LIHEAP

• California participates in the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program provides cash assistance to low-income applicants who are within state and federal poverty levels. California offers eligible participants a direct one-time annual payment to their utility companies to offset energy costs. The program is administered through local California community providers or community action agencies. The energy service provider for Santa Maria is the Economic Opportunity Commission of San Luis Obispo County, Inc., located north of Santa Maria. The agency requires income documentation for all household members and recent utility bills prior to determining eligibility based on income. Income levels in 2011 include eligibility based on household size. For a family of four, household gross income cannot exceed $57,291 annually.
  
  

Weatherization

• Several California groups offer weatherization services to help low-income households lower their utility bills by making energy-efficient improvements in their homes. The San Luis Obispo County, Inc., program also helps Santa Maria residents find local contractors that offer free home improvement services through the California government's block program. Weatherization services include heating and cooling system repairs, water heater blankets, caulking and energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. LIHEAP's income guidelines determine weatherization service eligibility.
  
  

Energy Crisis Intervention Program

• The crisis program helps low-income families obtain emergency utility help during crises. Families who are in a crisis situation include those who receive notices of an impending disconnection of heat or air conditioning, have already experienced disconnection and families facing life-threatening emergencies due to power cutoff. Families in Santa Maria can apply through the San Luis Obispo County, Inc., agency and receive expedited application processing during their emergencies. Average payments for a California family is $509. The crisis program uses LIHEAP's federal and state guidelines to determine eligibility.
  
  

Utility Companies

• California's major utility companies offer some programs to help low-income residents receive energy bill assistance. PG&E and Southern California Gas offer Santa Maria residents with discounted utility programs and weatherization services. The utility companies provide assistance based on need and family income using its own income determination guidelines.