Far too often, utility assistance is needed when a disconnect could have been avoided, had the person known of their options. The best thing to do is obviously keep extra lights, TV’s and other electronics turned off when not in use. When the day comes that you suddenly have a huge electric bill, then immediately call SMUD at 1-888-742-7683 x3 and ask for a payment arraignment for a minimum amount. You will need to do this each month until you catch up on your bill. For PG&E it is even easier to call 1-800-743-5000 x2 then x3 and the computer will automatically make a payment arraignment for you. By making these two phone calls, you can extend your energy bills for a few months to catch up. Listed below are the local Sacramento programs that help with utilities. All of them require you to call first. If at all possible, delay a disconnect notice at least until the first of the month because these programs are almost always out of funds within the first 2 weeks of a month.
PG&E
Ph. 1-866-743-2273
The CARE program provides a monthly discount on energy bill for income eligible households. You may apply by phone.
SMUDs Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR)
Ph. 1-888-742-7683 x3
Provides eligible low-income individuals and families a discount of about 30 percent on their monthly SMUD bill. You may call for assistance to have an EAPR application mailed to you. To view and download an application click here
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Ph. (916) 567-5200 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. By appointment only no walk-ins.
Provides a SMUD and/or PG&E credit to bill in two months. Serves first time applicants in Sacramento, including Elk Grove and Folsom. Some eligibility requirements are Sacramento county, including Folsom and Elk Grove, resident, low-income, and never used HEAP before. As of January 2012, applicants need to be senior (60+), or disabled or have children under five in the home. HEAP may serve all families later in the year.
The Senior and Adult Services
9750 Business Park Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95827 map
Ph. (916) 874-0979
Provides energy assistance referrals to the SAS/SMUD Energy Assistance Team (SEAT) to help clients remain safely in their homes. Staff will contact clients to assist in completing utility discount applications and home weatherization, minor home repairs, and appliance replacements, if qualified.
South County Services
539 N. Lincoln Way, Galt, CA 95632map
Ph. (209) 745-9174 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Provides SMUD and PG&E assistance to individuals and families with a 3-day notice. No shut offs.
Serves 94571, 95615, 95624, 95832, 95638, 95639, 95641, 95683, 95690, 95693, 95758 and 95757.
Galt Community Concilio
660 Chabolla Avenue, Galt, CA 95632 map
Ph. (916) 745-9174 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Provides assistance with SMUD and PG&E to Galt, Elk Grove and surrounding areas.
Travelers Aid Society
2251 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA 95822
Ph. (916) 399-9646
The Travelers Aid Society sometimes has a very limited amount of funds at the beginning of each month to help with utility assistance. By appointment, no walk-ins. Does not assist with PG&E. You must have a disconnect notice or be disconnected. Under 200.00 may be paid and additional amount paid by family. Zip codes: 95820, 95822, 95823, 95824, 95826, 95828, 95829, 95830, 95831 and 95832.
The Salvation Army Sacramento Family Services
4350 Raley Boulevard, # 200, Sacramento, CA 95838
Ph. (916) 678-4050 Call on Monday only 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for energy assistance. NOTE: Your 48 hour shut off notice should be dated on the previous Friday or that Monday. If you receive a 48 hour shut off then you will still have to wait until Monday for an appointment. Once you get through on the phone, then you may receive an appointment to come in for a "screening." During the "screening" the caseworker will determine if you are "eligible." A 200.00 limit.
Zip codes: 95608, 95610, 95621, 95628, 95652, 95655, 95670, 95742, 95811, 95814, 95815, 95816, 95817, 95818, 95819, 95821, 95825, 95827, 95841, 95842 and 95864. More info on the REACH program
Folsom Cordova Community Partnership
10665 Coloma Road, Suite 200, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Call (916) 361-8684 x5 Monday only 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and leave a message. If funds are available your call will be returned by the end of Tuesday, if no funds are available then your call will not be returned. Utility Assistance serves all of Sacramento county residents. Must have a disconnect notice.
Greater Sacramento Urban League
3725 Marysville Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95838
Ph. (916) 286-8608
Emergency assistance provided on a first come first serve bases. No walk ins, by appointment only. Serves all zip codes.
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Far too often, utility assistance is needed when a disconnect could have been avoided, had the person known of their options. The best thing to do is obviously keep extra lights, TV’s and other electronics turned off when not in use. When the day comes that you suddenly have a huge electric bill, then immediately call SMUD at 1-888-742-7683 x3 and ask for a payment arraignment for a minimum amount. You will need to do this each month until you catch up on your bill. For PG&E it is even easier to call 1-800-743-5000 x2 then x3 and the computer will automatically make a payment arraignment for you. By making these two phone calls, you can extend your energy bills for a few months to catch up. Listed below are the local Sacramento programs that help with utilities. All of them require you to call first. If at all possible, delay a disconnect notice at least until the first of the month because these programs are almost always out of funds within the first 2 weeks of a month.