California Electric Bill Assistance: LIHEAP and How to Apply

Source: U.S. HHS, Administration for Children and Families: LIHEAP state and territory contact listing, read October 10, 2026. State agencies reorganize and change web addresses, so if a page has moved, search for the agency name or call the line.

1. Contact the office above and ask where to apply. Many states use local Community Action Agencies or county offices.
2. Ask which dates apply to you. Heating help often opens in the fall, and some states open earlier for older adults or households in crisis.
3. Gather your latest electric bill, photo identification, proof of income for everyone in the household and any benefit letters.
4. If you have a shutoff notice, say so, and ask about crisis assistance. Federal law gives grantees 48 hours to resolve an eligible household's crisis, or 18 hours if it is life-threatening.
5. While you wait, ask your utility for a payment arrangement. See payment plans.

Federal law lets a state serve households up to the greater of 150 percent of the poverty level or 60 percent of state median income. For the 48 contiguous states and DC, 150 percent of the 2026 poverty guidelines is:

Source: HHS ASPE, 2026 poverty guidelines. This is a reference point, not California's own limit. The state sets its limit, and receiving SNAP, SSI, TANF or certain veterans benefits can qualify a household without the income test. Ask the office for the current limit.

The average California home used 494 kWh a month in 2025 at 31.35 cents per kWh, for a bill of about $154.73. That ranks 20 of 51 places for the size of the average bill and is 3% above the US average of $150.68. Over a year the average comes to about $1,857.

These are statewide averages from EIA Form EIA-861. Your bill depends on your utility, your home and the weather. See electricity rates in California for the price and bill details, and the average electric bill for how homes compare.

The largest electric companies in California by residential customers are PG&E, Southern California Edison, and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Whichever company sends your bill, call it and ask these questions:

• Do you offer a payment plan, and what are its terms?
• Do you have a hardship fund or a partner agency that gives bill help?
• Can I change my due date, or enroll in budget billing?
• What protections apply before a shutoff, and do any apply to me?

See every electric company in California for the full list.

The California Public Utilities Commission oversees investor-owned utilities in California and publishes consumer rules. Visit its website for disconnection rules and how to file a complaint. Municipal utilities and cooperatives may follow their own board or city rules. For the general types of protection and a checked example, read shutoff protection rules.

• UrgentEmergency helpA shutoff notice in hand.Open
• PlansPayment plansSpread a balance over bills.Open
• RulesShutoff protectionNotice, weather and medical rules.Open
• ProgramWeatherizationFree upgrades that cut the bill.Open
• ProgramSeniorsPriority and local help.Open
• MedicalMedical protectionsMedical baseline and designations.Open