IID approves additional customer relief and energy savings
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors unanimously approved on Tuesday an additional $10 million investment to enhance IID’s public benefits programs, ensuring relief for vulnerable customers and long-term energy savings for all. The $10 million increases the previously allocated budget of $9.93 million in 2025, resulting in a total of nearly $20 million now available. This represents one of the highest funding allocations for public benefit programs in IID’s history.
In a statement, IID said is doubling down on customer-first solutions, dedicating $5 million of the additional investment to direct bill payment assistance and another $5 million toward energy efficiency programs that will lower energy consumption and reduce costs for homes, schools, and communities.
“Our customers deserve support in both the short and long term,” said Vice Chairman JB Hamby. “This initiative strengthens IID’s commitment to affordability, ensuring struggling families, seniors, and communities have access to the assistance they need while promoting energy efficiency solutions that save money for all.”
IID is enhancing and rebranding existing payment assistance programs to ensure broader outreach and accessibility. Programs like READY (Residential Energy Assistance Designed for You) and CARE (Customer Assistance for Residential Emergencies) will receive increased funding to expand their reach.
“Through these innovative programs, we are not only helping customers lower their bills today but also setting them up for long-term energy savings,” said IID Director Karin Eugenio. “We’re proud to be taking proactive steps to ensure affordability and sustainability in our communities.”
The Board also approved expanded eligibility criteria for payment assistance programs, allowing more families and individuals to qualify for relief. Additionally, assistance levels will be increased, providing greater support for those in need.
IID’s Public Benefits Charge, a state-mandated fund collected by all publicly owned utilities in California, makes these programs possible. By reinvesting these funds strategically, IID is ensuring customers see direct, meaningful benefits from every dollar collected.
“This is about putting customers first,” said IID General Manager Jamie Asbury. “We’re taking action to make sure IID’s resources provide real, tangible support for those who need it most, whether through bill relief or long-term energy savings.”
For more information on these programs or to apply for assistance, customers can visit www.iid.com or contact IID’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-303-7756.
IID is also launching new programs to help customers manage rising costs, including:
- SHIELD (Senior Health & Income Energy Lifeline Discount) – A new program providing power bill discounts for seniors (60+) whose medical or pharmaceutical expenses exceed 10% of their income.
- EASY (Easy Appliance Savings Year-Round) – Free energy-efficient wall A/C units and refrigerators for qualifying customers in payment assistance programs.
- GEMS (Grants for Energy Modernization in Schools) – Funding for HVAC upgrades in local schools to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- GLOW (Green Lighting for Outdoor Wellness) – Grants to upgrade sports field lighting to modern, cost-saving energy-efficient systems.
- IID Energy Store – A new marketplace offering heavily discounted smart home devices, including smart thermostats, EV chargers, and lighting solutions.
- Virtual Power Plant – A voluntary demand response program that allows customers to pre-enroll smart thermostats, helping to reduce peak energy demand and avoid expensive system upgrades.
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