SAN DIEGO, June 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) reported today that more than $200 million has been saved by customers enrolled in the money-saving, state-sponsored California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program since its inception 15 years ago. The company also announced new CARE income guidelines, which expand the number of income-qualified customers eligible to receive the 20-percent discount on their natural gas and electric bill.
According to SDG&E, there are still an estimated 85,000 residents in SDG&E's service area who are financially eligible but have not yet enrolled in the CARE program.
"We have partnered with community groups throughout our service region to make sure customers who qualify, regardless of where they live, are aware of the CARE program and are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of SDG&E's customer service programs.
Last year, SDG&E's CARE customers saved, on average, $185 annually with the discounted rate. More than 196 thousand customers in SDG&E's service area are currently enrolled in the CARE program.
Eligibility for the CARE program is based on household size and annual income. The new income guidelines are based on the federal poverty levels adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). More customers now qualify for the program.
The new income guidelines effective June 1, 2005, based on pre-tax annual income are as follows:
Number of People Previous Income Guidelines New Income Guidelines
Per Household (Effective June 1, 2005)
1 or 2 $23,000 $24,200
3 $27,000 $28,400
4 $32,500 $34,200
5 $38,000 $40,000
6 $43,500 $45,800
Add $5,800 for each additional household member
SDG&E customers will receive a CARE application in the July bill offering an opportunity to enroll. To learn more about CARE and to download an application, customers can visit SDG&E at www.sdge.com. To apply, customers can call SDG&E at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343).
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.
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters. The company's service territory encompasses 4,100 square miles 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 a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. To learn more, go to www.sdge.com