Utility Resources
PG&E discount programs are available to assist eligible customers in paying their energy bills. Over 1.4 million customers are receiving a bill discount through these programs.
- California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE). A monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity. Participants qualify through income guidelines or if enrolled in certain public assistance programs.
- Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). A monthly discount of 18% on electricity only. Must be a household with three or more people. Participants qualify through income guidelines.
- Medical Baseline Program: Help for residential customers who depend on power for certain medical needs.
Apply for PG&E Discounts
Are you looking for financial assistance with your monthly water and sewer bill or your San Luis Garbage bi-monthly trash & recycling bill? If so, you might qualify for our Customer Assistance Program.
Eligible participants can receive a:
20% discount on each monthly water and sewer bill
20% discount on each bi-monthly trash & recycling bill (only available for customers
with a 19-, 30-, or 64-gallon trash cart)
More information available through the City of San Luis Obispo.
Since 1924, Catholic Charities has provided hunger and homeless prevention services, including three food pantries and multiple distribution sites.
Additional support includes case management, financial aid, material goods, counseling, and utility payment assistance. To learn more or request help, contact one of their local offices using the information below.
San Luis Obispo
3250 S Higuera St #D
San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
(805) 541-9110
Santa Maria
Santa Maria Community Services Center
607 W. Main Street, Santa Maria, CA 93458-5034
(805) 922-2059
Internet Essentials through Xfinity:
Home internet starting at $14.95/month for qualifying customers.
Ways to be eligible for this $14.95/month plan.
1. Participate in a qualifying assistance program:
MEDICAID (CENCAL): card or most recent eligibility letter for any member of your household.
Public housing assistance documentation, such as your lease, housing assistance payment
(HAP) contract, or eligibility documentation from HUD.
SNAP: a letter indicating you are approved for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
benefits.
TANF: eligibility letter for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
SSI: eligibility letter for Supplemental Security Income.
NSLP/Head Start: copy of a letter indicating current participation in the National
School Lunch Program or Head Start, with your child's name, the school name, and the
address where you are requesting service.
LIHEAP: Letter confirming your eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Program.
WIC: eligibility letter for the Women, Infants, and Children program.
FEDERAL PELL GRANT: documentation from your institution’s financial aid office.
VA PENSION: Veterans pension eligibility determination letter from the Veterans Administration
Tribal assistance eligibility letter, including TTANF, FDPIR, etc.
2. Be a new customer or have not had Xfinity Internet within the last 90 days.
3. Have no outstanding balances with Comcast within the last year.
Lifeline is a federal program that helps people with a low income get discounted telephone or internet service.
If you live outside SLO County or are looking for assistance with a utility service not listed here, 2-1-1 may be helpful to you. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals and families to essential resources within their community. Whether you need help with food, mental health, health care, housing, transportation, utility assistance, legal aid, job training, after-school programs, disaster relief, or other services, 2-1-1 can guide you to the right support. You can dial 2-1-1 directly and explain the type of assistance you are seeking or visit the 2-1-1 website to search for resources online.