PG&E Bill Assistance: How to Get Help With Your Power Bill

If your Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) bill is too high to manage, there are several assistance programs that can reduce your monthly bill, prevent shutoffs, or help pay past-due balances.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only; you must use PG&E or government offices and websites to apply or manage benefits.

Fast Answer: Main PG&E Bill Assistance Options

PG&E typically offers or connects customers to these main types of help:

• Monthly discount programs

  • CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy): About a 20%+ discount on your gas and electric charges if your household income is below set limits or you qualify for certain public benefits.
  • FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance): Smaller discount (typically around 18% on electricity) for households that are slightly over CARE income limits, but have 3 or more people.

• Past-due and shutoff protection programs

  • Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): For eligible residential customers with large past-due balances; a portion of your debt is forgiven each time you make an on‑time payment over a set period.
  • Medical Baseline: Not a discount by itself, but gives extra lower-priced energy “baseline” allowance for customers with qualifying medical conditions, which can lower the bill and add shutoff protections.
  • Payment arrangements / extensions: Short-term options to spread out what you owe over multiple bills.

• State and local energy assistance

  • LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): A federal program run through local agencies that can make one-time payments toward your PG&E bill.
  • Community organizations & 211: Charities, churches, and nonprofits often provide emergency bill assistance when you are at risk of disconnection.

Do this next:Log in to your PG&E account or go to the “Financial Assistance” or “Help Paying Your Bill” section on the official PG&E website and review which of these programs are currently listed and open.

Key Terms You’ll See (Plain Language)

• CARE: A PG&E discount program for low‑income households; lowers your monthly bill.
• FERA: A smaller discount for larger households who don’t qualify for CARE.
• LIHEAP: Government energy assistance that makes a payment to your utility on your behalf.
• Arrearage: The amount you are past due on your PG&E bill.

Does PG&E Bill Assistance Apply to You?

Eligibility varies slightly by program, but some common patterns apply:

• Income-based discount programs (CARE/FERA)
  You are typically eligible if your household income is under PG&E’s posted limits for your household size, or if someone in your home receives certain benefits such as CalFresh (SNAP), Medi-Cal, SSI, TANF, WIC, or certain housing assistance.
  CARE is for very low to low incomes; FERA is for larger households with moderate low incomes.

• Medical Baseline
  This usually applies if someone in your household has a qualifying medical condition or uses qualifying medical equipment that requires more energy at home (such as oxygen equipment, certain ventilators, or devices needed to manage life‑threatening conditions).
  A doctor or licensed medical professional commonly must sign a certification form.

• Arrearage Management Plan (AMP)
  Typically for residential customers with a significant past-due balance on a PG&E account that has been open for a minimum period (for example, 90 days or more).
  You generally must be enrolled in CARE or FERA and commit to making regular on-time payments under the plan.

• LIHEAP and local help
  LIHEAP eligibility is usually based on household income (often at or below a percentage of the federal poverty level) and energy burden (how much of your income goes to utilities).
  Local charities may have their own rules, often focusing on imminent shutoff or proof of a temporary crisis.

Program details and names can change, so always use the official PG&E website and your county’s LIHEAP office for the most current rules.

What You’ll Need Ready Before You Apply

Having basic information organized tends to speed things up and reduce back-and-forth.

Commonly required information for PG&E assistance:

• PG&E account number and service address.
• Full name and contact information for the account holder.
• Household size and total gross monthly income (before taxes) for everyone 18+ in the home.
• Proof of income such as recent pay stubs, unemployment benefits letters, Social Security award letters, or other benefit notices.
• Proof of public benefits (if qualifying via programs like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI) – often benefit award letters or EBT/Medicaid documentation.
• Medical documentation for Medical Baseline (doctor’s certification or medical provider contact information).

For LIHEAP or local nonprofit help, additional documents are commonly required, such as:

• Photo ID for the primary applicant.
• Copy of your latest PG&E bill, including any shutoff notice.
• Rental agreement or proof of residence in some counties.

If you don’t have a document requested, ask: “Is there an alternative document I can use?” Many programs accept multiple proof types.

Your Next Steps: How to Apply and What to Expect

1. Start With PG&E’s Own Assistance Programs

1. Go to the official PG&E website and sign in to your account.

   • Look for links labeled “Financial Assistance,” “Help Paying Your Bill,” “CARE & FERA,” “Medical Baseline,” or “Payment Assistance.”

2. Check and apply for CARE or FERA first.

   • Complete the online application or request a paper form by phone.
   • What to expect next: Many customers get an instant or quick preliminary decision online; others may be asked to submit proof of income and wait for processing, which can take days to a few weeks depending on workload.

3. If someone in your home has a qualifying medical condition, download or request the Medical Baseline form.

   • Fill out your portion and have it signed by a licensed medical professional.
   • What to expect next: Once PG&E reviews and approves, your account typically receives extra baseline allowance and special shutoff protections beginning on a future billing cycle.

4. If you have a large past-due balance, ask PG&E about the Arrearage Management Plan (AMP).

   • This is often done by phone or via your online account’s assistance section.
   • What to expect next: If approved, your bill will usually show a scheduled forgiveness amount that is credited as you make each on-time payment under the plan over a set period (for example, 12 months).

5. Set up a payment arrangement if you cannot pay in full right now.

   • You can often request an extension or installment plan through your online account or by calling customer service.
   • What to expect next: Your payment schedule will show on your account; missing one installment can cancel the arrangement and may restart collection activity.

Real-world friction to watch for: A common reason applications get delayed is missing or outdated income proof, so make sure documents clearly show your name, date, and gross income, and respond quickly if PG&E or a local agency asks for more information.

2. Contact LIHEAP for One-Time Bill Payments

1. Find your local LIHEAP agency.

   • In California, LIHEAP is run by local community organizations or county agencies.
   • You can find your office through the California Department of Community Services and Development website or by calling 211 and asking for LIHEAP energy assistance.

2. Ask about current funding and how to apply.

   • Some offices allow online applications, others require in-person or phone appointments.
   • A useful phone script: “I’m a PG&E customer with a past-due bill. Can you tell me if LIHEAP is accepting applications and what documents I should bring?”

3. Submit your application with required documents.

   • This usually includes your PG&E bill, ID, proof of income, and sometimes rental information.
   • What to expect next: Processing times can range from days to several weeks; if approved, payment is typically sent directly to PG&E, and you may receive a letter or notice of approval.

For general information about LIHEAP programs nationwide, you can use the federal LIHEAP Clearinghouse through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at energyhelp.us.

Quick Summary: PG&E Bill Assistance Options

Avoid Mistakes and Scam Warnings

Because these programs involve money and your utility account, scammers often target people looking for help.

• Always verify you are on the real PG&E website (look for “pge.com” in the address bar) before entering account or payment information.
• Do not pay a “fee” to apply for CARE, FERA, Medical Baseline, LIHEAP, or similar assistance; legitimate programs are typically free to apply.
• Be cautious of unsolicited calls or texts claiming your power will be shut off immediately unless you pay with prepaid cards, gift cards, or unusual methods; PG&E and government programs typically do not demand payment this way.
• If someone offers guaranteed approval for a fee, or wants your Social Security number and bank login over text or social media, treat it as a red flag.
• When in doubt, hang up and call PG&E using the number printed on your bill, or dial 211 from a phone and ask to be connected to legitimate local bill assistance agencies.

If PG&E Assistance Isn’t Enough

If you apply and still can’t cover your PG&E bill, there are additional steps to consider:

1. Call PG&E directly and explain your situation.

   • Ask specifically about any hardship programs, additional payment arrangements, or deposit waivers that might apply to you.

2. Contact 211 for local resources.

   • Dial 211 or visit your local 211 website to ask about utility assistance, rent help, and emergency financial aid in your county.

3. Talk with a local community action agency or nonprofit.

   • Many community action agencies, churches, and charities offer limited utility assistance, especially when you have a 24–48 hour shutoff notice.

4. Review your energy usage with PG&E.

   • Ask about energy efficiency programs, home weatherization, or rate plan reviews that may lower your ongoing costs.

Program names, rules, and income limits can change by year and by area, so for the most accurate and current information, always confirm through PG&E’s official customer service channels and your local LIHEAP or community action agency before making decisions.