If someone in your home depends on powered medical equipment, or needs heating or cooling for a medical condition, SDG&E's Medical Baseline program gives you extra energy at the lowest price and extra help in a power shutoff. Fall is fire-weather season, so now is when it matters.
Who qualifies
Anyone living at the address who uses a qualifying device, including:
- CPAP and apnea monitors
- oxygen concentrators and compressors
- dialysis machines
- infusion and pressure pumps
- air mattresses and hospital beds
- motorized wheelchairs
- respirators and suction machines
- LVADs and pacemaker monitors
Or who needs heating or air conditioning because of a compromised immune system or life-threatening illness, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, hemiplegia, paraplegia or quadriplegia.
Not on the list: air filters, heating pads, humidifiers, vaporizers, pool or tank heaters, saunas, hot tubs and whirlpool pumps. The person with the condition must live at the address; their name doesn't have to be on the bill.
What you get
- More energy at the lowest price on tiered plans; on untiered plans you may get a 20% discount on electric charges.
- The 2026 change: the discount now shows as its own line on the bill, like CARE, and steps down over four years from about 36% to about 20%. SDG&E says bills may rise even if usage stays the same. No action needed.
- In a shutoff: extra support during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, including in-person contact attempts by SDG&E or partner agencies.
How to apply
- Download the new application from SDG&E (a large-font version and Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog and Vietnamese are available).
- Have your physician certify it.
- Mail or email it back with the signed doctor form; incomplete applications aren't processed.
Renewing: a new doctor-certified application every two years for a non-permanent condition; for a permanent one, a self-certification every four years. Moving? Enrollment transfers with you.
Before the next shutoff
- Keep your phone and email current with SDG&E so the warnings reach you.
- Plan backup power. If you'll run a generator, state law requires you to tell SDG&E.
- Life-threatening situation: call 911. Medical, access or functional needs during a shutoff: 2-1-1.
- Generator Grant: for SDG&E customers in a High Fire Threat District Tier 2 or 3 who have had a shutoff since 2019 and are on Medical Baseline or have an access or functional need. SDG&E Generator Grant. Not sure of your tier? Check your address.
- Today's grid and any shutoffs: SDG&E power today · North County alerts.
The paperwork
The doctor form, the scan and email, updating the contact info in My Energy Center: Text PJ and he'll do it with you. Also worth a look: CARE and FERA and help for seniors.
Sources: SDG&E, Medical Baseline Allowance Program · PSPS · Generator Grant Program. Checked October 5, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25.
Questions people ask
Who qualifies for SDG&E Medical Baseline?
A household where someone who lives there uses a qualifying medical device, like a CPAP, oxygen concentrator, dialysis machine or motorized wheelchair, or needs heating or cooling for conditions like MS or a compromised immune system. A physician certifies the application.
Is SDG&E Medical Baseline changing in 2026?
Yes. The discount becomes its own line on the bill and steps down over four years from about 36% to about 20%, so bills can rise at the same usage. Enrolled customers don't need to do anything.
What does Medical Baseline do during a power shutoff?
Enrolled customers may get additional support during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, including in-person contact attempts by SDG&E or partner agencies.
How often do I renew Medical Baseline?
Every two years with a new doctor-certified application for a non-permanent condition; for a permanent condition, a self-certification every four years.
Know someone who needs this?
Something changed here? Text PJ and we'll update this page.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.