If you have trouble paying your electric, gas, water, phone, or internet bills, there are programs that can help. CARE gives you 20-35% off your energy bills. You can apply through PG&E or your local utility company. If you already get CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or SSI, you probably qualify automatically.

Low-Income Utility Programs

This guide covers utility assistance programs available to Bay Area residents, including discounts on electricity, gas, water, phone, and internet service.

Last Updated: January 2026

Do I Automatically Qualify?

If you participate in any of these programs, you automatically qualify for CARE:

If you checked any box, you automatically qualify! If not, you may still qualify based on income limits.

Energy Assistance Programs

CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)
CARE provides a **20-35% discount** on electricity and natural gas bills for income-eligible households. **2026 Income Limits:** | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |----------------|----------------------| | 1-2 persons | $42,000 | | 3 persons | $53,000 | | 4 persons | $64,000 | | 5 persons | $75,000 | | Each additional | +$11,000 | **How to Apply (PG&E):** - Online: [pge.com/care](https://www.pge.com/care) - Phone: 1-866-743-2273 - Application mailed with your bill **Note:** CARE requires recertification every 2 years. PG&E will contact you when it's time to recertify.

FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance)
FERA provides an **18% discount on electricity** for households with 3+ members whose income is slightly above CARE limits. **2026 Income Limits:** | Household Size | Minimum Income | Maximum Income | |----------------|----------------|----------------| | 3 persons | $53,001 | $66,000 | | 4 persons | $64,001 | $80,000 | | 5 persons | $75,001 | $94,000 | | 6 persons | $86,001 | $108,000 | | Each additional | +$11,000 | +$14,000 | **Note:** FERA is only for electricity (not gas) and requires a household of 3 or more. **Apply:** Same as CARE—contact PG&E.

Medical Baseline Allowance
If someone in your household has a qualifying medical condition requiring extra energy use, you may receive **additional energy at the lowest rate**. **Qualifying Conditions Include:** - Life support equipment (ventilators, dialysis machines) - Conditions requiring heating or cooling for life support - Conditions requiring electric medical equipment **How It Works:** You receive a larger "baseline" quantity of energy at the lowest tier price before higher rates apply. **Apply:** Contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 and request a Medical Baseline application. Your doctor must certify the condition.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP provides **one-time payments** to help with energy bills and weatherization. **Types of Assistance:** - **HEAP:** Help paying energy bills - **LIWP:** Home weatherization improvements (insulation, appliances, etc.) - **ECIP:** Crisis assistance for disconnection or emergency **Eligibility:** - Income at or below 60% of State Median Income - Higher priority for elderly, disabled, and families with young children **2026 Income Limits (60% SMI):** | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |----------------|----------------------| | 1 person | $38,000 | | 2 persons | $50,000 | | 3 persons | $61,000 | | 4 persons | $73,000 | | 5 persons | $84,000 |

Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
Free energy-efficient upgrades for income-eligible households. **What's Included:** - Energy-efficient lighting (LED bulbs) - Efficient refrigerators (if yours is old/inefficient) - Weatherization (weather stripping, caulking) - Efficient showerheads and faucet aerators - Attic insulation - HVAC repairs and tune-ups **Eligibility:** Same as CARE program. **Apply:** Contact PG&E at 1-800-933-9555 or visit [pge.com/esa](https://www.pge.com/esa)

LIHEAP Contact by County

Spectrum Community Services

Phone: (510) 881-0300

Website: spectrumcs.org

Community Services Bureau

Phone: (925) 681-6300

Website: ehsd.org

Community Action Marin

Phone: (415) 526-7500

Website: camarin.org

Community Action Napa Valley

Phone: (707) 253-6100

Website: canv.org

SF Environment

Phone: (415) 355-3700

Website: sfenvironment.org

Samaritan House

Phone: (650) 341-4081

Website: samaritanhousesanmateo.org

Sacred Heart Community Service

Phone: (408) 278-2160

Website: sacredheartcs.org

Community Action Partnership Solano

Phone: (707) 437-3200

Website: capssolano.org

Community Action Partnership

Phone: (707) 544-6911

Website: capsonoma.org

Water Assistance Programs

Bay Area Water Utilities Low-Income Programs
Most Bay Area water utilities offer their own low-income discount programs. **EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District)** Customer Assistance Program (CAP) - 50% discount on water/wastewater bills - Eligibility: 200% FPL or program participation (CalFresh, Medi-Cal, etc.) - Apply: [ebmud.com/cap](https://www.ebmud.com/customers/account/customer-assistance-program/) or (866) 403-2683 **SFPUC (San Francisco Public Utilities Commission)** Water & Power Discount Programs - Matches CARE eligibility for water discount - Apply: [sfpuc.org/accounts-services/discount-programs](https://sfpuc.org/accounts-services/discount-programs) **San Jose Water** WRAP (Water Rate Assistance Program) - 15% discount on water bills - Eligibility: CARE participants automatically qualify - Apply: [sjwater.com/customer-service/assistance-programs](https://www.sjwater.com/customer-service/assistance-programs) **Contact your local water utility** to ask about available programs—most have some form of low-income assistance.

Phone & Internet Assistance

Lifeline (Telephone)
Lifeline provides discounted phone service for low-income households. **Discount:** Up to $9.25/month off phone service (landline or wireless). **Eligibility:** - Income at or below 135% FPL, OR - Participation in: Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, CalWORKs, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension/Survivor Benefit, Tribal programs **Apply:** Through your phone carrier or at [lifelinesupport.org](https://www.lifelinesupport.org/) **Note:** Limit one Lifeline benefit per household.

Low-Cost Internet Options
**Comcast Internet Essentials** - $9.95/month for 50 Mbps - Eligibility: Participation in government assistance programs - [internetessentials.com](https://www.internetessentials.com) **AT&T Access** - $30/month (may be free with discounts) - Eligibility: Participation in SNAP, SSI, or other programs - [att.com/internet/access](https://www.att.com/internet/access/) **Spectrum Internet Assist** - $17.99/month for 30 Mbps - Eligibility: SSI, Medicaid, or similar programs - [spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist](https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist) **Starry Connect** (select buildings in Bay Area) - Free or low-cost internet in participating buildings - [starry.com/starryconnect](https://starry.com/starryconnect) **EveryoneOn** Low-cost internet finder tool. [everyoneon.org](https://www.everyoneon.org/)

How to Apply for Multiple Programs

1

Check Your Eligibility

Use BenefitsCal.com to screen for public assistance programs (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs). Enrollment in these programs automatically qualifies you for most utility discounts.

2

Apply for CARE

Once you're enrolled in a qualifying program (or if you meet income limits), apply for CARE through PG&E. This is your gateway to most energy discounts.

3

Apply for Other Utility Discounts

With CARE approval, you'll often automatically qualify for:

  • Water utility discounts (show your CARE confirmation)
  • Phone Lifeline (register separately)
  • Internet programs (apply through provider)
4

Request One-Time Assistance if Needed

If you're behind on bills or facing disconnection, contact:

  • Your utility's hardship program
  • Your county's LIHEAP administrator
  • 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local resources

Avoiding Disconnection

California Shutoff Protections: Utilities must offer payment plans before disconnection, with extra protections during extreme weather events. Medical Baseline customers have additional protections.

If you’re struggling to pay utility bills:

  1. Contact your utility immediately. Most have payment plans and hardship programs.
  2. Request CARE enrollment. Retroactive credits may apply.
  3. Apply for LIHEAP. One-time payments can cover past-due amounts.
  4. Medical Baseline. If you have medical equipment, ask about protections against shutoff.
  5. Contact 211. Dial 2-1-1 for local assistance programs.

Summary of Programs

Program Discount Eligibility Contact
CARE 20-35% off gas/electric Income or program-based PG&E: 1-866-743-2273
FERA 18% off electric 3+ person household, income-based PG&E: 1-866-743-2273
Medical Baseline Extra energy at lowest rate Medical need PG&E: 1-800-743-5000
LIHEAP One-time bill payment 60% SMI or below Local Community Action Agency
ESA Free efficiency upgrades Same as CARE PG&E: 1-800-933-9555
Lifeline $9.25/month off phone 135% FPL or programs Your phone carrier
Internet Essentials $9.95/month internet Program participation Comcast

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get CARE if I rent and utilities are included?

A: If you pay your utility bill directly (even if you’re a renter), you can apply. If utilities are included in rent and your landlord pays, you may not be able to get CARE directly, but your building may qualify for a master-metered discount.

Q: How long does CARE approval take?

A: Typically 2-4 weeks. If approved, discounts may be applied retroactively.

Q: Do I need to reapply for CARE every year?

A: CARE requires recertification every 2 years. PG&E will send a notice when it’s time.

Q: Can I get CARE and LIHEAP?

A: Yes! CARE is an ongoing discount; LIHEAP is one-time assistance. You can use both.

Q: I have solar panels. Can I still get CARE?

A: Yes, CARE applies to the electricity you purchase from the grid. You’ll still receive the discount on net usage.

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