Medical Baseline Allowance
by California Public Utilities Commission
Extra energy at the lowest baseline rate for households that need electricity or gas for a qualifying medical condition.
What you can get
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.
Overview
Extra energy at the lowest baseline rate for households that need electricity or gas for a qualifying medical condition.
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
How to apply
Use the official application or program page. Confirm current instructions with the administrator before you apply.
Preapproval required
Important things to know
Last verified: Sep 6, 2026 · Confidence: High
Official sources
Not sure what you qualify for?
Check your eligibility. We’ll compare your answers with published program rules.
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.