Department Navigation Home Page City Calendar City Government Navigation Job Info Navigation Services Navigation Community Navigation City of Santa Clara
Bookmark & Share RSS
""
Need Help Paying Utility Bills?
 
The City of Santa Clara in cooperation with the State of California has two utility assistance programs to help lower income City of Santa Clara Municipal Utilities customers with their home electricity costs:
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
  • Rate Assistance Program (RAP)

These programs can help those who are managing a household on a limited income to reduce their electrical costs of heating and/or cooling, or electric costs associated with operating prescribed medical equipment.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Previous recipients of the California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are encouraged to reapply if they still qualify. Eligibility for this program is based on monthly gross household income and household size (see financial criteria, below). For an application, or more information, please call HEAP at (866) 675-6623, or visit the City of Santa Clara Municipal Services Office.

Residential Rate Assistance Program (RAP)
Silicon Valley Power, Santa Clara's municipal electric utility, also offers a Rate Assistance Program (RAP). RAP provides a 25% discount off the electric portion of the municipal utilities bill to residents who qualify through income or medical need. Note: Those who use this program must reapply and qualify every two years. There are two criteria for participation:

 
  1. Financial criteria for RAP - You may apply for the 25% discount on the electric portion of your bill if your combined income is below the limits outlined below. To apply or to obtain more information, call or write:
    Department of Community Service and Development
    P.O. Box 1947
    Sacramento, CA 95812-1947
    (866) 675-6626
    2. TTY/TDD (916) 327-6318 or CA Relay Service (800) 735-2929 for the deaf or hearing impaired.
  2. Medical criteria for RAP - Residents who use an electric device for treating a medical condition may also qualify for the rate discount. Note: it is not necessary to be in the low-income category to quality for a Medical RAP. You will need a doctor's certification indicating the need for the device. To apply for a Medical RAP discount or to obtain more information, please call or write: City of Santa Clara
    Municipal Services Division
    1500 Warburton Avenue
    Santa Clara, CA 95050
    (408) 615-2305
 
Financial Criteria for HEAP/RAP  Santa Clara residents whose combined household income is within the limits shown below may apply for HEAP/RAP programs. Proof of income will be required.
 
Size of Household Monthly Income
1 $1,709.92
2 $2,236.08
3 $2,762.17
4 $3,288.33
5 $3,814.42
6 $4,340.58
 
For households with more than six members, increase the income level by $526.00 for each additional member.
 
Financial Assistance Guideline Table showing qualifying income levels. These guidelines are valid through December 31, 2005.