CA Low-Income Spending Authorized

The California Public Utilities Commission has authorized 2005 spending levels for the four largest utilities’ low-income energy assistance and energy efficiency programs.

Energy assistance is provided by the utilities though the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program and energy efficiency through the Low Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) program. The CARE budget is $467.6 million, up from approximately $453 million spent on the program during 2004. This total is CARE discount spending only; it does not include administrative, outreach and other utility expenses. CARE customers who meet income guidelines ($24,200 annually for a 1- 2 person household, $34,200 for a family of four) receive a 20 percent discount on their electricity and natural gas bills.

The LIEE budget for 2005 totals $107.7 million for repair and replacement of gas and electric heating and water heating systems, air conditioners and evaporative coolers, refrigerator and lighting upgrades, weatherization and energy efficiency education. This amount doesn’t include administrative costs and other program activities such as inspections, and management and evaluation.

The four major utilities are San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and Southern California Gas Company (SCG).

For more information, see Decision 05-04-052 dated April 21, 2005, and a follow-up decision from May 13 with minor corrections.

Source: CA PUC

Page Last Updated: December 7, 2005