CAN’T AFFORD YOUR UTILITY BILLS? GRANTS UP TO $1,500 AVAILABLE THROUGH SDG&E

September 11, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- Hotter temperatures can mean high utility bills, but there’s help. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers experiencing financial hardship may apply for assistance through a new state program called Temporary Energy Assistance for Families (TEAF). The program, facilitated by the Salvation Army, provides eligible families an opportunity to get a one-time emergency energy grant of up to $1,500 to pay off past-due utility bills and avoid service shut-off.

Applications will be accepted only through Sept. 21.

The grants are open to customers of SDG&E, Southern California Gas Company, Southern California Edison, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company who are behind in their utility bill payments, are the parent or guardian of a child under 18 years old and meet other program requirements.

To learn more about the state program requirements or to apply for a grant, customers should contact The Salvation Army at (800) 933-9677 or www.tsagoldenstate.org. In addition to supporting the TEAF program, SDG&E offers a variety of programs to help customers save money and energy.

For more information on SDG&E's assistance programs, visit http://www.sdge.com/residential/assistance/index.shtml.