One-time energy grant available to Tulare County residents

September 7, 2010

Tulare County’s residents experiencing economic hardships may be eligible to qualify for a one-time $1,500 grant to pay off past due bills and avoid utility shutoffs.

Residents can apply for these funds through a new state program called “TEAF,” which stands for Temporary Energy Assistance for Families. The deadline to apply for TEAF funding is September 21, 2010.

TEAF, authorized by the CPUC and funded, in large part, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will provide up to $1,500 to income-qualified families who are unable to pay for their energy needs due to an unplanned hardship.

The Salvation Army is administering the program. Residents interested in the program should contact The Salvation Army for details and eligibility guidelines by calling 1-800-933-9677 or by visiting The Salvation Army's Golden State Division website (www.imsalvationarmy.org/usw/www_usw_gstate_3.nsf/) and clicking on Temporary Energy Assistance for Families, where applications can also be downloaded. The Salvation Army will accept applications for assistance until September 21, 2010.

According to the California Public Utilities Commission, residents must meet the following criteria:

- Must be a customer of PG&E, Edison, Southern California Gas Company, or SDG&E.

- The utility bill must be in the applicant’s name.

- Applicant must be a parent, guardian, or non-custodial parent of a child under 18 years of age.

- Applicant must provide the current utility bill with a past due amount.

- Applicant must show provide a photo identification card and proof of U.S. citizenship for each household member.

- Applicant must provide documentation that their household income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

To find out more or to apply for assistance, contact The Salvation Army at 1-800-933-9677.