California can offer some unique financial difficulties, however, there are some resources available to those who qualify.

• California Lifeline - This program provides discounted telephone service to qualifying low-income households sponsored by the California Public Utilities Commission. (www.californialifeline.com)

• Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) - This program is Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s rate reduction program for large households of three or more people with low- to middle-income. (www.pge.com/fera)

• California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) - This program provides a 20 percent discount on monthly bills for qualified low or fixed income households and housing facilities. Qualifications are based on the number of people living in your home and your total annual household income. (http://www.pge.com/care/)

• REACH (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help) - This is a one-time energy-assistance program sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric Company. It is administered through the Salvation Army from 170 offices in northern and central California. (www.pge.com/reach/)

The Salvation Army determines if customers are eligible for REACH assistance. To qualify for REACH, an applicant's income must not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Generally, recipients can receive REACH assistance only once within a 12-month period, but exceptions can be made for seniors, the physically challenged and the terminally ill.

To apply for REACH assistance in your area, contact the Salvation Army at 1 (800) 933-9677.

• SMUD Energy Assistance Program Rate (EAPR) - If your utilities are provided by Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), then this program offers eligible low-income customers a discount of more than 30 percent on their entire electric bill every month. The average savings for customers under EAPR is more than $280 a year. (www.smud.org/pay/eapr.html)

• Low-Income Rate Assistance Program (LIRA) - Provides a 50% discount off of the monthly service charge for qualified Cal Water residential customers. Follow the link above to apply or call your local Cal Water Customer Center for more information. (http://www.calwater.com/your_account/lira.php)