CALIFORNIA LOW-INCOME ASSISTANCE

There is help available for consumers who are having trouble paying skyrocketing energy and phone bills. This list includes financial assistance programs available throughout the state; others may be available through county or private social service agencies. To learn more about low-income assistance, click on the links below and right.  If you still have questions, call TURN at 800.355.8876 for more information.

California Lifeline Telephone Service Telephone
A discount program for low-income phone customers.  Available for customers of all local telephone companies.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Gas & Electric
Discounted energy rates for eligible low-income customers.  Available through all California energy utilities. 

Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Electric Only
For households with three or more persons, this program provides a discount on electricity costs once energy usage reaches certain levels. Available through PG&E, Edison, and SDG&E. 

Services for Medical Baseline and Life-Support Customers
More energy at the lowest rate for individuals with health conditions requiring energy-consuming devices.  Available through all California energy utilities.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Federally funded program run by the state for low-income households with high energy costs.  Eligible customers can receive free home weatherization or financial assistance with energy bills.  

PG&E's Programs

Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH)
  REACH offers one-time assistance to low-income customers—particularly the elderly, disabled, sick, working poor and the unemployed—who experience severe, uncontrollable or unplanned hardships and are unable to pay for their energy needs.

PG&E Energy Partners Program
The Energy Partners Program provides qualified low-income customers free weatherization measures and energy-efficient appliances to reduce gas and electricity usage.

Southern California Edison's Programs

Energy Management Assistance (EMA)
SCE pays all the costs of purchasing and installing energy-efficient appliances and equipment, which are free to eligible customers.

Energy Assistance Fund (EAF)
A financial assistance program designed to help qualified SCE customers in need to pay their electric bills.  

Summer Discount Plan
Receive a credit on your summer season electric bills by permitting Edison to periodically turn off, or "cycle," your air conditioner(s). You decide how much credit you receive by the amount of cycling you select.

SDG&E’s Programs

Energy Team
The Energy Team program provides free energy-saving home improvements such as new energy-efficient appliances and other measures to those with limited incomes and seniors who meet specific income guidelines.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor
The Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund provides for a one-time assistance of up to $200 on a customer’s winter bill.

Cool Zones
Cool Zones offer a place for senior citizens to escape mid-day summer heat and reduce their own air conditioning use.

Southern California Gas Company’s Programs

Direct Assistance Program (DAP)
The Gas Company offers no-cost weatherization and furnace repair or replacement services for qualified limited-income customers.

Gas Assistance Fund
The Gas Assistance (GAF) helps qualifying customers in the community who are having difficulty paying their gas bills.