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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Suspension of Gas & Electricity Shut-Offs Due to Non-Payment and Utility Bill Discounts

San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) is temporarily suspending service disconnections for non-payment. If a customer is having trouble paying their energy bill, they can call SDG&E at (800) 411-7343 to work out a payment plan. SDG&E will also waive late payment fees for business customers whose finances have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SDG&E also offers utility bill discount programs to customers facing financial hardship. These programs are ongoing and are not unique to the COVID-19 pandemic, but SDG&E is encouraging customers affected by COVID-19 to apply. There are two different discount programs: (1) California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), which provides a discount of 30% or more on monthly bills; and (2) Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA), which provides an 18% discount on monthly bills.

Government or Lead Agency

San Diego Gas & Electric Company

Dates Available

Suspensions of service disconnections are effective immediately until further notice.

The CARE and FERA discount programs are ongoing.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

The suspension of service disconnections for non-payment applies to any SDG&E customers who are having trouble paying their energy bills.

Eligibility for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is based on participation in certain public assistance programs. Participation in any of the following public assistance programs makes an individual eligible for CARE: Medicaid/Medi-Cal for Families A & B; CalFresh (Food Stamps) SNAP; Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only); Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance; Women, Infants and Children (WIC); National School Lunch Program (NSLP); Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); CalWORKS (TANF) or Tribal TANF. If an individual does not participate in any of these public assistance programs, then qualification is based on household size and total current household income. The household income guidelines for CARE can be found here.

Individuals who do not qualify for the CARE program may still qualify for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program, which is available to households with three or more people and that meet household income guidelines. The household income guidelines for FERA can be found here.

To apply for CARE and FERA, see here. You can also apply through SDG&E’s automated phone system at (877) 646-5525.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Contact San Diego Gas & Electric Company at (800) 411-7343.

List of Additional Information

To learn more about SDG&E services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please see here.

To learn about CARE and FERA discount programs, see here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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