LOS ANGELES, June 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. More low-income customers may now be eligible to receive a rate discount and no-cost energy-saving home improvements from SoCalGas due to new income guidelines that went into effect June 1 for qualified customers who enroll in the state-sponsored California Alternate Rate for Energy (CARE) and Energy Savings Assistance Program.

The higher income limit means a family can earn more and still be eligible for assistance programs like CARE, which gives income-qualified customers 20 percent off their monthly natural gas bill. The previous limit of $31,820 for a family of two expired Tuesday. The current limit is $32,040 a year. Each additional person adds $8,320. For example, a household of four can earn up to $48,600 to be eligible.

"We are pleased to inform our community about the new guidelines and to encourage those who qualify and can benefit from our assistance programs to enroll," said Lisa Alexander, vice president of Customer Solutions & Communications for SoCalGas. "The monthly rate discount and savings from no-cost energy-efficient home improvements can make a real difference, especially for struggling families."

Customer Anselma Hernandez says she appreciates the money she saves on her natural gas bill each month through her participation in CARE.

"The program is very good and it is easy to apply," said Hernandez, who lives in Santa Ana, Calif. "I like how I was treated and it has helped my family very much."

Luis Barajas, also from Santa Ana, said he has been enrolled in CARE for a long time and always recommends it to his friends, family and neighbors. "I use the savings I receive to pay other bills," he said.

Here is additional information about the programs:

CARE: The CARE program provides a 20 percent rate discount on the monthly natural gas bill for eligible households and has already enrolled over 1.5 million customers throughout the SoCalGas service area. Those who qualify and are approved within 90 days of starting new gas service will also receive a $15 discount on the Service Establishment Charge.

Energy Savings Assistance Program: This program provides no-cost, energy-efficient home improvements to income-qualified renters and homeowners. Services may include:

• Door weather-stripping and caulking to keep unwanted drafts out of the home 
• Attic insulation to help make homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter 
• Low-flow showerheads that can save energy used to heat water 
• Furnace replacement (owner occupied residences only) 
• Other minor home repairs

CARE and Energy Savings Assistance Program Eligibility: There are two ways customers can qualify for the CARE and Energy Savings Assistance Program. Customers may automatically be eligible if their household income is below the new guidelines or a household member currently receives benefits from any of the following public assistance programs: Medi-Cal/Medicaid, Medi-Cal for Families A&B, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF, Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only), Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, CalFresh (Food Stamps), National School Lunch Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

As of June 1, 2016, the new CARE and Energy Savings Assistance Program income guidelines are as follows:

Customers can learn more and apply for these and other programs by visiting socalgas.com/assistance or by any of the following:

Apply for CARE online at socalgas.com/care or by phone (800) 427-2200 or (800) 342-4545 in Spanish.

Apply for Energy Savings Assistance Program online at socalgas.com/improvements or they can call (800) 331-7593 English and Spanish.

About Southern California Gas Co.
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has been delivering clean, safe and reliable natural gas to its customers for more than 145 years. It is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing service to 21.6 million consumers connected through 5.9 million meters in more than 500 communities. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles throughout central and Southern California, from Visalia to the Mexican border. SoCalGas is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150126/171209LOGO

SOURCE Southern California Gas Co.