4. Temporary Energy Assistance for Families (TEAF)

As previously discussed, R.10-02-005 directed PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas and SDG&E to file Tier 3 ALs to establish a new fund using CARE funds as matching funds in order to apply for federal grants available through the TANF Emergency Fund. The purpose of these funds is to assist CARE and TANF eligible families in PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas and SDG&E service territories with their past due utility bills in order to help reduce and avoid service disconnections.

In March 2010, the four utilities submitted Tier 3 ALs proposing a total of $10 million in CARE funds be allocated to the new CARE/TANF fund. On April 8, 2010, the Commission approved a resolution allowing PG&E to transfer $5 million to the CARE/TANF fund. On April 22, 2010 the Commission approved a subsequent resolution directing SCE, SoCalGas and SDG&E to transfer an additional $5 million to the CARE/TANF fund.⁸ These funds would be used to obtain an additional $40 million in matching funds from the TANF Emergency Fund.

DRA and the four utilities worked cooperatively to assist the California Department of Social Services (DSS) in developing an application for the TANF funds. Simultaneously, DRA and the four utilities worked with DSS to develop a contract with The Salvation Army to be the agency administering the newly named TEAF program. On June 30, 2010, DSS signed a contract with The Salvation Army to administer TEAF.

We applaud the utilities and DRA for their efforts in assisting DSS to implement this project. We anticipate receiving notification from the DSS soon regarding the outcome of California's application for Emergency funds.

⁸ See, Resolution (Res.) G-3444, adopted April 8, 2010, for PG&E, and Res. E-4327, Res. E-4328, and Res. G-3446, adopted April 22, 2010, for SCE, SDG&E and SoCalGas, respectively.