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Save Money on Your SDGE Bill!

Save Money on Your SDGE Bill!

San Diego Gas and Electric (SDGE) customers can save money on their monthly electric bills! If you can’t afford your SDGE bill or you’re facing shut off, do not panic! We found help. 

SDGE Payment Options Are Easy

SDGE may work with customers who need to pay their bill. If you have a shut-off notice, they might be able to help you with a payment arrangement. You must qualify for the arrangement and you must not be on any other arrangements before you apply for it. The company may also allow customers to make payment arrangements if they have a very high bill they know they will not be able to pay. SDGE requires a small down payment and will then split the rest of the bill up over a period of 12 months.

To help yourself stay on track with electric payments, you can sign up for the SDGE level billing. The company will calculate your usage and average it out over a period of 12 months. The bill will be the same every month. You will still be responsible for paying anything over the average you have already paid at the end of the 12 months.

SDGE Bill? We Found Help!

The CARE discount is a program SDGE uses to help their customers who are low income. Even those who are on federal programs can qualify for the program. If you are low-income, you may be able to get up to a 30% discount on your electric bill from the company.

Customers who do not qualify for CARE may be able to qualify for FERA. The program is similar, but it provides only a 12% discount. The income limits are higher for FERA, but the program does require you to have children or be part of a household that has at least one minor. You may be able to qualify for additional programs that will work with the FERA discount.

Disabled SDGE customers may be able to save money on their bill. SDGE has special rates for those with disabilities. They also have special programs in place that may be able to help you avoid shut-off if you are unable to pay because of your disability.

Seniors who are SDGE customers may be able to receive a reduced rate on their electric. The company has also created programs to help seniors avoid shut-off. Those who sign up for their senior programs will automatically be enrolled in the gatekeeper program that is used to make sure seniors are being taken care of.

Time of use plans can help you save money on your bill by reducing your rate during non-peak hours. You must apply and be approved for the plan. When you are on the time of use plan, SDGE will give you certain times where electric is not going to cost a lot of money for you. These times are generally after nine at night and before seven in the morning. Many customers choose to run their big appliances- like a washer and dryer- during these times to save money.

Upgrade Your Home and Save on Your SDGE Bill – for Free!

The Energy Savings Assistance Program is available for SDGE customers who are low-income. The program allows them to reduce their energy costs by providing upgrades to their home. The program may be able to help with energy efficient hot water heaters, smart thermostats and other appliances that can help you save money.

In addition to help from SDGE, you may be able to qualify for energy savings from the state of California. The weatherization program may be able to help you with things the company cannot. The program can help with insulation, appliances and even light bulbs. You may apply for the program at your local assistance office. Weatherization, while offered by the same agencies, has different requirements from other assistance programs.

California has put a big focus on solar power. While people who have income at the median level and above have had no problem with solar power because of large tax breaks, low-income individuals often just don’t have that money to invest up front. To combat this issue, California has come up with the Single Family Affordable Solar Housing program. It is aimed at low-income individuals and can help them get the solar panels they need to drastically reduce their energy bills. The program is free for low-income families.

SDGE customers who are visually impaired can get upgrades for free. The program helps visually impaired people get the help they need by putting thermostats in that are specially marked for them to read. Having a thermostat you can read may help you save money on your bill and can be a valuable update to your home.

Avoid Shut-Off With These Resources

If you regularly struggle with your SDGE bill, you may qualify for LIHEAP. California has the program available for low-income families and individuals. It allows them the chance to have their electric bill paid in part or in full by the state. You can apply for the benefit at any time, but they may only have funding available during certain times of the year.

The temperature sensitive program is designed for disabled and elderly people. It will notify them if there is a pending electric outage. Customers who are using the program may be better able to prepare for a shut-off. The company will also take their enrollment in the program into consideration before shutting the electric off for non-payment.  

The MAAC program is to help you avoid shut-off. It can help pay your bill once per year. Individuals who want to take advantage of the program will need to demonstrate good bill payment habits and not currently be on a payment arrangement. SDGE may determine who is eligible for the program based on their guidelines.

SDGE and the Salvation Army teamed up for Neighbor to Neighbor. The program helps you by making a one-time electric payment on your behalf. You must apply for the program through the Salvation Army.

SDGE has even more programs!

Verify that your natural gas appliances are in safe, working condition with a free gas appliance check appointment from San Diego Gas and Electric. The appointment can be made online and is provided free of charge!

You can get rebates on new appliances, as long as they meet certain specs! Check out special in-store rebates available from the SDGE marketplace!

Save Even More on Your San Diego Gas and Electric Bill

Saving energy can help you save money on your electric bill. If you want to learn how to save energy and reduce your electric bill, click here. Most tips are free or very low cost for you to take advantage of!  

Want to save even MORE money in California?

Becky Lutes

Tuesday 19th of October 2021

I have bad weatherization issues with drafty doors & windows. Also have old insulation in my attic that may be causing problems. It seems I can never keep my house warm enough or cold enough.