Starting August 16, 2010, income-qualified families can receive a one-time grant of up to $1,500 to pay off past due utility bills and avoid shut-offs. The Temporary Energy Assistance for Families (TEAF) program, which will make up to $10 million in funds available to qualifying customers through September 21, 2010, is administered by The Salvation Army under the auspices of the California Department of Social Services.

Federal stimulus money funds 80 percent of the TEAF program, with a requirement that the remaining 20 percent of funding comes from non-federal money. To further assist our low-income customers, The Gas Company sought and secured California Public Utilities Commission approval to leverage existing assistance program dollars, which will help fund the remaining 20 percent needed to launch the TEAF program.

Grants are open to those customers in arrears who are parents, guardians, or non-custodial parents of a child under 18 years old. In order to qualify for the full grant amount, customers must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Those customers who do not have proof of citizenship for themselves but do for their children will receive a prorated amount.

Recipients must also provide proof of income and their current utility bill showing the current and past-due amounts. And, grant recipients’ income must meet or fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Customers can apply for grants by visiting a Salvation Army office, or by contacting The Salvation Army toll-free at 1-800-933-9677. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, until they are no longer available.

During these difficult economic times, The Gas Company is consistently seeking new opportunities to help customers in need. Helping to secure TEAF program funding is just part of our broader commitment to assisting customers.

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