San Diego SDG&E Bill Help 2026–27: CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline Explained
If your SDG&E bill is more than you can handle, check three programs before anything else. Each one can lower your bill every month: CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline. You can be on more than one.
This guide is built around one question for each program: Do I qualify, and how do I apply? Income limits below are SDG&E's figures for June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027.
Last checked October 2026. Facts come from SDG&E's program pages and application forms. Programs and limits can change, so confirm on sdge.com before you apply.
Start Here: Which Program Fits You?
Ask yourself three questions:
Is my household income under the CARE limit, or do I get certain public assistance? → Apply for CARE.
Is my income a little over the CARE limit? → You may get FERA. One application covers both.
Does someone at home have a qualifying medical condition or use medical equipment? → Apply for Medical Baseline too. Income doesn't matter for this one.
CARE: 30% or More Off
What it is. The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program gives a discount on both electricity and gas. SDG&E says it can mean 30% or more off your bill.
Who qualifies. Either:
someone in your home already takes part in certain public assistance programs (SDG&E lists them on the application), or
your total current household income is at or below the limit.
CARE income limits (June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027):
1 or 2 people: $43,280
3 people: $54,640
4 people: $66,000
5 people: $77,360
6 people: $88,720
7 people: $100,080
8 people: $111,440
Each additional person: add $11,360
Lost your job? SDG&E says even if you get unemployment benefits, your income as of today may qualify you. Don't use last year's tax return if your income has dropped. Use what's coming in now.
FERA: 18% Off Electric
What it is. The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program gives an 18% monthly discount on electric use. It's for families whose income is a bit over the CARE limit.
FERA income ranges (June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027):
1–2 people: $43,281–$54,100
3 people: $54,641–$68,300
4 people: $66,001–$82,500
5 people: $77,361–$96,700
6 people: $88,721–$110,900
7 people: $100,081–$125,100
8 people: $111,441–$139,300
Each additional person: add $11,360–$14,200
You don't need two applications. SDG&E says if you apply for CARE and don't qualify, it automatically checks you for FERA.
A bonus for both. SDG&E's application says that once you're enrolled in CARE or FERA, you're also eligible for a discounted Base Services Charge.
How to Count Your Income
This is where most mistakes happen. SDG&E says to count total current household income, before deductions, for everyone living in your home.
The application lists income sources to include:
wages and self-employment profits
rent or royalty income
pensions and Social Security
SSP or SSDI
disability or workers' compensation payments
unemployment benefits
scholarships, grants, or other aid for living expenses
interest and dividends
spousal or child support
insurance or legal settlements
cash or other income
Common mistakes:
Leaving out a roommate's or adult child's income. If they live there, they count.
Using take-home pay. Use gross pay, before taxes and deductions.
Forgetting non-cash benefits. SDG&E says to combine all money and non-cash benefits for everyone in the home.
One more rule: SDG&E says you can't be claimed on someone else's tax return other than your spouse or domestic partner.
How to Apply for CARE or FERA
Go to sdge.com and find CARE/FERA under bill assistance, or go to sdge.com/FERA.
Have your account number from your bill.
List everyone in your home and their income, or check the public assistance program you're in.
Submit. SDG&E may ask you to prove your income later.
Paper option: SDG&E has a printable CARE/FERA application (form 142-740) on its site, in English and Spanish.
Don't Lose It at Renewal
SDG&E says you'll need to renew every 2 to 4 years, or when it asks you to verify eligibility. You'll get a letter in the mail. If SDG&E doesn't get your information by the date in the letter, your discount ends.
Tip: When that letter comes, deal with it the same week. Put a copy of your current pay stubs in an envelope with the letter so they're ready.
Also note: SDG&E's application says high energy use may get you removed from the program. If your use spikes, ask about the Energy Savings Assistance program below.
Medical Baseline: Extra Energy at the Lowest Rate
What it is. Medical Baseline gives you an extra amount of gas and electricity at the lowest residential rate. SDG&E says customers on untiered rates may get a 20% discount on electric charges.
Who qualifies. Anyone with a qualifying medical condition or who uses qualifying medical devices at home. SDG&E lists devices on its site; the list isn't limited to those shown. There's no income test.
Key rules:
The person with the medical need must live at the address on the application.
Their name doesn't have to be on the bill, but the account holder must sign.
Equipment must be for home use.
Renters whose landlord provides energy can still apply. The extra allowance shows up on the landlord's bill.
Who signs the medical part. Part 2 must be completed by a licensed M.D., D.O., nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. They enter their name, license number, office address, and phone, and sign. SDG&E says the license and signature must match the provider name.
How to submit. Email the completed application and signed provider form to medicalbaseline@sdge.com. SDG&E says incomplete applications, or ones without a signed provider form, won't be processed.
Renewals:
Permanent condition: a self-certification form every four years.
Not permanent: a new application with provider certification every two years.
What to say at the doctor's office:
"I'm applying for SDG&E's Medical Baseline Allowance. Can the doctor complete and sign Part 2 of this form? I need it back by [date]."
Bring the printed form to the appointment. Offices get busy, and a form left at the desk can sit for weeks.
Important: SDG&E says it can't guarantee uninterrupted service. Have a backup plan for power outages if someone at home depends on equipment.
Energy Savings Assistance: Free Home Upgrades
SDG&E's Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program can provide no-cost energy-efficient home improvements. Its income limits differ from CARE's. Examples from SDG&E's 2026–27 chart:
1 person: $39,125
2 people: $52,875
4 people: $80,375
Check SDG&E's ESA page for the full chart. Lowering your usage helps you stay in CARE.
Putting It Together: An Example
A family of four makes about $60,000 a year. They're under the CARE limit of $66,000. They apply for CARE online and save 30% or more on gas and electric.
Their son uses a nebulizer at home. They print the Medical Baseline form, take it to his doctor, and email the signed form to medicalbaseline@sdge.com. Now they get extra energy at the lowest rate too.
They also qualify for ESA, so they sign up for free upgrades.
FAQ
Can I get CARE and Medical Baseline at the same time? Yes. They're separate programs. Medical Baseline has no income test.
I rent and the bill is in my name. Can I apply? Yes. CARE and FERA are based on your household. The FERA rules say your name and address must be your primary residence if you apply as an individual.
Do I have to apply separately for FERA? No. If you apply for CARE and don't qualify, SDG&E automatically checks you for FERA.
My income went down this month. Which number do I use? Use your current household income. SDG&E says your income "as of today" may qualify you.
What if my income goes up? SDG&E says if you no longer qualify, you must tell SDG&E.
Who can sign the Medical Baseline form? A licensed M.D., D.O., nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
Related Guides
Sources
SDG&E, CARE and FERA Programs: https://www.sdge.com/residential/pay-bill/get-payment-bill-assistance/assistance-programs
SDG&E, FERA: https://www.sdge.com/FERA
SDG&E, CARE/FERA application (form 142-740): https://www.sdge.com/sites/default/files/documents/2026-05/142-740%20CARE_EZ_App.pdf
SDG&E, ESA and CARE/FERA enrollment: https://sdge.com/energy-savings-assistance-program-and-carefera-enrollment-process
SDG&E, Qualifying Based on Medical Need: https://sdge.com/residential/pay-bill/get-payment-bill-assistance/health-senior-support/qualifiying-based-medical-need
SDG&E, Medical Baseline Application: https://www.sdge.com/sites/default/files/documents/2026-04/132-150%20MBL%20APPLICATION%20-%20ENGLISH%20-%20FINAL.pdf
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