Skip Main Navigation
Skip Navigation
  1. Home
  2. Basic Needs Center
  3. Utility Resources

Utility Resources

UTILITIES AND BROADBAND

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

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 representative from ACP or apply online!

Application for Afforadable Wi-Fi

Communify utility payment assistance

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.

Visit the Basic Needs Center for support in connect to CommUnify. 

Check if you're eligible based on your income

Apply here

Aplicar aquí

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

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) 736-6226

Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Community Services Center
609 E. Haley Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 965-7045

Santa Maria
Santa Maria Community Services Center
607 W. Main Street, Santa Maria, CA 93458-5034
(805) 922-2059

Discounts on your PG&E Bill

CARE and FERA are PG&E discount programs that help eligible customers pay their energy bills. Over 1.4 million customers are receiving a bill discount through these two programs. Simply complete the online CARE/FERA enrollment form and we’ll let you know if you’re eligible.

  • California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE). A monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity. Participants qualify through income guidelines or if enrolled in certain public assistance programs.
  • Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). A monthly discount of 18% on electricity only. Must be a household with three or more people. Participants qualify through income guidelines.

APPLY FOR PG&E DISCOUNTS HERE

DISCOUNTS ON YOUR SOCAL GAS BILL

If you are seeking financial relief, you may qualify for 20% off your natural gas bill with our CARE program. It only takes a few minutes to apply and no additional documentation is required.
 
Apply today to see if you qualify.
 

3CE also supports other rate assistance programs such as Arrearage Management Plan (AMP) — a new payment plan option to help qualifying residential customers reduce unpaid balances on their bills. AMP provides for up to $8,000 total arrearage forgiveness for CARE or FERA customers. Customers must be enrolled in CARE or FERA to be eligible for AMP. Customers must also owe at least $500 in arrearages, or $250 for gas-only customers, with some portion of the arrearage at least 90 days past due. NEM customers are not eligible to participate at this time.