance groups and utilities urge customers to reach out to power providers as soon as possible if they run into budget trouble.
“We encourage any customer who may be struggling to pay their bill to our customer service team,” said SDG&E Chief Customer Officer Dana Golan. “We can help connect them to resources to find a personalized solution.”
SDG&E’s customer service help number is 1-800-411-7343. You can also call the California Public Utilities Commission at 1-800-649-7570 if an issue can’t be resolved.
One of the most effective ways to reduce utility debt is to enroll in a bill assistance program.
The California Alternate Rates for Energy program can knock about 30% off household energy bills.
Customers can qualify if they are already on one of a number of public assistance programs — such as Medicaid, CalFresh/SNAP food benefits, National School Lunch Program, etc. — or if they meet certain income levels. For example, a family of four earning up to $62,400 a year is eligible for CARE.
Our annual look at San Diego customers behind on their utility bills
For those making a bit more, the Family Electric Rate Assistance program offers an 18% discount on electric bills for households of three or more.
About 20,000 CARE and FERA customers in SDG&E’s service territory are currently enrolled in an Arrearage Management Payment plan. It sets up a road map for customers with utility bills that have piled up for months. If payments are made for 12 straight months, as much as $8,000 can be forgiven.
On the federal level, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps customers across the country.
The money available to LIHEAP customers who qualify can be substantial — ranging from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000, depending on the level of income, the size of a household and the balance that is past due. LIHEAP grants do not have to be repaid and are available to renters as well as homeowners.
SDG&E officials said there is still about $5 million available in LIHEAP funding in the San Diego area for the rest of this year.
