Medical Baseline Allowance

     If you have a medical device that uses electricity, SDG&E has a medical baseline allowance that provides additional energy for the appliance at the baseline electricity rate. Anyone with a medical need can apply for medical baseline allowance. Residential consumers usually receive approximately a baseline allowance and any additional energy is billed at a higher, non-baseline rate. If you have a medical device, the baseline allowance can be increased up to 16.5 kilowatt hours per day (about 500 kWh per month). This is not a rebate or a discount. To qualify, you or a full-time resident of your home must meet one of the following requirements:

• Require permanent space heating or air conditioning as a parapalegic, quadriplegic, hemiplegic, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma patient, or have a compromised immune system or a life threatening illness.
  
• Require one of the following devices:

  Hemodialysis Machines
  Electric Nerve Stimulators
  Electrostatic Nebulizers
  Utrasonic Nebulizers
  Kidney Dialysis Machine
  Motorized Wheelchair
  Respirators
  Apnea Monitors
  Compressors
  Pressure Pumps
  IPPB Machines
  Iron Lungs
  Suction Machine
  Pressure Pads

For more information, click here [1].  If you have any questions, call UCAN's Fraud Squad at 619/696-6966. If you  would like an application, call SDG&E at (800-411-7343). In order to process your application, you will also need a letter from a doctor, verifying the medical condition that requires the appliance. Remember, send the application and the letter by certified mail.