LOS ANGELES, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced a significant expansion of its Energy Savings Assistance Program. As many as 500,000 additional low-income families may now be eligible to receive no-cost energy efficient home upgrades. In addition, SoCalGas is intensifying outreach efforts to increase enrollments in the program to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of its most vulnerable customers.
"We are pleased to offer income-qualified renters and homeowners a program that helps them save money and energy by providing no-cost, energy-efficient home improvements," said Dan Rendler, director, Customer Programs & Assistance, SoCalGas. "Even If you made home improvements before, you may qualify for more."
The no-cost energy efficiency upgrades include door weather-stripping and caulking, attic insulation, low-flow showerheads, and assessments for leaking water heaters.
A key goal of the expanded program is to save at least 10 percent above the current energy savings average in selected areas. To achieve the greatest energy savings, SoCalGas will target properties that use the most energy first.
"This is the best way to make sure resources go where they will make the biggest impact on our energy-saving goals and help those who need it most," said Rendler.
Customers may automatically be eligible if their household income is below newly released guidelines or if a member of the household 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).
Customers can learn more by visiting socalgas.com/assistance. They can apply for the Energy Savings Assistance Program online at socalgas.com/improvements or by calling (866) 716-3452 English and Spanish.
The expansion of the Energy Savings Assistance Program is consistent with a California Public Utilities Commission decision released in April that expands eligibility in the Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and Ventura County areas.
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.
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SOURCE Southern California Gas Co.