Utility Assistance
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
If high fire-risk weather conditions threaten our electrical system, SDG&E may need to temporarily turn off electricity, to prevent unnecessary wildfire triggers. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS. Every situation is unique and SDG&E will monitor local environmental conditions as well as weather conditions including:
High Winds
and Strong Wind Gusts
Fire Threat
to Electric Infrastructure
Low Humidity Levels
Real-Time Observations
by a state-of-the-art weather sensor network
Dry Vegetation
that could serve as fuel for a wildfire
Red Flag Warning
declared by the National Weather Service
This is a carefully considered decision with many critical factors taken into account and always as a last resort.
-
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
SDGE’s CARE program can save you 30% or more on your bill. You may qualify for a monthly discount, depending on your current household income or if you receive public assistance. We can see if you qualify for the program and submit your application to SDGE.
-
Power Saver Rewards Program
Power Saver Rewards is an incentive program that gives you a bill credit for reducing energy use during a Flex Alert. Flex Alerts notify you to reduce your energy use to help prevent a power outage when there’s a strain on the energy grid.
-
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)
SDGE’s FERA program offers households of three or more people an 18% discount on their monthly electric bill. If you don’t qualify for the CARE program, we can check if you qualify for FERA.
-
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program
Get One-Time Assistance with the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program. Assistance ranges per household for qualifying customers and SDG&E customers who reside in the company’s service territory in San Diego County can apply for the program. If you need a little extra help, but don’t qualify for state or federal assistance, you can get up to $300 toward your SDG&E bill with the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program.
-
Energy Savings Assistance Program
Whether you rent or own your home, you could be eligible to receive free energy-efficient home improvements through SDGE’s Energy Savings Assistance Program. These updates can make your home more comfortable and save you money on your electric bill.
-
Medical Baseline
SDGE’s Medical Baseline program provides more electricity or natural gas at a lower cost for people with specific medical needs. Visit the SDGE website for more information about eligibility
-
Utility Bill Payment AssistanceThere are other resources available in our community for utility bill assistance, including a number of financial assistance programs that can help you pay your utility costs.
-
Cool Zone Program
The Cool Zone program is an established network of free, air-conditioned settings (such as libraries or community centers) across San Diego County that allow respite for older adults, persons with disabilities, or anyone looking to escape the extreme heat during the summer. Cool Zones are a way for residents to lower individual utility usage and help conserve energy for the whole community.
Other Resources
Call 2-1-1 to learn about all the utility assistance resources that may be available to you.
Phase Out of 3G Cellular Service
If your cell phone is more than a few years old, you may need to upgrade your device before your provider shuts down its 3G network, to avoid losing service. For more information on how you can prepare, contact your provider directly.
Rotating Outages
The SDG&E Outage Map has information on planned power outages related to public safety, emergencies and wildfire mitigation, as well as unplanned outages. Click below to see planned and unplanned power outages in your community.