CARE and FERA utility bill discounts
Monthly discounts on electric and gas bills from PG&E, Southern California Edison, SDG&E and SoCalGas for households with low or moderate income.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to CPUC.ca.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
Customers of California's major utilities with household income under the CARE limit, or slightly above it for FERA; renters and owners qualify.
Exact income limits and rules are set by California Public Utilities Commission and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Apply through your utility's website or by phone.
- It takes a few minutes; you may be asked to prove income later.
What to have ready
- Utility account number
- Household size and income
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. It's a discount on a bill or fee.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- California Public Utilities Commission makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check CPUC.ca.gov for the latest details.
Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with California Public Utilities Commission.