San José residents and businesses may be eligible for programs that offer savings on your electricity bill, home energy efficiency upgrades, and discounts on electric vehicles through State or Federal funding. Lean more about these programs and see if you qualify.
This State program is administered by PG&E and offers a monthly discount of 30%-35% on electricity and 20% on gas. Customers must qualify through income guidelines or be enrolled in select public assistance programs. Customers must renew eligibility every two years or every four years if customer is on a fixed income. SJCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply and reapply through PG&E. If a customer does not qualify for the CARE program, they may still qualify for the FERA program. Review the income guidelines table below.
This State program is administered by PG&E and offers an 18% discount on electricity only. This discount is specifically for households of three or more people who meet the income guidelines. Customers must renew eligibility every two years. SJCE customers are eligible for this state-funded program and must apply through PG&E. Review the income guidelines table below.
This State program administered by PG&E is an assistance program for qualifying residential customers who have medical conditions that require special energy needs. Residents that qualify for Medical Baseline may receive an allowance of approximately 500 kWh of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas at the lowest rate each month based on medical condition and/or medical device. This year, customers applying for the program do not need a doctor’s signature. SJCE customers are eligible for Medical Baseline and must apply and reapply through PG&E.
View Income Guidelines Table
| Number of people in household | CARE | FERA |
| 1-2 |
$34,480 or less |
Not eligible |
| 3 |
$43,440 or less |
$43,441–$54,300
|
| 4 |
$52,400 or less |
$52,401–$65,500 |
| 5 |
$61,360 or less |
$61,361–$76,700 |
| 6 |
$70,320 or less |
$70,321–$87,900 |
| 7 |
$79,280 or less |
$79,281–$99,100 |
| 8 |
$88,240 or less |
$88,241–$110,300 |
| 9 |
$97,200 or less |
$97,201–$121,500 |
| 10 |
$106,160 or less |
$106,161–$132,700 |
| Each additional person, add |
$8,960 |
$8,960–$11,200 |
This federally funded program administered through Sacred Heart offers assistance to eligible low-income households (renters and homeowners) with paying utility bills, weatherizing their home, and making energy-related home repairs. LIHEAP provides one payment, ranging from $175 to $324 every calendar year. This is a non-emergency program as it may take about 6-8 weeks for payment to be awarded. Customers must apply through Sacred Heart.
PLEASE NOTE: Customers impacted by the COVID-19 emergency will be provided with up to an additional $100 in bill payment assistance through March 4, 2021.
This donation program administered by the non-profit Dollar Energy Fund gives income-qualified customers financial assistance during times of hardship. REACH provides a one-time energy credit each year for up to $300 based on a past due bill (energy credit support is subject to funding availability). To qualify, customers must have received either a 15-day or a 48-hour disconnection notice and customer income must not exceed the REACH income guidelines (same as CARE guidelines). Customers must apply through PG&E.
This program provides replacement and repairs of critical home equipment it be roofing, heating, water heaters, critical plumbing and critical electrical.
Income-eligible owner-occupied properties (Single Family or Mobile Homes) are eligible for critical home repairs that, if not corrected, would make the home uninhabitable.
This program, which is paid for by ratepayer funds through the Public Purpose Program charge, provides income-eligible customers with free energy savings improvements. Income eligibility follows the same guidelines as those for CARE. Improvements can include replacing your refrigerator, repairing or replacing your furnace or water heater and installing insulation, weatherproofing, energy-efficient light bulbs, caulking, low-flow showerheads and more.
This program provides families with low interest financing for electric vehicles. Must have a valid CA Driver’s License, must be 18 years or older, ability to repay loan and cover expenses, verifiable income (to 400% of poverty level), Not currently in or filing for bankruptcy.
The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provides grants and affordable financing to help income-qualified Californians purchase a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle. This grant program is for California residents who meet the income threshold.
Grid Alternatives provides incentives for low-income Bay Area residents in communities disproportionately burdened by sources of pollution to retire their older vehicle and replace it with a hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or battery electric vehicle, or to get a Clipper Card for public transit. If you live in Bay Area, your household income falls within one of the specified income brackets, have a model car from 2004 or older, or a new applicant to a vehicle replacement grant program.
Due to the County’s Stay-at-Home Order, residential electricity usage may increase. Read our blog for resources on how to lower your electricity bill, including enrolling in CARE and FERA bill discount programs. Visit the City of San José’s Virtual Local Assistance Center or call 3-1-1 for help with getting food, housing, health, and wellness resources, and more. In light of the need facing our community, please consider donating to the Silicon Valley Strong Fund