SAN DIEGO, Nov. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- With projections of record high winter-heating bills locally as well as across the country, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is helping families who need assistance paying their energy bills through the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program. The utility's bill-assistance program, which is open to qualified customers facing financial hardships, provides for a one-time grant amount of up to $200 per customer.
"The Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund helps our customers who are facing hardships stay warm this winter," said Michelle Mueller, vice president of customer services for SDG&E. "But, more importantly, it helps stretch a family's budget for other necessities."
Through funding from its shareholders, SDG&E will contribute $4 for every $1 a customer or employee donates to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program -- up to $200,000. The program, which has been in place for more than 20 years, has helped thousands of needy San Diegans pay their energy bills.
The one-time bill-payment assistance is available to eligible customers on a first-come, first-served basis or until funds are depleted. Customers may call 211 to locate a participating charitable agency throughout San Diego, which will distribute the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund contributions to qualified customers.
SDG&E customers who want to contribute to this fund may mail their voluntary tax-deductible contributions to: United Way of San Diego County, Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund, P.O. Box 501722, San Diego, CA 92150-1722.
In addition to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, SDG&E offers other programs to help customers manage their higher energy bills this winter, caused by a tight supply-demand balance in the national market.
SDG&E has instituted flexible credit procedures this winter for low-income customers experiencing difficulties paying their bills, including a no shut-off policy for low-income customers who make minimum payments, and the waiver of certain fees. Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills should contact SDG&E at (800) 411-SDGE (7343). Programs to assist income-eligible customers have been expanded during the winter months to provide help to more customers. These include a 20-percent discount on bills and no-cost measures to make homes more energy-efficient.
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.