Financial Assistance

SCP customers who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for discount programs administered by PG&E. These programs include CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline. If you recently lost your job, are experiencing financial hardship, or have a qualifying medical device you may be eligible for a reduced energy rate.

Here to support you.

• California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE). A monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity charges. Applying is easy and only takes a few minutes. Your income eligibility is based on current earnings going forward and not your past income, so if you have had a change in circumstances, you may now qualify.
• Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). A monthly discount of 18% on electricity charges. Separate from CARE, income-qualified households of 3 or more persons can apply. As with the CARE program, current income going forward will be considered, so if your circumstances have changed you may now qualify.
  

• Medical Baseline Program. Provides allowances to customers who personally are, or who live with, someone who is dependent on life-support equipment or have other serious medical conditions which create an added need for electricity. This program allows customers to receive discounted rates for electricity by increasing their allocation of "baseline usage," which is available at lower rates. Your income is not a factor in qualifying for this program. Due to COVID-19 shelter-at-home requirements and changing medical practitioner priorities, customers can self-certify their eligibility to enroll in the medical baseline program. Sign up for Medical Baseline.

New CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline enrollments or renewals must be completed through PG&E's customer call center at 1 (866) 743-2273 or its website.

Additional programs administered by governments and non-profits:

• Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help Program (REACH). Provides income qualified customers with financial assistance during times of hardship. Customers impacted by COVID-19 will be provided with up to an additional $100 in bill payment assistance through March 4, 2021.
  
  
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded assistance program overseen by the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) and administered by 42 Action Agencies throughout California. LIHEAP offers the following types of assistance:
  • Help with residential utility bill payment
  • Emergency assistance with residential energy-related crisis (utility shut-off notices and energy-related life-threatening emergency)
  • Home weatherization

LIHEAP may prioritize applicants based on the greatest need and income, as well as households with vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled and households with young children.

To learn more, dial 211 for LIHEAP income guidelines and a list of participating agencies. You can also find services in your area online.

Find the Best Rate Plan

Electric rates have changed significantly over the last three years. Your current rate plan may no longer be your lowest cost rate option. Being on the right rate plan can help to reduce both your Sonoma Clean Power and PG&E monthly charges. When evaluating rate plans, you should consider your lifestyle, what times of day your household uses electricity, and whether you have an electric vehicle. If you’re able to conserve energy or shift your usage during peak hours of the day (4 – 9 PM), you may benefit from a time-of-use (TOU) rate. If you have an electric vehicle, you should consider the EV2A rate which is designed specifically for EV owners and applies to both home energy use and electric vehicle charging. To run your personalized rate comparison, visit pge.com/myenergy.

For additional help, call SCP’s local Contact Center at 1 (855) 202-2139, or email us at info@sonomacleanpower.org