Utility Assistance Program

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Community Action Partnership of Riverside County administers the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides utility payment assistance and weatherization services to low income customers in RiversideCounty. The program is funded by Federal Department of Health and Human Services through the State Department of Community Services and Development. Every year, over 6,000 eligible low-income households benefits from utility payment assistance and more than 700 homes are weatherized.

ASSISTANCE TYPE:

• Utility Assistance: The utility assistance program is a one-time assistance program that helps low and moderate-income individuals and families with utility payment assistance. Funding for the program is provided by the federal LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)and the City of Riverside SHARE (Sharing Households Assist Riverside’s Energy Fund). The program also offers energy conservation education.

SHARE vs. HEAP:       Which do you need?

• ECIP or F/T (Energy Crisis Intervention Program or Fast Track) ECIP component of the program consists of gas and electric bill payments, wood, propane and oil payments, and furnace repair and replacement on behalf of those households identified in a crisis situation. An ECIP payment is made when an applicant receives a 24 or 48-hour disconnection notice or other utility service disconnection notice that would involve a life threatening and/or emergency situation; or the applicant’s utility services have been terminated; or the applicant requires assistance with establishing a new account. Clients whose utilities are included in their rent DO NOT qualify for ECIP/FT. 

• Energy Education CAP Riverside requires all utility payment assistance/weatherization customers to attend a mandatory energy education classes. The purpose of the education is to assist the customer in learning about the costs of energy, the benefits of energy conservation measures and practices, available programs such as rebates and appliance safety

• CARE (California Alternative Rates for Energy) Customers can also apply for CARE program. This program provides a 20% or more discounts on the electric bill or gas bill-every month for those who met the income eligibility guidelines, hold the utility account in his/her name and not be claimed as a qualified customers.

• Weatherization Assistance Program: Community Action Partnership of Riverside’s Weatherization Assistance Program is a federally funded low-income residential energy conservation program. The program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Riverside County homeowners and renters. These services reduce energy use and lower utility bills, thus creating more self-sufficient households. Energy saving services includes measures such as attic insulation, caulking, water heater blanket, heating/cooling system repair, and other conservation measures.  A trained inspector will assess eligible dwellings for energy conservation needs. A typical inspection will include Blower Door testing for air leakage, Combustion Appliance testing for safety and efficiency, and a Health and Safety inspection. All needed improvements is made at no cost to you.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Energy Savings 101