Low-Income Assistance
Get help with your bills! Click here to learn about low-income rates, help paying, utility deposits, avoiding shut-offs, and a flat-rate phone line.
Avoid Shut-Offs
The most common reason utility service is shut off is nonpayment. However, even in cases of nonpayment, there are certain requirements and limits a utility must abide by before disconnecting a customer. Follow these steps to avoid shut-offs and keep your lights on.
CARE—California Alternate Rates for Energy Program
The CARE program provides a 20% discount on monthly gas & electric bills for qualifying households, and is available for eligible customers through all California energy utilities. Find out if you qualify and sign up online.
Discounted Rates for Families: FERA
For households with three or more persons, this program provides a discount on electricity costs once your energy usage reaches certain levels.
Energy Efficiency programs
Simple, inexpensive measures can reduce your utility bill from 10% to 50 %. You may qualify for help from your utility company.
Help Paying Back-due bills: REACH
REACH 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.
Lifeline phone service
California LifeLine program was established by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to provide discounted basic residential (landline) phone services to low-income households.
LIHEAP—Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP is a federally funded assistance program administered by the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD). LIHEAP offers two types of assistance: Financial aid with energy bills and home weatherization.
Programs for PG&E Customers
Programs to help PG&E customers keep their bills low and emergency relief.
Programs for SDG&E Customers
Programs to help San Diego Gas & Electric customers keep their bills low and emergency relief.
Programs for Southern California Edison (SCE) Customers
Programs to help Southern California Edison customers keep their bills low and emergency relief.
Programs for Southern California Gas Company Customers
Programs to help Southern California Gas customers keep their bills low and emergency relief.
Services for Medical Baseline and Life-Support Customers
Medical Baseline programs provide an additional baseline allowance at the lowest rate for people with specific medical needs. It is not a discount or rebate. This program is available if you, a family member or a full-time resident has a medical condition, such as being a paraplegic, having multiple sclerosis or scleroderma, or a compromised immune system or life-threatening illness.
TEAF—Temporary Energy Assistance for Families
Immediate help with past-due bills until September 21st: Temporary Energy Assistance for Families (TEAF) is a one-time payment program sponsored by PG&E, SCE, SoCalGas and SDG&E and administered by The Salvation Army.
When deposits are required
Learn how utility deposits are determined, whether or not you have to pay them, and what rules your utility company has to follow.
