Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
California regulators tell utilities to spend more on energy-saving programs for poor households
Listen
• 0:50
A classic General Electric refrigerator.
()
A state utility regulator has ordered Southern California's largest gas and power companies to speed up their spending of millions of dollars helping poor families save energy as the region approaches a summer of possible gas shortages and power outages.
The order from the California Public Utilities Commission is an unexpected outcome of the massive leak of natural gas near Porter Ranch. The leak has led to the near-shutdown of SoCal Gas' underground gas storage field at Aliso Canyon. Without a place to store gas, the region's gas-fired power plants could encounter periodic shortages during hot summer days and cold winter streaks.
Utilities and state regulators are responding by calling for customers to conserve gas and electricity. SoCal Gas and Southern California Edison have a combined $248 million dollars set aside for Energy Savings Assistance Programs for low-income households.
The state Public Utilities Commission is now telling the two companies to spend that money faster than they have been. The idea is for poor households to help Southern California use less energy and avoid gas and power shortages that could crop up later this year.
Support for LAist comes from
A household whose income is low enough -- and which has old, inefficient appliances -- can receive a free new refrigerator, water heater, furnace, air conditioner, or even a swimming pool pump. Homes may receive multiple new appliances. The program also includes home weatherizing like energy-saving windows and insulation.
Families that qualify for food stamps and other common assistance programs are likely to qualify for the energy assistance program.
Southern California Gas Company lists details for its low-income assistance program here and Southern California Edison details its program here.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist