Courtesy of SoCalGas

As temperatures dip lower, the cost for heating your home gets higher. We, at SoCalGas®, want all of the families in our community to get the heat and the help they need to stay healthy and warm this season. That’s why we want you to know about our family of customer assistance programs that can help you cover the costs to keep your family comfortable this winter.

If you or a loved one has a serious medical condition that requires using extra heat during cold weather, the Medical Baseline Allowance provides you with natural gas at the lowest rate. Your eligibility for this program is based on your medical need, not your income. Plus, you can still qualify for other assistance programs.

The California Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers eligible customers a 20 percent discount on their monthly natural gas bills. It takes just a few minutes to apply, and you’ll see the savings on your next bill.

The Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) provides a one-time grant of up to $100 toward the natural gas bill for customers who qualify.

One way to save money and make your home more energy efficient is through the Energy Savings Assistance Program. This program offers no-cost energy-saving home improvements to qualified renters and homeowners. Improvements include: Attic insulation, water heater blankets, door weather-stripping, minor window repairs and more.

Visit socalgas.com (search “ASSISTANCE”) to see the full list of customer assistance programs that can help you save money and conserve energy.

When heating your home during cool weather:

• Thermostats should never be turned up high to heat a home quickly. The heater will stay on longer and waste energy.

• Save up to 25 percent of your heating costs by installing or upgrading insulation in your attic and walls (may be covered by the Energy Savings Assistance Program)

• For safety and efficiency, keep all heating vents and furnace registers free of dirt, lint and obstructions.

When cooking:

• Don’t preheat your natural gas oven if you don’t have to.
• Don’t open the oven door while food is cooking. You could lose up to 50 degrees in temperature, which wastes energy and money.
• Keep oven and burners clean. A clean oven uses energy more efficiently.
• Cook by time and temperature guides.
• Cook several meals at the same time.
• Use pots and pans that fit the range top. Pans that fit a burner absorb more of the energy, reducing the amount of heat lost.
• Cover pots when cooking.

Southern California Gas Company is not responsible for any goods or services selected by customer. This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Southern California Gas Company under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. Program is available on a first-come, first-served basis, until program funds are no longer available. Other terms and conditions apply.