State Discount Programs

The state programs detailed below provide automatic monthly savings on your energy bill. The Ava Bright Choice service offers an additional 5% discount on electricity bills. Customers enrolled in these programs remain on them and receive the same program benefits whether they are on Ava service or not – they are statewide programs.

CARE is a state program that provides a 35% discount for electricity and a 20% discount for natural gas to qualifying low-income households. This program is administered to all customers by PG&E, including customers who choose to receive service from a community choice energy program (such as Ava).

CARE eligibility is based on public assistance program participation or based on the number of individuals in your household and total gross household income. To learn more about CARE and how to apply, visit PG&E’s webpage about CARE.

The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program provides a monthly discount on your electric bills. The program is designed for income-qualified households of three or more persons. The monthly discount is 12% on electric rates. To learn more about FERA and how to apply, please visit PG&E’s webpage about FERA.

The Medical Baseline program helps people who have serious medical conditions and/or medical equipment that can make it hard to afford their monthly bills. Ava customers enrolled in the Medical Baseline program get a special “Baseline Allowance” — a set number of kilowatt-hours of electricity each month charged at a reduced rate. The Medical Baseline discount can apply to your gas service too.

Participation in the Medical Baseline program is based on medical condition and/or use of medical devices only — not on income. Learn more about the Medical Baseline allowance, its benefits, and how to apply by visiting PG&E’s webpage.