SAN DIEGO, July 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- New enrollment guidelines may increase the number of San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers eligible to participate in the no-cost, appliance and home energy-savings-improvement program that can help customers save money.
Known as the Energy Team, income-qualified renters or homeowners can be eligible for no-cost energy-saving home appliance and improvement services such as: energy-efficient light bulbs; porch light fixtures; door weather-stripping and caulking to keep unwanted drafts and dirt out of the home; ceiling insulation that may help the home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter; low-flow showerheads that can save water; and other miscellaneous minor home repairs. Additionally, qualified customers may be eligible for a refrigerator or heating furnace repair or replacement if they are in the home and are deemed inoperable or hazardous.
"As part of our commitment to provide exceptional service, we want to help those customers with the greatest need save energy and help keep their family more comfortable year-round by making their home more energy-efficient," said Michelle Mueller, vice president, customer services, for SDG&E. "Now, through the Energy Team, someone you know may qualify for new home appliance and weatherization services offered at no cost."
For more than 15 years, SDG&E has offered programs that benefit customers and the community by assisting income-qualified households with energy-saving home improvements. Last year, SDG&E provided a variety of home weatherization and services at no cost to 15,706 qualified homes through the Energy Team.
Every year, the California Public Utilities Commission adjusts the maximum qualifying income levels to reflect changes in the federal poverty guidelines. The new levels are higher than the previous guidelines set in June 2003. Higher income levels mean that more customers may now qualify for the Energy Team.
There are two income guidelines for the Energy Team. In the chart below the first income guideline column lists a customers' maximum annual income allowance. The second column shows slightly higher income guidelines allowed for heads of households 60 years and older, or permanently disabled customers.
The Energy Team income guidelines as of June 1, 2004, are:
Maximum Annual Income
60+ Years/Permanently
Household Size Maximum Annual Income Disabled
1 to 2 $23,400 $26,800
3 $27,500 $31,500
4 $33,100 $37,900
5 $38,700 $44,300
6 $44,300 $50,700
Each additional person $ 5,600 Add $6,400 per person
Both homeowners and renters can participate in this program. Contact SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343 to apply. To learn more about the Energy Team, customers can visit SDG&E's Web site at www.sdge.com.
SDG&E offers a wide variety of residential programs offering bill-payment assistance, appliance and home-improvement rebates, and energy audits to help customers save money and energy. In addition, SDG&E offers other bill discount and assistance programs to customers who meet income guidelines.
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to three million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E is part of Sempra Energy Utilities, Sempra Energy's regulated California utilities. Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE), based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.