There are a few ways to get financial help with paying utility bills in California. The first way is to contact your utility company and ask about their low-income assistance programs. Many utility companies offer programs that can help low-income customers pay their bills. The second way to get financial help is to contact your local government office and ask about any assistance programs they offer. Local government offices often have programs that can help low-income residents pay for utility bills. Many gas, electric, water, and utility companies in California offer help with bills, discounts, or payment plans for families. Some government and non-profit organizations give money to help with electric bills. Some local government agencies in California may offer assistance with utility bills to needy individuals such as the elderly, disabled, or veterans.
Some of the energy bill assistance programs, such as CARE or LIHEAP, are required by the state or federal government. Some programs are funded by money that is given to them by people who live nearby and by businesses. Customers in California can contact their utility or gas company to request assistance or an application.
Statewide and government financial aid programs for paying utility bills
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is available to all customers statewide. Many utility companies in California offer assistance programs to help people pay their bills. The program provides a 20 percent discount on natural gas and electric bills to customers across the state. This program is only available for lower income families and there are income requirements that must be met in order to qualify. The utilities listed below may not all offer the CARE program, but it is available if you need help paying your bill.
– Low income families in California can get help with their utility bills from the federal government Home Energy Assistance Program, as well as free energy conservation measures. California provides grants to low-income households to help with energy bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Grants are based on household income, family size, and energy burden (the amount of the household’s income that goes towards paying for energy costs).
The California Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) Program is a state effort to reduce energy consumption and costs for low-income residents. The program offers a variety of services, including weatherization, appliance repair and replacement, and energy efficiency education. The program provides discounts to customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills. The discounts are based on the customer’s income and family size. Low-income customers who are elderly or disabled can get help from their utility company to pay for energy-saving improvements to their home, like a new furnace, insulation, or low-flow showerhead. These improvements can save money on the customer’s utility bills and make their home more comfortable. There are also other things you can do to conserve energy like weatherstripping, caulking, using water heater blankets, etc. Contact your local utility company to ask about or get more information about applying.
This means that California has laws to prevent people from being disconnected from their utilities. Hundreds of thousands of families in California are at risk of having their utilities disconnected every year. This can happen for a lot of reasons, like if you lose your job, have a medical emergency, or can’t afford something for a little while. The state of California has laws in place to protect individuals from having their utilities disconnected illegally. These laws outline when and how a utility can be disconnected, and provide protections for consumers.
The government provides financial assistance to help people pay for their water bills. The state of California requires water companies to offer some form of assistance to their customers. Services can include payment plans, discounts, and reduced rates. If you’re struggling to pay your water bill in California, there are some resources that may be able to help.
Electric and utility assistance from companies in California
In addition to the providers below that can help with electric bills, there are additional resources and services that may be able to provide aid. If your utility or gas company is not listed below, click here for more information.
If you’re behind on your electric bill, you may be able to get help through the Energy Assistance through Supportive Efforts (EASE) program. This program can provide one-time emergency assistance of up to $200 to help pay your utility bill. To book an appointment, please call either 510-814-4200 or 510-748-3900.
This power company offers its customers the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), which is an intervention program that includes, among other things, free compact fluorescent lights, a one-year 25 percent electric rate reduction home energy audit, and replacement of inefficient refrigerators and/or freezers. To reach the office, please dial 510-814-4219 or (510) 748-3900.
Alpine Natural Gas is available for purchase. Call the number 209-772-3006
If you are a senior citizen over the age of 62, you may be able to get a Low-Income Senior Energy Credit from Anaheim Public Utilities. If customers meet certain income criteria, they may be able to get a 10% discount on their monthly electric bill. This is the contact information for more information or to apply for the position.
The federal weatherization assistance program was created in partnership with the Anaheim Public Utilities and the Orange County California Community Development Council. This program helps low-income families reduce their energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The contractors will make free home repairs, replace inefficient appliances, and install other energy-saving measures as needed to the applicant’s residence. Call the numbers 714/839-6199 or 714-765-4250 to apply or learn more about the program.
The Anaheim Public Utilities Department offers a one-time utility and gas bill assistance program for low to moderate income residents through the City of Anaheim Community Services Department. To speak to someone at the company, dial 714-765-4500.
Anaheim Utilities in California administer several other low income assistance and grant programs. They work with groups of people who are typically underserved by mainstream financial institutions. Different ways to conserve resources are offered for free. If you need help paying your utility bills, Anaheim Utilities may be able to assist you.
Azusa Light and Water is a utility company that may be able to provide a one-time energy bill payment for low income residents. They also run and offer the lifeline rate, which applies to households who have a full-time member who requires an essential life-support device. To contact the company, please call 626-812-5225.
The only assistance program offered by Bear Valley Electric / Golden State Company is called CARE. This program may be able to offer customers a discount of up to 20% if they meet the requirements, which include being at or below 200% of the federal government poverty level. Call this number if you have any questions: 800-999-4033
This utility company offers a program that helps low-income customers with their energy bills. The power company provides services that make homes more energy efficient, such as furnaces, insulation, refrigerators, weatherstripping, caulking, door and building envelope repairs. They also offer low-flow showerheads, water heater blankets, and more. To speak to a customer service representative, please call 800-999-4033.
The Project Share program provides financial assistance to customers of Burbank Water and Power. This program was created to help families in the Burbank California area who may be experiencing financial difficulties or hardships due to unemployment, reduction in hours, sudden illness, or other unforeseen crises. To speak to someone at the company, call 818-238-3700.
The Lifeline Program is the primary assistance program offered by Burbank Water and Power. This is for customers who meet the qualifications, and they may be exempt from the monthly Customer Service Charge and the Utility Users Tax. They could also receive reduced rates on their electric service, garbage and refuse, and sewer services. The program is designed to help low-income disabled customers, customers on life support, and low-income senior citizens. The number to reach someone at the company is 818-238-3722 or 818-238-3700.
The city of Banning has a program that may be able to help low-income residents pay their electric bills. The program is called B.E.A.R. If a customer needs help paying their electric bill, they can apply for the BEAR program. If they are approved, they will get a discount of up to $200 per year. The phone number to reach someone is (951) 922-3185 or 951-849-5224.
The other option is the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which provides low-cost electric service to income-qualified households. The City of Colton Electric Utility offers two programs to help low-income customers with their electric bills. The Medical Baseline program helps people with a medical condition, and the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program provides low-cost electric service to income-qualified households. This means that if you are a public benefit recipient, you may be eligible for a credit on your utility bill. The phone number to reach someone is 909-370-5040.
The City of Colton Electric Utility offers a program that provides evaporative coolers to low-income people to help them deal with high air conditioning costs. The phone number 909-370-5040 should be called.
One can receive emergency assistance if they qualify and are in a time of need. This organization can help you pay your bills once a year. The Energy Service Department provides services related to energy, such as energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. They offer discounts on water, electric, and waste bills for customers who meet income requirements. If you would like to speak to someone over the phone, you can call 1-866-675-6626 or 707-431-3346.
The city of Palo Alto offers a 20 percent discount on water, gas, and/or electricity charges and bills for people with a medical condition. If you receive government benefits like SSI, AFDC, or food stamps, you may qualify for a 20% discount on your residential utility bills through the Residential Rate Assistance Program (RRAP). If you have a financial or medical hardship, you may also be eligible for this. Our main number is 650-329-2333 or 650-329-2100.
The Project PLEDGE program from City of Palo Alto Utilities can offer annual emergency bill assistance once per year. Call the number 650-329-2333
The Lifeline Program offers reduced rates to customers on their electric, water, and wastewater bills. The program was created for disabled or low-income elderly customers. The Salvation Army provides this service, and customers can call 530-222-2207 for more information.
R.E.A.C.H. is a program that may be able to help qualified customers with their energy and utility bills once every two years. The program is run through Community Help and other local, non-profit agencies. The financial assistance will be applied to electrical charges and will be administered by the local Salvation Army branches. To get more information, you can call 707-468-9577.
The city of Ukiah provides a monthly discount for seniors and low-income households. The discount is up to $25 for seniors and up to $20 for low-income households. Enrollment in the income care program and income qualifications are set by local Salvation Army branches. Please call 707-468-9577. 24-Hr Emergency Contact Numbers (TTY 1-800-735-2935)TTY/Hearing Impaired:If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-735-2935, to contact us about your account.If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY, call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-735-2935, to contact us about your account. To find your local gas and electricity providers, you can search online or contact your state’s utility regulatory commission.
The Glendale Water & Power – Cool Care program helps people replace their old, inefficient refrigerators with new, more energy-efficient models. This will help reduce their energy costs and help them save money. To speak to someone at the company, call 818-548-3300.
Glendale Water & Power, which can be reached at 818-548-3300, may offer discounts to low income senior citizens. Senior care is a term that refers to the various types of care and services that are provided to seniors. Senior care can include everything from in-home care and assisted living to nursing home care and hospice. In addition to their regular services, GWP also offers the Guardian program for customers who have family members with life-threatening medical conditions or other medical emergencies.
The emergency assistance program from Glendale Water & Power is referred to as Helping Hand. This program provides financial assistance to eligible customers who are facing a temporary hardship and are unable to pay their utility bill. This program may be able to help people who have low to moderate incomes to continue their electric service by providing them with up to $150 in one-time GWP utility bill payment or deposit assistance. This assistance is for people who are experiencing a temporary financial emergency. To apply for this program, please call 818-548-3300 to request an application.
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) provides assistance to residents through the Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP). For more information or to apply, please contact the IID at 1-800-303-7756. This could give low-income customers a 25% discount on their electricity bills. If you are having trouble paying your energy bills, there may be assistance available to help you.
The Energy Efficiency Bonus Plan is a program that offers customers a discount for reducing their energy usage. The discount offered can be up to 25%. This program provides a 65% discount for senior citizens.
The Imperial Irrigation District runs the Emergency Energy Assistance Program. The program provides assistance to low-income households who are struggling to pay their energy bills. To contact the program, call 1-760-339-9032 or 1-800-303-7756. This option is for customers who may be at risk of disconnection due to nonpayment of their utility, gas, or electric bills. Emergency Energy Assistance is a program that helps people pay their energy bills.
They will do an energy audit of your home and give you recommendations on how you can conserve energy Lassen Municipal Utilities District offers the Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) to help customers save energy. They will conduct an energy audit of your home to identify ways you can improve energy efficiency. The goal of this resource is to help low-income customers save money on their utility bills, with a focus on conserving energy. If you would like more information, please call 530-257-4174.
The Senior Fixed Income Discount is a resource that can provide up to a 5% discount to seniors who are classified as low income. This other component is called the Single Household Alternative Rate for Energy (SHARE), and it will give a discount of up to thirty percent on monthly electric bills to customers who meet the income requirements. The Residential Medical Discount provides assistance with utility bills for California residents who have qualifying medical conditions or use life-support equipment. This means that you could save up to 25% on your energy bills. Call (209) 333-6717.
Lompoc City Electric offers a monthly discount of $8 for income qualifying households. This discount can be applied to utility bills. Lompoc provides financial assistance for qualifying customers to help purchase energy efficient refrigerators. To find out if you are eligible for these assistance programs, please call (805) 736-1261 or 875-8252 to request an application and for more information.
The Long Beach Gas & Oil company has a program called the Low-Income Senior or Disabled Program which offers a 5% discount on gas services. It can also help with reducing water bills, sewer expenses, and other ongoing fees and charges. If you are low income, you may be able to get a five percent discount on your gas charges. The last, but not least, program is the low income senior or elderly assistance program, which can help disabled people as well. Please call the number 562-570-2068.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has a resource called Project Angel that can help low-income and unemployed customers pay their energy and water bills. This program is designed for people who are not eligible for other government or state aid in California. The United Way is responsible for giving out money to different causes. The phone number is 1-800-342-5397.
Call the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at 1-800-342-5397. The Residential Low-Income Rate program provides discounts on monthly electricity rates for eligible customers. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills. LIHEAP is a grant that is given to states, tribes, and territories, who then design and operate their own programs. This means that those who qualify for the Senior Citizen Lifeline Rate may be eligible for a discount. A Life Support Device Discount will provide a reduced rate for electricity for people who need life saving equipment.
The Modesto Irrigation District offers a program that reduces a customer’s monthly charge by $7.50 for two years, as well as provides a 22.1% discount on the customer’s utility bill. This is a comprehensive package which includes cover for cancer, heart, hip and knee surgery, and a number of other health conditions. The Medical Support Plan is a comprehensive package that includes coverage for cancer, heart, hip, and knee surgery, as well as a number of other health conditions. Call this number for help
The Pacific Gas & Electric Energy Partners Program offers customers the chance to save on their energy bill by conserving energy. A few examples of the services and resources offered to qualified customers include, but are not limited to, door replacement, attic insulation, door weather-stripping, caulking and minor home repair and updated. The following appliances may be replaced for qualified customers: refrigerator, evaporative cooler, and room air conditioner. Customer service number for questions about an order.
Pacific Gas & Electric offers a utility rate reduction program called Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) that is targeted at larger, lower income households. The customer needs to have three or more people with low- to middle-income in their household. This may help people who are not able to get help from the CARE program. The baseline program provides a set amount of power at a lower rate for people with special needs. To reach customer service for the company, call 1-800-933-9555.
This can provide eligible customers up to $1,000 in air conditioner or freezer upgrades The Pacific Gas and Electric Company has a program called REACH that can provide eligible customers with up to $1,000 in air conditioner or freezer upgrades. The Salvation Army provides financial assistance for energy bills to low-income households in northern and central California. This program is administered through over 160 Salvation Army locations and is available to households once per year. The Emergency Electric Bill Credit is a program that provides up to $200 in credit towards customer’s electricity bills. This is for customer’s who have a short term, unexpected hardship. You can call 1-800-933-9677 to apply or learn more about this opportunity.
There are other payment programs and weatherization resources administered for low income California families by Pacific Gas and Electric. If you need help paying your Pacific Gas and Electric bill, there are some options available to you. You can find more information on financial assistance from Pacific Gas and Electric on their website.
The Pacific Power is a program that can help people pay their utility, gas, and electric bills. This program is administered by the Salvation Army and is called Project HELP. The number to reach the phone is 530-842-7321.
This utility offers a discount for customers with low incomes. They also provide a program that helps with medical expenses. The main phone number for customer service is 1-866-675-6627 or 1-888-221-7070. If you need help paying your Pacific Power bill, the company offers several assistance programs. You may be eligible for a one-time payment, a monthly payment plan, or help from a community assistance program.
The Pasadena Water and Power Project A.P.P.L.E. is a one-time emergency financial assistance program for customers in need. Assistance is limited to $100 per year. The phone number for the business is (626) 744-7300 or 626-744-4005.
Pasadena Water and Power is a program that helps people repair their homes and conserve energy. It provides repairs to make homes more energy efficient for low-income, disabled or elderly customers in their service area. To reach someone by phone, dial either 626-744-4005 or 626-798-6176.
Pasadena Water and Power can be reached at 626-744-4005. The city offers a program that gives low income residents a $5 credit on their monthly electric bill. This program provides medical assistance, as well as the standard California CARES program.
Pasadena Water and Power offers qualified low income families other financial assistance and discount programs. Some of these programs include a discount on their water and power bill, and also a program that helps families pay their utility bills. Some resources are focused on those who are elderly or have disabilities. There are other programs available for people who have low incomes. Pasadena Water and Power has several programs to help customers with their utility bills. The Residential Assistance Program provides help for customers who are struggling to pay their bill, while the Customer Assistance Program helps customers with special needs, such as those who are disabled or have a low income.
The Redding Electric Utility provides weatherization services to eligible customers through the Self-Help Home Improvement Project (SHHIP). This service is affordable for customers with low incomes. To apply or learn more, call 530-378-6900.
The Redding Electric Utility’s SHARES program is for people who are 62 years of age or older. This includes elderly and senior citizens. The Golden Umbrella / Connected Living is a non-profit organization that provides services to people with disabilities. The number to reach the phone is 530-223-6034.
The Redding Electric Utility offers a CARE program to help customers with their energy bills. The Lifeline Rate Program is an option available to low-income seniors and disabled customers who meet the qualifications. This program provides a reduced rate for customers who may struggle to pay their energy bill. This means they could save up to 25% on their water, gas, and electricity bills. The Redding CARES program will provide emergency financial assistance to qualified low to moderate income customers. The program will provide a one-time payment towards the electric portion of a customer’s utility bill. If you need customer support, please call 866-267-8845.
In addition to providing electric service to low income customers, Redding Electric also offers other resources to help them save energy. Redding Electric is committed to helping you save money on your electric bill. We have a variety of programs and services available to our customers, including financial assistance.
Riverside Public Utilities has a SHARE program to help low income people with their utility bills. To make an appointment, please call either (951) 782-0330 or 909-955-6478.
Riverside Public Utilities has a program called WE CARE that helps people weatherize their homes. It is a free service that helps people living in poverty to make their homes more weatherproof and energy efficient. The program offers services that can help you save energy and money, like electric water heater blankets, weather stripping, door sweeps, and water-saving showerheads. The phone number for this business is 909-826-5485 or (951) 782-0330.
UtiliCare is a program that helps families or households who have a full-time resident who needs power for a medical reason by providing a defined quantity of electricity at reduced rates. To reach customer service, please dial 909-782-0330.
In addition to its water and electricity services, Riverside Utilities also offers a variety of other programs. Some organizations also help with water bill payments. The Riverside Public Utilities offers assistance programs to help with utility bills. There are programs for low-income customers, customers with disabilities, and seniors. Customers can apply for assistance through the utility’s website.
Roseville Electric is a California utility company that offers a discount to customers who need power for a medical reason. They offer a credit of 15% on all electric service charges and bills to help with electric bills. Call this number for help
These agencies work with SMUD to refer customers in need to resources that can help them through a tough time. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has partnered with local charities and non-profits to create a resource known as EnergyHELP. This resource refers customers in need to agencies that can help them through a tough time, such as the Sacramento Food Bank Services, the Salvation Army, the Folsom Cordova Community Partnership, and Travelers Aid. If you are low income and qualify, you can receive up to $200 a year from SMUD to help pay your unpaid balances. Please call our customer service line at 1-866-675-6624 or 1-888-742-7683.
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District has a program to help low-income families with overdue utility bills. As a requirement for this service, all applicants must be SMUD customers receiving EAPR (Energy Assistance Program Rate) who are not disconnected from their current service. The number to dial is 916-875-1355.
The Energy Assistance Program Rate is another way to help pay for your energy costs. This means that people who have a low income and qualify will be able to get a discount of more than 30% off their monthly energy bill. Please call customer service at 1-888-742-7683. A discount for medical services is also available. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District has programs that can help residents in the area with their utility bills. The programs can help with things like paying for energy efficiency upgrades, or providing discounts on monthly bills.
San Diego Gas & Electric provides assistance to low-income families through their CARE and FERA programs. This program provides a discount on monthly electricity bills to income qualified households that have three or more persons in the house. The medical program provides customers with the power they need for health reasons. If you need help, please call 1-800-411-7343.
San Diego Gas & Electric offers a program called the Energy Team to qualified customers. The program provides assistance with energy efficiency and conservation. This program provides free energy-saving home improvements to qualified customers who meet specific income guidelines. Improvements include new energy-efficient appliances and other measures.
The Neighbor to Neighbor assistance program helps people who are struggling to pay their SDG&E bill due to a short term financial hardship, such as temporary unemployment, a short term reduction in income, or a serious family illness. If you need assistance, please call our customer service line at 1-800-411-7343.
San Diego Gas and Electric is responsible for administering additional government financial assistance programs, grants, and energy conservation resources. The San Diego Gas and Electric Company provides assistance to customers who may have difficulty paying their bills. Customers can visit the company’s website to learn more about the assistance programs that are available.
The Special Assistance Fund for Energy (S.A.F.E.) is a program that helps people pay their energy bills. The program is run by charities, community action agencies, and non-profits in the area. This is a program that helps people with their energy bills. The phone numbers for the following counties are as follows: Alpine County- 530-573-3490 El Dorado County- 530-573-3490 Mono County- 775-834-6126 Nevada County- 775-298-0010 Placer County- 775-298-0010 Sierra & Plumas County- 530-993-4770
The medical assistance program provides power for health care equipment for people who need it. CARE is an option for those who want to improve their lives. It provides a way to change one’s life for the better by giving them the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge. To speak to a customer service representative, please call 1-866-675-6627 or (800) 331-3103.
The Residential Rate Assistance Program (RAP) provides a 25 percent discount on electric bills for customers of Silicon Valley Power. In order to meet certain income criteria, you will need to make a certain amount of money. To reach customer service, please dial 866-675-6626.
The Rate Assistance Program (RAP) is the primary assistance program offered by Silicon Valley Power, City of Santa Clara. RAP provides a 25 percent discount off the electric and utility portion of the Municipal Utilities bill to qualified Santa Clara residents who meet certain medical or financial conditions. You can contact customer support by calling either 408-244-7283 or 866-675-6626.
Southern California Edison is providing both the CARE program and the FERA program. If you are a low-income household that uses a lot of electricity, you may be eligible for a discount on your energy bills through FERA. The Energy Assistance Fund provides customers with a one-time cash grant of $100 during a one-year period. To place an order by phone, please call 1-800-950-2356.
The Energy Management Assistance Program from Southern California Edison can help low income customers save money on their utility bills. The program offers services like energy efficiency audits, weatherization, and education on how to save energy and lower utility bills. Southern California Edison will cover the cost of improvements and energy saving measures for qualified customers. You can reach customer service by dialing 1-800-950-2356 or 1-800-736-4777.
There are other options for payment, such as grants and emergency resources. You can find more information on Southern California Edison assistance programs by searching online or contacting the company directly.
The Southern California Gas Company manages the Gas Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance to eligible customers who are struggling to pay their gas bills. To apply for assistance, customers can call the Gas Assistance Fund hotline at 1-800-427-2200. This may help customers who qualify to pay their gas bills. The fund is administered by the United Way.
The Southern California Gas Company provides free weatherization services and furnace repairs or replacements for qualified low-income customers. Homeowners are the only ones eligible for this program. The Direct Assistance Program provides help to people who need it. To learn more, call 1-800-331-7593 or 1-800-427-2200.
The CARE program is managed by Southern California