Help With Bills
Bills can add up fast, especially on top of other monthly expenses. If you need assistance paying your gas, electric, water, or phone bill, see the resources below. (Updated April 2026)
SDG&E: Help With Your Residential Energy Bills
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program could help eligible residents save money on their monthly electricity and gas bills. You may qualify if you are receiving public assistance (CalFresh, Medi-Cal, WIC, SSI, etc.), have recently lost your job, or are receiving unemployment benefits.
The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) is a federal program that provides qualifying low-income households with a 18% discount on monthly electric bills. SDG&E runs this program for both Community Power and SDG&E customers. To determine your eligibility, please click the FERA link above.
Medical Baseline Allowance provides households with qualifying medical devices or climate control needs with additional gas and electricity at the lowest available rate, plus notification in the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that provides households who are struggling financially or in a crisis situation with financial assistance toward past-due energy bills. To be eligible for LIHEAP, you must be a United States resident who is responsible for the energy costs of a household and has not received LIHEAP funding in the past 12 months.
CPUC: Internet and Phone Bill Assistance Programs
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) offers a variety of programs to help residents save on their phone and internet bills, in addition to other utilities. You can browse a full list of the utility assistance programs offered by the CPUC, including appliances, energy, natural gas, and water, here.
Water and Waste: Payment Plans
Some cities offer assistance to pay your water and waste bill through requesting a payment plan to spread out an outstanding balance over time or one time grant options. For more information, click on your city.