Medical Baseline Allowance
California Public Utilities Commission
Additional baseline-rate energy for qualifying medical needs
Extra energy at the lowest baseline rate for households that need electricity or gas for a qualifying medical condition.
What you could receive
Additional baseline-rate energy for qualifying medical needs
Medical Baseline is not income-based. A licensed medical practitioner must certify a qualifying condition or life-support equipment. Extra kilowatt-hours or therms are billed at the lowest baseline rate. Recertification is typically required. Apply with your IOU. LADWP and SMUD have separate medical/life-support discounts.
Who may qualify
- CARE, FERA, ESA, and Medical Baseline are offered by participating investor-owned utilities. Municipal utilities have separate discounts.
- Gas CARE or Medical Baseline may apply if you take gas service from a participating IOU.
- A qualifying medical condition or life-support equipment must be certified. This site treats that as the disability/medical question.
Location / service area
Statewide in California
Important requirements
Purchase timing requirement is unclear. Confirm with the program administrator.
Timing / preapproval
Preapproval required
Last verified: Sep 6, 2026 · Confidence: High
Official sources
Eligibility is based on published program information and the details you provide. Program rules, funding and availability can change. Always confirm eligibility with the official program administrator.