Resource hub
Utility bill help for California households.
One place to start. Whether you're trying to understand a bill, lower it, or get help paying it, these guides explain your options in plain language and point you to official sources.
The short answer
California households may find help through utility discount programs (CARE and FERA), Medical Baseline, payment arrangements, energy and hardship assistance, efficiency programs, rebates and incentives, battery and virtual power plant programs, and outage and disaster resources. What applies depends on your utility, location and household.
Who this is for
Renters and homeowners anywhere in California. Utility Bill Advocates is an independent consumer resource — not a utility, government agency or government program.
Understanding your power bill
Start by knowing what you're paying for and why it changed.
CARE & FERA discounts
Monthly discounts for income-qualified households, applied for through your utility.
Medical Baseline
Extra support for households with qualifying medical energy needs.
Hardship & payment assistance
Payment arrangements, one-time help and energy assistance for households that are struggling.
More programs worth knowing
Energy-efficiency programs
Weatherization and upgrades that can lower usage. The CPUC's Energy Savings Assistance program provides no-cost weatherization to households that meet CARE or FERA income limits.
Rebates & incentives
Utilities and the state offer rebates for certain appliances and upgrades. Offers change often — check before you buy.
Solar, battery & VPP programs
Home batteries can provide backup power, and some virtual power plant programs may pay for sharing stored energy. Terms vary by utility and provider.
Outage & wildfire resources
Sign up for your utility's outage and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) alerts, and ask about backup power resources.
Disaster assistance
After a declared disaster, utilities and state agencies may offer extra protections or help. Check your utility and Cal OES.
My Wattie · Coming Soon
A plain-language helper for your bill.
My Wattie, our upcoming AI-powered utility companion, is being designed to bring this together: explain your bill, answer questions in everyday language, match you with programs that may fit and alert you to important changes. It isn't available yet.
Meet My Wattie and join early accessCommon questions
Is Utility Bill Advocates a government program?
No. Utility Bill Advocates is an independent consumer resource. We are not a utility company, government agency or government program.
Where do I apply for California utility assistance?
Most discount programs are applied for through your utility. Government energy assistance is offered through local agencies listed by California's Department of Community Services & Development.
Official sources to verify
Program rules, amounts and deadlines can change. Always confirm current details with the official program or your utility.
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few quick questions and we'll help you see which programs and options may be worth looking into.
Utility Bill Advocates is an independent company. We are not a utility company or government agency. Program availability and eligibility vary. We never ask for your Social Security number, banking information or utility login.