Customers are encouraged to visit sdge.com/RecoveryResources for more information and be aware of potential scams.
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2024 – Following the Governor’s proclamation of a State of Emergency on Jan. 23, SDG&E has activated emergency protections to help residential and small business customers in its service area and ease the unexpected financial burden stemming from impacts from last Monday’s severe rainstorm and flooding.
Per the National Weather Service, on Jan. 22, San Diego experienced one of the wettest days on record. Storm conditions resulted in more than 25,000 unplanned outages across the region and significant flooding damaged many homes and businesses. Dedicated gas and electric crews diligently worked to inspect and repair damages and by Tuesday afternoon, were able to fully restore power. However, minor repairs are still underway across the service area to help ensure the safe and reliable delivery of energy.
“Here at SDG&E, our hearts are with those who are dealing with the aftermath of the storm,” said SDG&E Chief Operating Officer & Chief Safety Officer Kevin Geraghty. “We stand with our customers and are committed to helping our affected communities as they recover with resources and support.”
Customer protections & resources
A number of SDG&E resources, programs and protections are available to support customers impacted by the Jan. 22 rainstorm:
- Billing may be discontinued and/or disconnections due to non-payment may be suspended for severely impacted customers whose homes have been destroyed or are deemed uninhabitable.
- Impacted customers will be granted expedited move-in and move-out service requests.
- While the customer protections are in effect, SDG&E will not ask CARE, FERA and Medical Baseline customers to recertify or verify income and will not drop them from their respective program.
- Flexible payment plans and payment extensions.
- Bill discounts, debt forgiveness and one-time emergency payments for qualified customers.
- Certain medical conditions may qualify for additional electricity at the lowest rate.
Customers with questions are encouraged to visit SDGE.com/recoveryresources to find more information on these protections and important resources.
Beware of scams
During disasters and emergencies, scams aimed at utility customers increase. If affected customers receive calls or emails or are approached by someone claiming to be with SDG&E, they can call 1-800-411-7343 to verify legitimacy.
- SDG&E will never ask for payment to inspect customers’ gas or electric service.
- SDG&E employees will be wearing a company uniform, will always have an employee badge and travel in an SDG&E vehicle.
- SDG&E will never call or email a customer to demand payment or threaten to disconnect service if payment isn’t received immediately.
For more tips on how to spot and protect against scams, visit sdge.com/scams.
Helping neighbors & communities
In response to historic flooding, SDG&E has provided $50,000 in shareholder-funded grants to the following organizations offering immediate assistance to impacted communities:
- Chicano Federation: to support disaster relief for affected residents, including temporary hotel accommodations, food, basic needs (such as diapers and toiletries) and transportation assistance. The program also offers culturally responsive, trauma-informed support with insurance claims and navigating other resources through its in-house Community Resource Center.
- Pillars of the Community: to support to people in Southeast San Diego, including purchasing supplies to help clean up the damaged neighborhoods, providing essential basic need items and warm meals in coordination with other community-based organizations and volunteers.
- Sharia’s Closet: to support the mobilization its Emergency Clothing Program that will offer clothing, diapers, bedding, and toiletries to impacted community members. The organization is coordinating with other providers, including Jackie Robinson YMCA, to sort and provide clothing at various distribute sites.
- San Diego Foundation: to support their San Diego Flood Response Fund that rapidly deploys flexible resources to the community and supports organizations responding to the floods.
Reporting damages & additional disaster resources
Customers who live within the County of San Diego are encouraged to report any storm damages to their home or business at www.sdcountyrecovery.com and call 211 for additional disaster resources.
About SDG&E:
SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on X (formerly Twitter) (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.