LOS ANGELES, July 6, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) today announced that new income guidelines, recently released by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), have increased the number of customers eligible to participate in the Direct Assistance Program. The home energy-savings-improvement service was created to help customers save money on their energy bills.
The Gas Company's Direct Assistance Program offers income-qualified renters and homeowners no-cost services such as: door weather-stripping and caulking to keep unwanted drafts out of the home; ceiling insulation to help the home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter; low-flow showerheads that can save energy used to heat water and other miscellaneous minor home repairs.
"As part of our commitment to provide exceptional customer service, we want to help those customers with the greatest need save energy and help keep their families more comfortable year-round by making their home more energy-efficient," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer services. "Now, more customers can qualify for the home-weatherization services offered at no cost."
Last year, more than 40,500 qualified homes received a variety of home-weatherization services through The Gas Company's Direct Assistance Program.
The CPUC adjusted the maximum qualifying income levels on June 1, 2006, to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines. Higher income levels mean that more customers may now qualify.
The new Direct Assistance Program income guidelines, based on pre-tax annual income are:
Number of Previous New Income
People Income Guidelines
Per Household Guidelines (Effective
June 1, 2006)
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1 or 2 $27,700 $28,600
3 $32,500 $33,600
4 $39,200 $40,500
5 $45,900 $47,400
6 $52,600 $54,300
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Add $6,900 for each additional household member
Customers should call The Gas Company's Direct Assistance Program toll-free number at (800) 331-7593 or visit the Residential Assistance Services section on The Gas Company's Web site at www.socalgas.com to see if they qualify.
The Gas Company offers a wide variety of residential programs including bill-payment assistance, appliance and home improvement rebates, and energy audits to help customers save money and energy.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.8 million consumers through 5.6 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California. The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.