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ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW DRAFT • CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) is PG&E's discount program for low income households and housing facilities. CARE provides a 20 percent discount on monthly energy bills and waives recent surcharges for lower income households. The program applies to single family homeowners, tenants who are metered or billed by landlords, and group living facilities. • REACH (Relief for Energy Assistance for Community Help) is a one-time energy assistance program for low income homeowners who cannot pay their utility bill because of a sudden financial hardship. The program is targeted to the elderly, disabled, sick, working poor, and unemployed. Eligibility is determined by the Salvation Army and requires a household income that does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. • Energy Partners is PG&E's free weatherization program. Approved contractors work with low income customers to make their homes more energy efficient. The work usually involves weather stripping, additional insulation, and furnace repair. Income restrictions apply. PG&E also offers reduced rates for residential customers dependent on life support equipment, or with special heating and cooling needs due to certain medical conditions. The utility also offers a balanced payment plan for customers who experience higher heating or cooling costs during the extreme weather months. PG&E also works with community -based organizations and local governments to determine additional measures that may assist lower income households. In addition to the above programs, the California Department of Health and Human Services has a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist low income homeowners with weatherization and energy bills. The LIHEAP Weatherization Program provides free weatherization services such as attic insulation, weatherstripping, and minor home repairs. LIHEAP also provides payments for weather -related or energy -related emergencies, and financial assistance to eligible households. Conclusions Heating and cooling costs can represent a substantial share of the housing budget for lower income and/or special needs households. The City is working proactively to promote energy conservation and enforce Title 24 standards for new construction. The City will continue working with PG&E to reduce the energy cost burden for San Leandro households, primarily through PG&E's weatherization and financial assistance programs. HOUSING ELEMENT 3-33 SAN LEANDRO GENERAL PLAN q44