Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Southern California Gas Company (the Gas Company) have announced a joint effort to help their customers reduce–and in some cases, to pay–their monthly energy bills. Recognizing that in the on-going economic crisis, many households are falling behind on their bills or are looking for ways to cut down on spending, the two utilities want to emphasize that there are programs to help.

Want to get your energy bills down? Through their Energy Management Assistance program, SCE offers “free energy efficient appliances, pool pumps, weatherization services, lighting, air conditioners and other efficiency measures for income-qualified renters and homeowners.”

Similarly, qualifying homeowners of the Gas Company can take advantage of the utility’s Direct Assistance Program. The program will provide free energy efficiency improvements for your home, including weatherization services, water-saving measures, and water heater repair or replacement.

Both utilities offer plans to help you cope with bill payments, too, ranging from actual cost reductions on your bills to sensible payment plans that fit any budget. The utilities estimate that as many as 385,000 customers may be eligible for a 20 percent energy rate reduction but have not applied to the program (called the California Alternate Rates for Energy, or CARE). Contact SCE or the Gas Company to find out if you qualify.

The goal: keep your lights on and your water heated, however the recession has affected your household. You can also contact 211 to find out about more community service programs in California.