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Help and discounts

How to lower your utility bills

Moving isn’t the only way to pay less. If money is tight, start with the discount programs: many households that qualify never sign up. Then work through the tips below.

Discounts if your income qualifies

CARE and FERA cover SCE, SDG&E, PG&E and SoCalGas customers. City-owned utilities such as LADWP, Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena run their own programs.

  • CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy)30–35% off electricity and 20% off natural gas for income-qualified households. 2026–27 income limits: $43,280 for 1–2 people, $54,640 for 3, $66,000 for 4. Apply through your electric or gas company.
  • FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance)18% off electricity for families just over the CARE limits: up to $54,100 for 1–2 people, $68,300 for 3, $82,500 for 4. SCE, SDG&E and PG&E only.
  • LADWP EZ-SAVE and LifelineDiscounts on the electric and sewer parts of the LADWP bill: EZ-SAVE for income-qualified households, Lifeline (larger discount) for customers 62+ or with a disability. The old water discount ended in July 2023 after a court ruling. LADWP also offers Level Pay and interest-free payment plans.
  • Burbank Water and Power LifelineBWP lists a reduced electric rate for income-qualified customers (about 45% off, according to BWP’s program page), plus exemption from the monthly customer charge and utility users tax. Recertify every two years.
  • Glendale Care (GWP)Up to $35 a month off the Glendale Water & Power electric bill for income-qualified customers or those enrolled in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, WIC, Section 8 and similar programs. Income limits match FERA (e.g. $68,300 for 3 people). First come, first served.
  • Pasadena Water and Power assistancePWP offers income-qualified help for electric and water bills. Programs and funding change, so check PWP’s customer-assistance pages or call before applying.
  • LIHEAP (federal energy bill help)A one-time payment toward heating or cooling bills, or emergency help if you face a shutoff, plus free weatherization. 2026 monthly income limits start at $3,332 for 1 person and $6,407 for 4. Apply through your local agency, found on the state CSD site.
  • Medical BaselineIf someone at home relies on powered medical equipment or has qualifying medical needs, your utility adds extra energy at the lowest price (SCE adds about 16.5 kWh a day). Many city-owned utilities have similar programs. A doctor certifies eligibility.
  • 211 LAFree referral line (dial 2-1-1) that finds local utility discounts and bill-payment help, including city programs not listed here.

Income limits shown are for June 2026 to May 2027 (CARE/FERA) and 2026 (LIHEAP). Programs change, so confirm with the provider before applying.

Ways anyone can cut the bill

  1. Find out what tier you’re inMost SoCal electric and water bills are tiered: the first block is cheap and every unit after it costs more. Your bill shows your allowance. On LADWP and Burbank the top tier can cost 50–60% more than the first, so trimming the last few hundred kWh of a summer month saves the most.
  2. Make sure you’re on the right allowanceSCE gives all-electric homes a bigger winter allowance, and climate zone sets the summer one. LADWP has two zones. If your home is all-electric or your zone looks wrong, call the utility. A wrong code overcharges you every month.
  3. Cool smarter in summerAir conditioning is the biggest swing in inland bills. Set it to 78°F when home, pre-cool before peak hours, close blinds on west-facing windows and run ceiling fans. On SCE’s Time-of-Use plan, peak prices run 4–9 p.m., so run the dishwasher, laundry and EV charging later.
  4. Cut outdoor water firstLawn watering can double a summer water bill. Water before 9 a.m., follow your city’s watering days, fix broken sprinkler heads, and look at turf-replacement and smart-controller rebates from your water agency.
  5. Winter water use can set your sewer billIn the City of LA and several other cities, the sewer charge is based on winter water use. Fixing leaks and running toilets before winter lowers sewer for the whole year. Test a toilet by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank: color in the bowl after 15 minutes means a leak.
  6. Right-size your trash cartMany cities price trash by cart size (Pasadena and Torrance, for example). If your cart is rarely full, ask for a smaller one.
  7. Check every bill for errorsLook for estimated meter reads, a meter number that isn’t yours, the wrong rate schedule, or a sudden jump with no change at home. Ask for a re-read or a bill review.
  8. Smooth out spikes and avoid shutoffsLevel Pay or budget billing spreads costs evenly across the year. If you fall behind, call before a shutoff notice: most utilities offer payment arrangements, and LADWP’s are interest-free.
  9. Free weatherization and appliance upgradesIf you qualify for CARE, ask SCE, SDG&E or SoCalGas about the Energy Savings Assistance program: free insulation, weatherstripping and some appliance replacements. LIHEAP agencies also do weatherization.

Or see what the same home costs elsewhere

Utility rates vary a lot between neighboring cities. Compare utility bills by city or describe your household to see the difference.