Article: ARE YOU PREPARED FOR AN EARTHQUAKE?
Living in Southern California means earthquakes can happen at any time, so it’s crucial to have an emergency plan ready. It’s easy to get complacent with frequent warnings, but being prepared can save lives. Here are some tips from SDG&E to help you respond quickly and keep your loved ones safe in case of a major earthquake.
- Develop an evacuation plan. Create an evacuation plan that includes multiple escape routes and meeting places outside your home. Practice the plan with your family, including pets and livestock. For personalized tips, visit sdge.com/checklist.
- Review your emergency plans. Familiarize yourself with emergency plans at your workplace, school or other places where you or your family spend time regularly.
- Pack an emergency kit. Assemble a backpack with essential items such as non-perishable foods, bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlight, cash, pet food, manual can opener, medications, an overnight bag with clothes and toiletries and a portable radio with fresh batteries. For more ideas, visit sdge.com/checklist.
- Update your contact info. Ensure your contact information with SDG&E is current. Update or confirm your info at MyEnergyCenter.com. After logging in, select Account and then Notification Settings.
- Sign up for alerts. Register for SDG&E power outage alerts. Learn more at sdge.com/notifications or login to MyEnergyCenter.com. Select Account, Notification Settings and then Outages & Gas Leaks.
- Secure your space: Walk through your home to identify items that could fall when shaken, then secure those items. Move heavy or large items, like potted plants, to the floor or low shelves and away from escape routes. You can also secure your water heater to the wall, install earthquake shut-off valves, install latches on kitchen cabinets and brace electronic items like TVs with straps. For more ideas, visit EarthquakeCountry.org.
In the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster:
- Remember to drop, cover and hold on. Drop down onto your hands and knees, cover your head and neck with your hands and arms and take shelter under a sturdy table or desk, if possible. Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops. If you’re outside, move away from buildings, trees, power lines or under freeway overpasses. If you’re at the beach, move to higher ground.
- Stay away from downed power lines and trees. Do not touch downed power lines or broken gas lines, and call SDG&E when it’s safe to do so.
- If you are indoors, do not run outside. This is dangerous as you can easily fall or be injured by falling objects and debris like glass, bricks and other building components.
- Do not use flames. Use flashlights instead of lanterns, matches or candles.
Article: USE YOUR DIGITAL WALLET TO PAY YOUR ENERGY BILL
Did you know that you can pay your energy bill conveniently with your digital wallet now? It’s easy to use Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, Venmo® and PayPal®. Just log in or sign up on MyEnergyCenter.com or the My Energy Center mobile app.
Here are convenient ways to pay your energy bill:
Pay online: You can pay online with a credit/debit card or electronic check, or with one of the new digital payment options(Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, Venmo® and PayPal®) by visiting MyEnergyCenter.com or the My Energy Center mobile app.
Pay with Guest Pay: Make a quick, one-time payment without entering your account number. Just go to sdge.com/PayBill and choose Guest Pay.
- Pay by phone: Call SDG&E at 1-800-411-SDGE (7343) to pay by phone with a credit/debit card or electronic check.
- Set up Auto Pay: Never forget to pay your bill and make timely payments every month with your bank account. Sign up at MyEnergyCenter.com. Log in, select Billing, then Auto Pay. You get to choose the payment schedule.
- Explore additional options: Visit sdge.com/PayBill for more information and payment options.
If you still receive a paper bill and pay by mail, consider switching to paperless billing. You can clear the clutter, save a stamp, reduce your carbon footprint and it’s safe and secure. Log in to MyEnergyCenter.com and select Account, then My Profile. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Sign Up under Paperless Billing.
Article: ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: HELP IS AVAILABLE
Managing energy bills can be challenging. But did you know that SDG&E offers several assistance programs to help customers reduce their energy costs and improve energy efficiency?
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The CARE program provides a 30% or more discount on monthly energy bills for eligible households. Eligibility is based on household size and income, or participation in certain public assistance programs. Applying is quick and easy, with no documentation required. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/CARE.
- Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
FERA offers an 18% discount on electric bills for households with three or more people who exceed CARE income limits but still meet FERA guidelines. This program helps larger families manage their energy expenses more effectively. Learn more at sdge.com/FERA.
- Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
The ESA program provides no-cost energy-efficient home improvements to income-qualified customers. Services and products may include attic insulation,
energy-efficient refrigerators, weatherstripping and more. The program aims to reduce energy use and help lower bills. Find details at sdge.com/ESA.
- Medical Baseline Allowance
Customers with certain medical conditions may qualify for additional energy at the lowest rates through the Medical Baseline Allowance program. This helps offset the cost of operating medical equipment or maintaining necessary heating and cooling. Learn more at sdge.com/Medical.
- Payment Arrangements
If you’re having trouble paying your energy bill, you can request an extension to help avoid interruptions to your service. Flexible payment arrangements are also available to help you pay down past due balances. Learn more at sdge.com/PaymentArrangements.
Learn about these programs and more at sdge.com/assistance.