COUNTYWIDE : Edison Offers Billing Relief After Freeze

In response to unusually high electricity bills after December’s cold snap, Southern California Edison has established a toll-free number customers can call to set up a deferred payment schedule or to apply for monetary assistance.

“Farmers in the county are facing higher bills because of their frost protection efforts. And some of the people who worked on the farms are now out of a job because of crop losses, so they might need help as well,” said Mike Montoya, Edison’s area manager.

Customers should call before March 1 and ask for the Freeze Relief Program. Commercial or industrial customers can call 1-800-338-8502. Residential customers can call 1-800-447-0067.

Programs include the Low Income Rate Assistance Program, which provides a 15% discount on electric bills to fixed-income, low-income or unemployed customers.

The Winter Energy Assistance Fund combines customer donations with matching funds from Edison’s shareholders.

“We send out mailing inserts along with monthly bills asking customers if they would contribute to WEAF,” Montoya said. “And we have some very generous customers.”

Edison started mailing inserts in November, and so far more than 26,000 Southern California customers have contributed over $475,000. Donations for this year will be accepted through March 30. Last year, funds were distributed to more than 12,000 customers.

Customers can also call the Freeze Relief Program number to schedule a free home inspection by an Edison representative, who will give advice on what changes can be made to save energy.