California regulators tell utilities to spend more on energy-saving programs for poor households

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.

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.