Escalating energy prices, especially during an energy emergency, can have a devastating impact on lower income households. To assist consumers in getting help with their energy bills, the Energy Commission staff can provide the public with general program information and referrals to agencies that can provide direct aid. Three general types of assistance are available to the public:

• Federally-funded state programs (administered at the local government level):
  
  
  To locate the service provider in your county and determine if your household is eligible for assistance, visit the Department of Community Services & Development website or call 1-800-433-4327.
• Utility programs (either administered by the utility or working in cooperation with a nonprofit agency):
  
  
  Most utilities in California offer some type of low-income assistance. Contact your particular utility directly for more information. A description of some of the types of utility programs available is provided at the Flex Your Power website along with links to some of the major utilities in California.
• Nonprofit agencies:
  
  
  A variety of programs are available through nonprofit agencies including:

  • California Interfaith Energy Assistance Project
  • Salvation Army
  • American Red Cross

For additional information on these and other nonprofit agency programs, visit the Energy CommissionŐs Consumer Energy Center.

For more information on the economic assistance program, contact: