Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Utility Assistance & Weatherization Programs

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that assists low-income households with utility assistance programs and weatherization services designed to reduce heating and cooling costs and improve the energy efficiency of a home, while safeguarding the health and safety of the household. These services are available throughout Imperial and San Diego Counties. There are two separate utility assistance programs available. The determination as to which program an applicant will utilize will be determined based on the applicant’s circumstances. The dollar amount awarded is the same for either program.

(HEAP)

Home Energy Assistance Program

HEAP assists clients who are in need of help in paying their electric or gas bill. Clients determine which bill they will be assisted with. The amount of assistance is based on household income and size. Clients supply information that will be used to determine an established benefit amount which will appear as a credit on the clients’ bill. If the bill is included in the clients rent, the client receives a check in the benefit amount. HEAP may pay for a portion of the energy bill in the form of a dual- or single-party warrant or a direct payment to a utility company.

ECIP or F/T

Energy Crisis Intervention Program or Fast Track

ECIP FT assists clients who are in crisis of having their electric or gas service disconnected or that their electric or gas has been disconnected. Clients whose utilities are included in their rent DO NOT qualify for ECIP/FT. ECIP/FT pledges are called into the appropriate utility company indicating an application has been processed with the pledge amount to postpone or stop the pending loss of service. If the service is already disconnected utility company will be notified of clients pledge amount in order to have their services re-connected.

Weatherization Program

Weatherization services are available to homeowners, mobile homeowners, condo owners, as well as renters . If the applicant is a renter the owner’s authorization is required for weatherization services. Weatherization services are measures applied to a home to assist in making the home more comfortable as well as assisting in lowering the monthly electric and gas bills.

HVAC

Heating, Venting & Air Conditioning

HVAC services are also available to homeowners, mobile homeowners, condo owners as well as renters of homes, condos, mobile homes and apartments. HVAC services pertain to hot water heaters, inside the home heaters and air conditioning units. Inside the home heaters may receive a clean and tune, repair or replacement, based on the evaluation of the heaters. The same is true of hot water heaters and air conditioning units. The ability to repair or replace any of the units is based on an assessment and available funding.

ESAP

Energy Savings Assistance Program

Together with the Gas Company and San Diego Gas & Electric, Campesinos Unidos, Inc., provides Energy Savings Assistance Programs throughout Imperial, Riverside and San Diego Counties to provide energy-saving improvements to assist families conserve energy. These improvements are provided to eligible tenants and homeowners who are customers of these utility companies within their respective areas.