LOS ANGELES, July 20, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- New enrollment guidelines may increase the number of Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) customers eligible to participate in the no-cost, home energy-savings-improvement program that can help customers save money.
Known as the Direct Assistance Program, income-qualified renters or homeowners may be eligible for no-cost services such as: 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, if the qualified customer is a homeowner, they may be eligible for furnace repair or replacement if the furnace in the home is 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 The Gas Company. "Now, through the Direct Assistance Program, someone you know may qualify for the home weatherization services offered at no cost."
For more than 20 years, The Gas Company has offered programs that benefit customers and the community by assisting income-qualified households with energy-saving home improvements. Last year, The Gas Company provided a variety of home weatherization services at no cost to 47,673 qualified homes through the Direct Assistance Program.
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 Direct Assistance program.
There are two income guidelines for the Direct Assistance Program. 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 Direct Assistance Program income guidelines as of June 1, 2004, are:
Maximum Maximum Annual Income
Household Size Annual Income 60+ Years /Permanently 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
To apply, customers can call The Gas Company's toll-free assistance lines (800) 331-7593, weekdays between 7 a.m., to 4 p.m. To learn more about the Direct Assistance Program, customers can visit The Gas Company's Web site at www.socalgas.com/residential/assistance/dap.
The Gas Company 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, The Gas Company offers other bill discount and assistance programs to customers who meet income guidelines.
Additional information on these programs is available from The Gas Company's Web site, www.socalgas.com.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.2 million consumers through 5.4 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses 23,000 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.