california

SDG&E: No cost energy upgrades for your home!

Abby H.

I received this information in my email this morning, and I thought I would share it.

We took advantage of this program a few years ago. It was quick and easy. This program as easy and 1, 2, 3.

Do you want to save on your energy bills?

Get no-cost energy efficiency upgrades for your home. Whether you are a renter or owner, SDG&E’s Residential Energy Solutions Program can help increase your energy efficiency and lower your energy consumption while giving you more comfort in your home.  There are several measures that you may qualify for that are listed below.

  1. Call 1-888-272-8394 to request an appointment for an energy assessment at no cost.
  2. Receive No Cost Efficiency Upgrades.
  3. Enjoy Energy Savings.

*Synergy Companies is an authorized service provider for San Diego Gas & Electric.

*Residences located in Orange County and have SoCalGas as a fuel provider will have limited or no measures available to them

And don’t forget- You can save money and earn cash or gift cards when you save energy with Ohm Connect. Learn more here. 

 

California State Parks Passes- FOR FREE!

Abby H.

Did you know there are several ways to gain free access to California State parks?

If you are part of the CalWorks program, receive SSI, or are over 62,  you can receive a free Golden Bear pass by learning more or signing up here.

Do you have a fourth grader in your family? If so, we invite you to add to your child’s school curriculum by visiting 19 select state park units for FREE via an Adventure Pass. Learn more here.

Are you a veteran? The Distinguished Veteran pass entitles the bearer to free vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use at over 100 California State Parks-operated units.   Learn more here. 

If you fit none of those criteria, check out your local California library to check out a free State Parks pass. More information can be found here.

With all of these ways to grab a free pass, which state park will you visit? We are looking forward to some free trips to Silver Strand State Beach!

On Medi-Cal? Free Produce boxes from Project Food Box!

Abby H.

I found this on Reddit of all places, but after doing some research, it’s totes legit.

While not something that my San Diego friends can take advantage of, for those who are eligible, this is an amazing opportunity.

Project Food Box ships boxes of produce and healthy food straight to your door- At no charge.  This program is not for everyone, and their range is limited, but, this is such an incredible program. I had to share it.

Eligibility- You are a Medi-Cal Member residing in one of the following counties:

• Fresno
•Kings
•Madera
•San Bernadino
•Riverside
• Imperial
• Los Angeles
• Orange

Qualifying health conditions include but are not limited to diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, or other high-risk perinatal conditions, and chronic or disabling mental/behavioral health disorders. Individuals being discharged from the hospital or a skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement. Individuals with extensive care coordination needs.

You will need the Medi-cal CIN for the person signing up, as well as Checking yes to the  “have a chronic condition” to be eligible for the program.

They even have recipes on their website to help you use the foods in your box!

To sign up or learn more, visit their website.

Beating the Summer Heat Without Breaking the Bank!

Abby H.

The past few weeks here in Southern California have had some very high temperatures, and it reminds me that we could all use a brush up on our frugal ways to beat the heat.

First of all, if you live in San Diego County check out the cool zone website to find a free place near you to chill out. They are typically places like community centers, libraries, and indoor shopping centers. If you are outside San Diego County, here is a list of all of the California counties and their cool zone sites.

In addition to finding certified cool zones, you can head to cooler areas like the beach, a local swimming pool, or a splash pad. Most beaches have free parking, although state beaches have a nominal fee to park. Community pools and splash pads also have a small admittance fee, although parking is generally free.

Remember to dress for the weather, and that includes floppy hats with wide brims that will keep your head and neck covered, as well as sunscreen if you were going to be outside between the hours of 10 AM-4 PM. Hydration is also very important if you’re gonna be outside in the heat. Water bottles, ice cubes, and frozen packs are all on my summer adventure packing list.

And now finally cooling down your home. We’ve only had a decent AC in our home for two years, prior to that we had the original from when our home with built in the early 80s. We cool our home down by having box fans in the windows each night, and we close the house by 10 AM to keep the cool air inside. We close our blinds and drapes, and we keep the fans going inside the house to circulate the air. We set our thermostat to between 74 and 76°. And because we have a newer AC we use the smart program (it’s an app) that communicates with our thermostat.

This is super important especially if you live in an area where there are wildfires: Set a reminder in your phone or online calendar to change the air filter on your AC once a year or more if you have a wildfire in your area and you’re running the AC. We take advantage of programs like OhmConnect and programs through our local power company (SDG&E). There are programs like FERA, and the Care program that offers discounts off the electric portion of your power bill.  These programs are for lower-income families, or families who need electricity for medical devices.

I make approximately 12 trays of ice cubes each day (are in-freezer icemaker broke about two years ago, and it cost more than a new refrigerator to get it fixed), and we drink a lot of ice water, ice tea, and iced sugar-free beverages daily during the summer. This is the kid’s current obsession. They like it because they can make it themselves in their personal water bottles without any help from mom.

I have become the master at packing weather-appropriate drinks and snacks for when we are on the go when school is out.

Remember that you can increase your water intake by consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables as well. Melons and cucumbers are just two sources of hydration that can also satiate your hunger. Our weekly CSA boxes have been coming with all sorts of delicious cucumbers (both Persian and English) and a variety of melons. I cut them up and stash them in the fridge so the kids can always have a quick, easy snack.

2023 Moms Meet WOW Summit is BACK!

Abby H.

I am so freaking excited about this event! I am requesting time off and going.

The Moms Meet Wow Summit is coming to Orange County, CA on November 10-11th!

It’s two days of learning and fun. Connect with other parents, and brands, and have some much-needed adult time on Friday night for the cocktail party.

Early Bird tickets start at only $29, and Content Creator tickets start at $99.00. All the information including speakers, sponsors, and hotel accommodations can be found here. The website will be updated as more information (speakers, etc.) become available.

Californians: Middle Class Tax Refund Payments are Coming!

Abby H.

I don’t talk about politics or news a lot of my blog, because it’s not what this blog is about. HOWEVER, this piece of news is huge for millions of Californians. I had totally forgotten about the  Middle Class Tax Refund payments that were in the works for California residents until someone texted me about them the other day.

Payments will range from $400 to $1,050 for couples filing jointly and $200 to $700 for all other individuals depending on their income and whether they claimed a dependent. Refunds are available for ITIN filers, in addition to those who file tax returns with a SSN.

You can learn more here, and there is a calculator here to determine how much you may receive.

Payments started going out on 10/7/2022 and will continue throughout the end of the year.

Talk Back: Have you received your  Middle Class Tax Refund payment yet? How will you spend it?

 

Ohm Connect: Now available in Texas and New York!

Abby H.

We’ve been using Ohm Connect for years. In addition to saving power during times of high demand on the power grid, we’ve saved money on our power bill and earned rewards from Ohm Connect.

I’m excited that Ohm Connect has decided to open its program to those living in Texas and New York as well.

Once you sign up, you will be alerted when the demand for energy increases (Either via text or email- your choice). If you cut down on power usage during those peak times, you will not only reduce your power bill but also receive points from Ohm Connect that can be redeemed for cash back via PayPal or gift cards (I usually get Target Gift cards).

And you can connect your smart home devices to help you save- the Ohm Connect App walks you through everything! It’s super simple.

We’ve earned $25 in rewards so far in 2022!

 

Apply to be a Chatterbox™ for Alden’s Organic

Abby H.

California Peeps- Check out this amazing opportunity!

Alden’s Organic is America’s Favorite Organic Ice Cream and here’s your chance to try it free, plus share great offers with friends and family, too.

Alden’s Organic sources their organic milk and cream from family-owned farms and is certified Organic, Non-GMO, and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors or high fructose corn syrup. So you’ll enjoy true to flavor taste of favorites like Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Chocolate Chip where only authentic flavors shine through. And with more than 50 organic treats to choose from, Alden’s Organic makes something for everyone right from its home in Eugene, Oregon. Find Alden’s Organic at your local Ralphs store.

If you’re selected as a Chatterbox, you’ll get a great Chat Pack:

  • 1 Free coupon to purchase Alden’s Organic from your local store
  • 3 $1 off discount coupons for Alden’s Organic to share with friends and family
  • 3 Alden’s Organic stickers
  • 3 Alden’s Organic shareable recipe postcards

Apply now!

So Cal Utility Customers: Expect a credit on your April bill!

Abby H.

The Climate Credit that we’ve all grown accustomed to seeing on our April and October bills has been moved to August and September when most Californians have higher utility bills due to the weather.

However, the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) is giving every California ratepayer a credit of $17.86 on the GAS portion of their utility bill this month.

In August and September, there will be a credit each month of $34.60 on the Electricity portion of each ratepayer utility bill.

Changing the distribution months will not change the total value of the climate credits you receive in a year. The shift will provide bill relief for customers and reduce bill volatility.

Visit my post here to learn about ways to lower your energy usage, and learn more about money-saving programs SDG&E has that your family may qualify for.

And if you want to save energy and earn money, check out my post about Ohm Connect.

California Residents: Expect a refund on your August bill!

Abby H.

CPUC.jpgThe Climate Credit that we’ve all grown accustomed to seeing on our April and October bills has been moved to August and September when most Californians have higher utility bills due to the weather.

In August and September, there will be a credit each month of $32.28 on the Electricity portion of each ratepayer utility bill.

Changing the distribution months will not change the total value of the climate credits you receive in a year. The shift will provide bill relief for customers and reduce bill volatility.

If you’re having trouble paying your utility bill and to learn more about the available resource to help you and your household, please visit sdge.com/coronavirus.

Visit Energy Upgrade California to learn about ways to lower your energy usage.

And if you want to save energy and earn money, check out my post about Ohm Connect.
What is the California Climate Credit?

This August* your utility bill will include an electric credit identified as the “California Climate Credit.” Your household and millions of others throughout the state will receive this credit on your utility bills.

In the past years, the electric credit was applied in April and October, and the gas credit was applied in April. For 2020 and 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission authorized SDG&E to temporarily shift the electric credit to be applied in August and September.

 

*Billing periods vary by utility and may not always coincide with a calendar month. If you don’t see a Climate Credit in the bill that arrives this month, it will appear in the bill you receive next month. If you are an electric customer, the electric credit will appear as a line item on the electric portion of your bill. If you are a gas customer, the gas credit will appear as a line item on the gas portion of your bill. If you receive both electric and gas service, you will see the electric and gas credits on the respective portions of your utility bill.

The CPUC regulates privately owned electric and natural gas companies and serves the public interest by protecting consumers and ensuring the provision of safe, reliable utility service and infrastructure at reasonable rates, with a commitment to environmental enhancement and a healthy California economy. For more information about our work visit www.cpuc.ca.gov. If you have a question or complaint concerning a privately owned utility, call 1-800-649-7570 or visit or visit http://consumers.cpuc.ca.gov/CABUtilityComplaint.aspx.