Monthly Bill Discounts
These programs reduce your bill every month for as long as you qualify.
CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)
30%+ offIncome-based discount for low-income households or those receiving public assistance. Even if you're receiving unemployment benefits, you may qualify. Easy to apply online with no documentation needed.
Auto-qualifies if enrolled in: Medi-Cal, CalFresh/SNAP, WIC, SSI, TANF, LIHEAP, or National School Lunch Program (free lunch)
Apply for CARE →FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance)
18% offFor households of 3+ people whose income is slightly higher than CARE limits. If you apply for CARE and don't qualify, SDG&E automatically checks FERA eligibility.
Learn about FERA →Medical Baseline Allowance Program
Up to 20% offProvides additional gas and electricity at the lowest rates for those who use life-support equipment or have qualifying medical conditions requiring extra heating/cooling. Income is not a factor — you just need a doctor's certification.
Apply for Medical Baseline →Debt Forgiveness & One-Time Assistance
Already behind on your bill? These programs can help eliminate debt or provide emergency payments.
AMP (Arrearage Management Program)
Up to $8,000 forgivenMust be enrolled in CARE first. If you pay your next 12 bills on time and in full, your past-due balance is forgiven. This is real debt elimination, not a loan.
Learn about AMP →LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance)
Up to $1,500Federal program providing a one-time payment toward your past-due energy bill. You must be a legal US resident, meet income guidelines, and have not received LIHEAP funding in the past 12 months.
Apply through one of these agencies based on your zip code:
Neighbor-to-Neighbor (N2N) Program
Up to $600/yearFor customers experiencing temporary financial hardship who do not qualify for other state and federal assistance. You must have received a final notice before disconnection. Funded by SDG&E shareholders, not ratepayers.
Apply for N2N →ECIP (Energy Crisis Intervention Program)
EmergencyEmergency assistance for those facing imminent disconnection or who have already been disconnected. Contact Campesinos Unidos directly.
Get emergency help →Free Home Improvements & Appliances
These programs provide free upgrades that reduce your energy usage — lowering future bills permanently.
Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
Free upgradesESA participants could receive smart thermostats, attic insulation, energy-efficient lighting, door weather-stripping, replacement refrigerators or AC wall units, caulking, minor home repairs, low-flow showerheads, and water heater blankets.
Phone: 866-597-0597
Apply for ESA →ESA Whole Home Pilot Program
Up to $25,000Major home upgrades at zero cost: new refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, clothes washer, furnace repair/replacement, heat pump, central A/C, duct sealing, and improved building insulation. Limited to 250 customers.
Apply for Whole Home →Community Resources
211 San Diego
Free 24/7 service that connects you with local resources including utility assistance, food assistance, housing help, and more. They can help you navigate all available programs.
Call: 211 (or 858-300-1211)
Visit 211 San Diego →MAAC Arrears Case Management
A collaborative effort between SDG&E and MAAC offering case management and connecting customers with all available resources.
Eligible zip codes: 92102, 92104, 92105, 92115, 92116
Contact MAAC →Recommended Action Steps
- 1
Start with CARE
Apply online at sdge.com — no documentation needed. This gives you 30%+ off immediately.
- 2
If you're already behind, apply for both:
- • AMP for debt forgiveness (requires CARE enrollment first)
- • LIHEAP for a one-time payment toward your balance
- 3
Call 211
They can help identify all programs you qualify for and assist with applications.
- 4
Apply for ESA
Get free appliance and insulation upgrades that lower your future bills permanently.
Note: This list may not be exhaustive — additional programs may be available. Call 211 to learn about all resources you may qualify for. Program details and eligibility requirements may change. Always verify current information directly with SDG&E or the administering agency. Last updated January 2026.