Silicon Valley Power understands the economic pressures on its customers due to inflation and rising energy costs. Recently, City Council approved a 5% electric rate increase effective January 2025 to cover rising materials and construction costs, fund critical infrastructure projects and maintain reserves in line with Santa Clara’s growth. To help its financially vulnerable customers, SVP offers a Financial Rate Assistance Program (FRAP) to provide a discount up to 40% off the electric portion of residential electric bills.

The Financial Rate Assistance Program provides low- and moderate-income residential customers a 25%-40% discount off the first 800 kilowatt hours (kWh) of their monthly electric bill. The discount is highest for customers who qualify for the state-wide Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is based on 150% of the federal poverty level.

The FRAP discounts are as follows:

For FRAP customers:

• 35% discount on the first 300 kWh
• 25% discount on 301 – 800 kWh

  For LIHEAP-eligible customers:

• 40% discount on the first 300 kWh
• 25% discount on 301 – 800 kWh

  Customers in a Section 8 designated multifamily housing complex:

• 35% discount on the first 300 kWh
• 25% discount on 301 – 800 kWh
• No income verification is required in these designated multifamily complexes

The average Silicon Valley Power customer uses 420 kWh per month, and most FRAP customers use even less. Silicon Valley Power provides a variety of resources and programs to assist customers in lowering energy consumption. Energy efficiency tips and incentive programs can be found on our website at SiliconValleyPower.com/Residents.

To apply for the Financial Rate Assistance Program, visit SiliconValleyPower.com/Assist. For questions, please call our Energy Conservation Hotline at 408-244-SAVE (7283).