~$140M IN DEBT RELIEF PROVIDED TO SDG&E CUSTOMERS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS

Rhea-AI Summary

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has intensified its support for customers facing financial challenges due to inflation and COVID-19 repercussions. Since 2020, SDG&E has facilitated approximately $140 million in debt relief through various state and federal programs. Currently, about one-third of its customers benefit from assistance programs, including the CARE and FERA programs, which provide significant bill discounts. Additionally, SDG&E has announced $16 million in new relief and community assistance funding, including a $10 million program targeting local nonprofits. Customer bills are also alleviated by the California Climate Credit, providing credits for natural gas and electricity.

Positive

• Approximately $140 million in debt relief provided to customers since 2020.
• About one-third of customers enrolled in assistance programs, reflecting strong engagement.
• New $16 million in customer and community assistance announced.
• California Climate Credit provides significant bill credits for winter relief.

Negative

• None.

A Third of SDG&E customers receiving some form of assistance.

SAN DIEGO, March 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the financial hardships brought on by inflation, the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic and the recent surge in winter heating bills driven by natural gas market volatility, San Diego Gas & Electric has redoubled its efforts to help its customers by securing and offering debt relief, as well as various bill assistance programs.

Since 2020, SDG&E customers have received about $140 million in debt relief – a combination of state and federal resources that SDG&E has either played a role in securing, administering, or processing. This consists of nearly $114 million SDG&E applied for and secured on behalf of its customers via the California Arrearage Payment Program to offset customers' outstanding bills incurred between March 4, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2021; more than $10 million processed through the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to offset overdue bills; and more than $15 million forgiven under the Arrearage Management Payment Plan.

Additionally, SDG&E has run multiple marketing campaigns and collaborated with many nonprofit, community-based organizations to publicize a variety of assistance programs. About a third of SDG&E customers are enrolled in assistance programs ranging from bill discounts to debt forgiveness to payment arrangements.

"Inflation, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and the recent unprecedented conditions in the natural gas market have caused financial strain for our customers," said SDG&E Vice President of Customer Services Dana Golan. "Our priority is to help them get the financial relief they need through a variety of assistance programs."

Numbers at a Glance

• ~ 354,000 SDG&E customers are currently enrolled in the CARE program, which offers 30% or more in bill discounts for income-qualified customers.
• More than 12,000 customers, who don't qualify for the CARE discount, are enrolled in the FERA program, which offers an 18% discount on electric bills.
• Nearly 11,600 customers are enrolled in the Arrearage Management Payment Plan, a 12-month payment plan that forgives up to $8,000 in utility debt.
• Nearly 50,000 customers are currently enrolled in payment installment plans.
• Nearly 70,000 customers are enrolled in the Medical Baseline Program, which provides a higher allowance of electricity at a lower cost for eligible customers who depend on certain medical devices for their health.

More information about assistance programs can be found at sdge.com/assistance.

SDG&E Shareholder-Funded Assistance Programs
Recently, SDG&E also announced $16 million in relief for customers and in community assistance funds. As part this commitment, SDG&E will fund a new $10 million program to support local nonprofit, community-based organizations that provide essential services to vulnerable residents. The company is also immediately increasing funding for its Neighbor-to-Neighbor bill assistance program to $6 million while doubling the amount of financial support available to each qualifying household (from $300 to $600 per year) and expanding eligibility to ensure more customers can take advantage of the program.

CA Climate Credit Offsetting February and March Bills
SDG&E customers are also seeing some bill relief in February and March, thanks the California Climate Credit. SDG&E worked with regulators to move up the timing of the natural gas and electric climate credit to help offset winter bills. In February, natural gas customers received a $43.40 credit, and this month, electric customers will see a $60.70 credit. The California Public Utilities Commission moved up the timing of the climate credit to provide winter bill relief.

SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region's infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric

FAQ

What financial assistance programs does SDG&E offer to customers?

SDG&E offers various programs, including CARE for bill discounts, FERA for additional savings, and the Arrearage Management Payment Plan for debt forgiveness.

How much debt relief has SDG&E provided since 2020?

Since 2020, SDG&E has provided approximately $140 million in debt relief to its customers.

What is the amount of the new relief announced by SDG&E in March 2023?

SDG&E announced $16 million in new relief for customers and community assistance in March 2023.

What credits are SDG&E customers receiving in February and March 2023?

In February, natural gas customers received a $43.40 credit, and electric customers received a $60.70 credit in March 2023.

How many SDG&E customers are currently enrolled in assistance programs?

Approximately 354,000 SDG&E customers are enrolled in the CARE program, and many others are in various assistance programs.