Winter gas and electric bills in Orange County, California
Updated . By Landen Chu, Co-founder of OakTend. How we research
This is general information. Your utility's pages have the current rules, and this page covers SoCalGas and Southern California Edison (SCE). If your bill comes from Anaheim Public Utilities or SDG&E, check that utility's own programs.
Why is my gas bill higher in winter?
On its higher bills page, SoCalGas names the usual reasons:
- The heater runs more, which is the biggest jump.
- The water heater works longer and harder in cold weather.
- Guests and holiday cooking add use.
- A billing cycle usually runs 29 to 32 days, and holidays can add up to four days.
- The price of gas itself changes month to month.
- Any unpaid balance from an earlier bill carries over.
How can I use less?
- If your health allows, set the thermostat three to five degrees lower, as SoCalGas suggests.
- Sign up for SoCalGas's weekly usage notices, so a high bill does not come as a surprise.
- Seal drafts around doors. ENERGY STAR lists weatherstripping among the simple fixes for lower energy bills, and our weatherstripping how-to shows how.
Can I spread the winter bill over the year?
Yes. SoCalGas's Level Pay Plan averages your year's gas use over 12 months, so you pay about the same each month. It is not a discount, and SoCalGas reviews the amount every six months. Accounts that use less than 3,000 therms a year can enroll in My Account on socalgas.com.
Who qualifies for a discount?
- CARE. SoCalGas takes 20 percent off the gas bill, and SCE takes 32.5 percent off the electric bill. You qualify if someone in your home gets benefits such as CalFresh, WIC, SSI or LIHEAP energy help, or if your household income is at or below the limit. From June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027 that is $43,280 for one or two people and $66,000 for four.
- FERA. SCE takes 18 percent off for households just over the CARE limit: $66,001 to $82,500 for four people.
- Medical Baseline. If someone at home needs extra heat for a medical condition, SoCalGas's Medical Baseline Allowance gives more gas at its lowest rate. It is not based on income, and a medical provider has to certify it.
Both utilities let you apply online with no documents up front. They may ask you to prove eligibility later.
What if I cannot pay the bill?
Call your utility first. The state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can pay part of a utility bill once, help in a crisis such as a shut-off notice, and pay for free weatherization. Funds are limited, so local providers help the households in greatest need first. Find yours on the state's LIHEAP page. Free repairs and efficiency upgrades are in our home repair help guide.
If you smell gas, leave first and call from outside; our emergency steps have the numbers. Rebates for new equipment are in the Orange County home rebates guide.
City pages: Irvine, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach and Fullerton, or every city on the Orange County hub.
Sources
- SoCalGas: Manage Higher Bills
During colder weather, natural gas usage typically increases three to seven times; if health permits, lowering the thermostat by three to five degrees could save on heating costs; water heaters work longer and harder in cold weather; guests and cooking add use; billing cycles typically run 29 to 32 days and holidays can add up to four days; the commodity price changes monthly; past due amounts raise the bill; weekly usage notifications. - SoCalGas: Level Pay Plan
Averages annual natural gas use and costs over a 12-month period; not a discount program; the amount is adjusted every six months; accounts that use less than 3,000 therms per year are eligible; enroll on My Account. - SoCalGas: California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
20% off the monthly natural gas bill; qualify through public assistance programs including CalFresh, WIC, SSI and LIHEAP, or by income: effective June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, $43,280 for 1-2 people and $66,000 for 4; no additional documentation required to apply online; may be asked to verify eligibility. - SoCalGas: Medical Baseline Allowance
Additional natural gas at the lowest baseline rate for customers who need extra heating for medical reasons; not a discount or rebate; eligibility is not based on income; requires medical provider certification. - Southern California Edison: CARE and FERA
CARE: 32.5% off electric bills; FERA: 18% discount; income limits effective June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027 (CARE up to $66,000 for 4; FERA $66,001 to $82,500 for 4); CalFresh, WIC, SSI and LIHEAP among qualifying programs; no additional documentation required to apply; post-enrollment verification. - California Department of Community Services and Development: LIHEAP
One-time help with a utility bill (HEAP), help in a crisis such as a disconnect notice (ECIP), and free weatherization; federal funding is limited and local providers prioritize households with the greatest need; find the local provider through the state's service finder. - ENERGY STAR: seal and insulate
Air sealing, including weatherstripping, among simple fixes for comfort and lower energy bills.