Energy and Utility Resources
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch.
If your household is eligible, you could receive one of the following:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
- A low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP*
Visit the Basic Needs Center to connect with a representitive from ACP or apply online!
The California LifeLine Program (California LifeLine) is a state program that provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible households. The California LifeLine discounts help consumers lower the cost of their phone bills. Only one discount per household is allowed (except for teletypewriter users and for Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants). Each household must choose to get the discount either on a home phone or on a cell phone, but not on both. Check out the Types of Discounted Services Available to learn about the program's benefits.
The CommUnify Santa Barbara Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help those in financial need prevent service interruption or restore disconnected utility services. LIHEAP can also help families that just want to get ahead on their bills to free up funds for other living needs. Assistance payments are provided for gas, electric, oil, wood or propane services. Intake centers are located throughout the county for easy access and assistance, if needed.
Learn more and apply at CommUnify
The Santa Barbara Region of Catholic Charities covers Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
The Santa Barbara County area of Catholic Charities serves communities that include Cuyama Valley, Carpenteria , Guadalupe, Lompoc, Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. Since 1924, the Region has been providing hunger and homeless prevention services for low-income families and individuals throughout the communities of Santa Barbara County. The Region has three food pantries and several food distribution sites.
Other services offered include case management, financial assistance, material services and individual and family counseling services. They also offer utility payment assistance; call one of their locations using the information below to speak with a representative.
Lompoc
Lompoc Community Services Center
325 North Second Street, Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 736-6226Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Community Services Center
609 E. Haley Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7045Santa Maria
Santa Maria Community Services Center
607 W. Main Street, Santa Maria, CA 93458-5034
(805) 922-2059SCE understands that many customers continue to struggle financially, and that sometimes other expenses must come first. Their Family Electric Rate Assistance(FERA) and California Alternate Rates for Energy(CARE) financial assistance programs help qualifying families of all sizes lower their monthly energy bills when they need it most.
Both FERA and CARE provide significant discounts to customers who qualify for bill assistance based on their household size and income. A single application takes two minutes to complete. No additional documentation is required.
You may qualify for 20% off your monthly natural gas bill through the CARE program. Their simple online application only takes a few minutes, and no additional documentation is needed. Once your online application is submitted, you will instantly know if you qualify.
Learn more and apply at SoCal Gas