Since low-income families and seniors living on fixed incomes are the most vulnerable to increases
in utility bills, the following information is provided to assist qualified Santa Monica residents in taking advantage of available savings programs and discounts.
CITY OF SANTA MONICA UTILITY USERS TAX EXEMPTION: The city offers an exemption from the 10% utility users tax to low-income seniors over age 62 and low-income individuals with a disability.
Applications are
accepted at WISE & Healthy Aging: 1527 4th St,
2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA. For additional
information, call 310-394-9871.
Information and Eligibility Requirements (PDF)
Application Form (PDF)
CITY OF SANTA MONICA UTILITIES: Low-income customers may qualify for a waiver of the fixed bimonthly fee portion of the city's water and wastewater bill. Information and applications may be obtained at the Utilities Division, 1212 Fifth Street, Third Floor, or by calling 458-8224.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON: Offers eligible participants a 20% discount on its monthly electric rate as part of the CARE (California Alternative Rates for Energy) program. (The discount was increased effective June 7, 2001, from 15% to 20% by order of the PUC.) Program eligibility is based on a combination of family size and income. Information and applications may be obtained by calling 1-800-447-6620.
Disabled individuals who require the regular use of electrically operated life-support equipment may qualify for the Medical Baseline Allocation (MBA) program. For more information, call 1-800-655-4555.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS COMPANY: Offers eligible participants a 20% discount on their monthly gas rate as part of the
CARE (California Alternative Rates for Energy) program. (The discount was increased effective June 7, 2001, from 15% to 20% by order of the PUC.) Program eligibility is based on a combination of family-size and income. In addition, there is a 60% discount on the service establishment charge for customers who qualify within 90 days from the date of service establishment. Information and applications may be obtained by calling 1-800-427-2200.
ADELPHIA CABLE TV: Customers currently receiving discounted electric, gas, or water/sewer service may apply for a 20% discount off the price of basic cable TV service. To request an application, call 828-2111.
VERIZON TELEPHONE: Offers two reduced cost programs for low-income households that qualify for universal lifeline service. The lifeline flat rate service charges are based on household income and the number of persons living in the household. The lifeline message rate service charges have the same income and household size qualifications as the lifeline flat rate service, but the rates are based on usage. A measured rate program with no income qualifications is available for low usage customers. Information and applications are available by calling customer service at 1-800-483-4000.
AT&T LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE: Offers a Lifeline service for low income/low usage customers based on income level. Call the Lifeline referral number at 1-888-549-2803 for information/application.
