California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)*

Program Administrator:

• Southern California Edison 

Description:

• Low-income customers and households with 2 or more individuals may receive up to 30% discount on their electric bills.

Eligibility:

• Find out if you qualify

Maximum Household Income

Effective as of June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024
*Current gross (before taxes) household income from all sources.

Customers may also be eligible for CARE if they are enrolled in public assistance programs such as:

• Medicaid/Medi-Cal 
• Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) 
• Healthy Families A & B 
• National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL) 
• CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps) 
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 
• Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only) 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF

Apply: 

• Call for more information: (866) 675-6623
• Application

Recertification:

• CARE participants must re-enroll every two years

Family Electric Rate Assistance FERA*

Program Administrator:

• Southern California Edison (Clean Power Alliance)

Description:

• Low-income customers and households with 3 or more individuals receive an 18% discount on their electric bills

Eligibility:

• FERA is available for customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company or Pacific Gas and Electric Company. 
• Find out if you qualify
• Following are the income limits in effect from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024:

Effective as of June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024
*Current gross (before taxes) household income from all sources.

Apply:

• Phone number: (800) -798 – 5723
• Application

Recertification:

• FERA participants must re-enroll every two years

Medical Baseline Plan

Program Administrator:

• Southern California Edison 

Description:

• Provides an additional 16.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day.
• Accepts those who require the regular use of any electronically powered medical/life support equipment that require heating and/or cooling.
• Brochures: Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Tagalog, English and English (Large Font)

Eligibility:

• Find out if you qualify
• To be eligible, you or someone who lives with you full time must require the use of a medical device 
• Those who are temperature sensitive and require air conditioning.
• Those with life threatening illness or compromised immune systems or other conditions.
• Qualifying Devices:
  • Aerosol Tent
  • Air Mattress/Hospital Bed
  • Apnea Monitor
  • Breather Machine (IPPB)
  • Compressor/Concentrator
  • Dialysis Machine
  • Electronic Nerve Stimulator
  • Electrostatic Nebulizer
  • Hemodialysis Machine
  • Infusion Pump
  • Inhalation Pulmonary Pressure
  • Iron Lung
  • Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
  • Motorized Wheelchair/Scooter
  • Oxygen Generator
  • Pressure Pad
  • Pressure Pump
  • Pulse Oximeter/Monitor
  • Respirator (all types)
  • Suction Machine
  • The Vest/Airway Clearance System
  • Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t)
  • Ultrasonic Nebulizer

Application (Print Out Only) 

• A Medical Professional must provide signature on page 2
• Mail to: Southern California Edison Company, Medical Baseline Department, P.O. Box 9527, Azusa, CA 91702

Online Application

• Have email address of Medical Professional ready as they will receive an email requesting their signature.
• Phone: (800)-655-4555

Recertification:

• If a medical professional certifies the condition is permanent, the customer must complete Part 1 of the application every four years to renew. 
• If a medical professional certifies the condition temporary, the customer must complete Part 1 of the application every two years.

Summer Discount Plan

Program Administrator:

• Southern California Edison (Clean Power Alliance)

Description:

• SCE customers can earn up to $180 in credits on their energy bill with the Summer Discount Plan. Flexible program options let customers choose their level of comfort and savings. There’s no cost to enroll or participate in the program and customers can Manage Their Preferences anytime.
• When you sign up, SCE will install a remote-controlled device on or near your air conditioner at no cost to you. This will allow us to turn off or cycle your A/C unit during energy events throughout the year based on your program preferences. You’ll earn bill credits from June 1 to October 1 for participating.
• Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility:

• Only available for service locations with Central Air Conditioning. Window and wall air conditioning units are ineligible for this plan.
• Customers receiving a medical baseline allocation for air conditioning under schedule MB or participating in the Smart Energy Program are not eligible to enroll in the Summer Discount Plan.

Apply:

• Enroll online 
• If you prefer to enroll by U.S. mail, please print and complete an application form (PDF) and return it to SCE. The mailing address is on the form. You will need your service account number, which can be found on a recent bill.
  • English Application
  • Spanish Application
  • Chinese Application
  • Korean Application
  • Vietnamese Application

Recertification:

• After the first year, your enrollment will be automatically renewed every year until you notify SCE that you no longer wish to participate.

Budget Billing Plan (Formerly Known as ‘Level Pay Plan’)

Program Administrator:

• Southern California Edison 

Description:

• The Budget Billing Plan offers eligible customers the opportunity to pay for their annual electricity service across 11 equal monthly payments. Budget Billing Plan does not reduce the amount of your bill – you’re still responsible for paying the full cost of the energy you use, but you can split the cost into equal payments throughout the year.
• Learn More.

Eligibility:

• When is the best time to enroll in the Level Pay Plan?
• You can sign up any time, but SCE recommends that you have at least 12 months of electricity usage history at one address and that you start the program with a “zero” balance.

Apply:

• You can enroll by calling 1-800-434-2365, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• If for any reason the Budget Billing Plan is not right for you, just call 1-800- 434-2365, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. When you cancel your enrollment, any balance amount is due on the due date shown on your statement. If you have a credit amount, it will continue to be applied to your account until it’s used up.

California Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)– Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Program Administrator:

• The Energy Bill Assistance and Weatherization Provider is administrated through the Pacific Asian Consortium of Employment (PACE LA)

Description:

• ​​​The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to eligible low-income households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs.
• LIHEAP is a federally-funded program aimed to assist low-income households that pay a high portion of their income to meet their energy needs. 
• There are several portions of the program that help accomplish this goal such as
• the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which can provide free assistance towards paying your natural gas or electric utility bills. The program helps eligible households offset their heating and cooling costs.

Eligibility:

• ​Eligibility for services may vary depending on sources of income and other factors. Please contact your local energy agency to determine your eligibility.
•  Priority is given to the elderly, disabled and families with young children who meet the income eligibility requirements.
  

Apply:

• Click here to search for your local LIHEAP service provider before applying 
  • • Enter your city
    • Select your zip code
    • Verify that Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE) is your service provider. If not, please contact the local service provider listed for application information
    • Application (English) Application (Spanish)
    • Phone (Monday-Thursday 8AM-3PM) – (213) 989-3177 
    • Phone (24HR Information Line) – (213) 353-1228

For more information:

• Call: 
  • (213) 989-3236  –  English/Spanish
  • (213) 989-3173  –  English/Spanish
  • (213) 989-3236  –  English/Spanish
  • (213) 989-3183  –  English
  • (213) 989-3250  –  English
  • (213) 989-3246  – English/Armenian/Russian
  • (213) 353-1228  –  24-Hour Recorded Message Information Line
• Or visit the office:
  • PACE Energy, 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900E (9th Floor), Los Angeles, CA 90017
  • Open Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. –3 p.m.

Recertification:

• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a one-time financial assistance program so customers cannot become re-certified.

Gas Assistance Fund

Program Administrator:

• Funded by SoCalGas and administered by United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

Description:

•  If you’re having difficulty paying your natural gas bill, the Gas Assistance Fund (GAF) may be able to provide you, or someone you know, with a one-time grant for the amount of the gas bill, not to exceed $100.00. 

Eligibility:

• The natural gas bill must be in the name of the applicant requesting assistance.
• The bill address must be the applicant’s primary residence.
• The applicant must not apply for more than the maximum GAF allowance for the current program year.
• The applicant must meet the income guidelines.

*Includes current household income from all sources before deductions. These income guidelines are effective June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024 until the funds are depleted.

Application:

• To apply for GAF assistance, please contact the non-profit partner organization in your area.
  • Salvation Army Bellflower
    • 9644 Cedar Street, Bellflower, CA, 90706
    • Call: (562) 804-0808
    • Open Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    • Accepts appointments
  • The Salvation Army – Compton
    • 736 East Compton Blvd, Compton, CA, 90221
    • Call: (310) 639-0362
    • Open Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
    • Accepts appointments

Recertification: 

• The Gas Assistance Fund is a one-time financial assistance program so customers cannot become re-certified.

Subsidized Housing Assistance Relief for Energy (SHARE)

Program Administrator:

• Funded by SoCalGas and administered by United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

Description:

• If a customer’s utility debt is the last barrier to acquire or keep their subsidized housing, SoCalGas® may be able to help. The SHARE program provides funds* to help clear past utility debt and meet the subsidized housing requirements.
• *SHARE funds will be available one time per year per household and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. This is a program that will run until all funds are used.

Eligibility:

• You may qualify for a SHARE grant if you are currently or formerly homeless and have utility debt as a previous customer of SoCalGas.
• If unhoused, the following documents should be provided with your application to verify eligibility:
  • Supportive housing voucher or approval letter
  • Verification of Homelessness
  • Proof of failed Housing Inspection due to lack of SoCalGas service, or letter of affidavit from Housing Authority Case Manager or referring agency case worker
• If at risk of losing subsidized housing or voucher, the following documents should be provided with your application to verify eligibility:
  • Proof of failed Housing Inspection due to lack of SoCalGas service, or letter of affidavit from Housing Authority Case Manager or referring agency case worker

Application:

• To apply for SHARE assistance, please contact the non-profit partner organization in your area.
  • Salvation Army Bellflower
    • 9644 Cedar Street, Bellflower, CA, 90706
    • Call: (562) 804-0808
    • Open Mondays and Tuesdays from 1. – 4 p.m.
    • They do accept appointments 
  • The Salvation Army – Compton
    • 736 East Compton Blvd, Compton, CA, 90221 
    • Call: (310) 639-0362
    • Open Mondays from: 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
    • They do accept appointments 

Recertification:

• The SHARE program is a one-time financial assistance program so customers cannot become re-certified. 

Arrearage Management Plan (AMP)

Program Administrator: SoCal Gas

Description:

• Provides an opportunity for qualifying SoCalGas residential customers to have their eligible past due bills forgiven.
• Once enrolled, every time a current bill is paid in full and on time, SoCalGas will forgive 1/12 of the eligible debt. After 12 consecutive monthly natural gas bills are paid in full and on time, the full amount of the eligible debt will be forgiven (up to a maximum of $8,000 per enrollment period).

Eligibility

• Must be a residential customer enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE).
• Customer must have an active service account with SoCalGas for a six-month period before enrolling in the plan.
• Customer has paid at least one full monthly natural gas bill on time in the two years before enrolling in the plan.
• Customer has a balance of $250 or greater in eligible past due natural gas bills, and some portion of the past due amount must be at least 90 days in arrears.

Enrollment

• You can apply here: Application
• You can unenroll from AMP at any time. If you stop participating in AMP before reaching twelve on-time payments, the already forgiven amount will stay forgiven. However, your remaining debt will no longer be eligible for forgiveness and will go back to your balance. If you wish to unenroll, please call us at 1-877-238-0092.
• If a payment is missed, it will have to be paid in full along with the next immediate bill on time. You can miss up to two non-consecutive payments, as long as they are paid in full the following month. Missing two payments in a row will result in termination from AMP.
• Any new bills issued on or after the date that you’ve been enrolled in AMP and all third-party charges, are not eligible for forgiveness.

Recertification 

• If you have completed or have been terminated from AMP, you are eligible to sign up again after a 12-month waiting period that begins the first month after completion or termination, as applicable. You will need to meet the eligibility requirements upon re-enrollment.

Energy Savings Assistance Program

Program Administrator: Administered and overseen by the California Public Works Commission.

Details:

• Whether you are a renter or homeowner you may be eligible to receive energy-saving home improvements from an authorized contractor at no cost through the Energy Savings Assistance Program.
• These home improvements may include:
  • Attic insulation
  • Low-flow faucet aerator
  • High-efficiency clothes washer
  • Low-flow showerhead
  • Tankless water heater
  • Thermostatic shower valve
  • High-efficiency furnace replacement (owner-occupied only)
  • Furnace duct system sealing
  • Thermostatic tub spout
  • Water heater pipe insulation
  • Water heater blanket
  • Smart fan controller

Eligibility:

• You may be eligible to qualify for the program if you or another person in your household receives benefits from any of the following programs
  • Medi-Cal/Medicaid
  • Medi-Cal for Families A & B
  • Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
  • CalWORKs (TANF) or Tribal TANF
  • Head Start Income Eligible – Tribal Only
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • CalFresh (Food Stamps)
  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• You may also be able to qualify for Energy Savings Assistance Program if your household income meets the guidelines below:

• Check eligibility requirements here

Solar Energy

Energy for All Program

Program Administrator: Energy for All is a program of GRID Alternatives, a community-based nonprofit organization that connects families with state and local government programs and other resources that help them save money.

Eligibility: To see if you qualify, please visit here or call (866)-921-4696.

The DAC-Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH)

Program Administrator:  Funded by the California Public Utilities Commission, administered by Grid Alternatives.

Details:

• This program enables income-qualified homeowners in DACs to receive no-cost rooftop solar installations. 
• The DAC-SASH program is part of Grid Alternatives’ Energy for All Program.

Eligibility:

• To qualify for DAC-SASH, homeowners must live in one of the top 25 percent most disadvantaged communities statewide using the CalEnviroScreen 4.0. 
• Be a billing customer of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), or San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). 
• Homeowners must also meet income qualifications as denoted by annual CARE and FERA guidelines*

• *Current gross (before taxes) household income from all sources.

Application:

• GRID is accepting applications to DAC-SASH through its Energy for All Program. The Energy for All Program bundles state funding for solar with other local incentives and private philanthropy to make solar technology available at low to no cost to its clients. See if you qualify.

Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH)

Program Administrator: SOMAH is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission and is jointly administered by the Association for Energy Affordability, Center for Sustainable Energy and GRID Alternatives in collaboration with California Housing Partnership.

Details:

• The Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program provides financial incentives for installing photovoltaic (PV) energy systems on multifamily affordable housing. The program will deliver clean power and credits on energy bills to California’s affordable housing residents.
• Program Handbook

Eligibility

• To qualify for eligibility for a SOMAH incentive, a property must: 
  • Have at least five units.
  • Be deed-restricted low-income residential housing
  • Satisfy one of the following:

• • • 80% of the property residents have incomes at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI)

OR

• • • Property is in a defined disadvantaged community (DAC) that scores in the top 25% of census tracts statewide in the CalEnviroScreen including property that is located on tribal land and is federally recognized

• • Be an existing building or retrofit (new construction properties may receive upfront technical assistance but must have their certificate of occupancy before submitting a reservation request)
  • Have separately metered units
  • Be a utility or community choice aggregator (CCA) customer (with VNEM) in the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), PacifiCorp or Liberty Utilities territories. 

• SOMAH Eligible Properties Map 
• Application

Defunct Programs

Subsidized Housing Assistance Relief for Energy (SHARE) (defunct)

Single-Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) Program (defunct)