CAPK Energy Program — Help with Utility Bills
Last updated August 2026
Behind on an electric, gas, or propane bill? CAPK's Energy Program pays part of it for income-qualified Kern County households, and can weatherize your home so future bills come down. You need to be 18 or older to apply.
Here's how it usually goes. You gather the four documents below and send them in: by email, by mail, or at the office at 300 19th Street in Bakersfield. Staff then review whether your household income fits the program's limits. If anything is missing they have to chase it, and that stalls the file. A complete packet the first time is the single best thing you can do to speed this up.
Expect the review to take time; applications are worked through in order and demand runs high. Call (661) 336-5236 and ask how long processing is running right now. If a disconnection date is bearing down, say so on that call. Then dial 211 as well. Kern's 24/7 line can check every other utility fund in the county while your CAPK application is in the queue.
If CAPK can't take you, or one-time help isn't enough, two standing discounts don't depend on any fund's balance: CARE / FERA (Utility Bill Discounts) takes 20–35% off electric and gas bills through your utility, and Lifeline (Phone & Internet Discount) trims the phone or internet bill. California LIHEAP (Energy Assistance) offers the same kind of bill help through the state's agency network at 1-866-675-6623.
Phone (661) 336-5236
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Kern County resident, age 18 or older
- Household income within program limits
- Bring a current utility bill, ID, Social Security card, and proof of income
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Gather the four documents listed below.
- 2
Apply by email, by mail, or in person at 300 19th Street in Bakersfield.
- 3
Questions first? Call (661) 336-5236, and ask how long processing is taking right now.
What to have ready
- A current utility bill
- ID
- Your Social Security card
- Proof of income. Not sure what counts for your situation? Call (661) 336-5236
What the application looks like
Common questions
What documents does CAPK need for utility bill help?
Four things: a current utility bill, ID, your Social Security card, and proof of income. Bring them to 300 19th Street, or include them if you apply by email or mail.
Does CAPK only cover electric bills?
No. Electric, gas, and propane. They also weatherize homes to lower what you owe next month, not just this one.
Who qualifies?
Kern County residents age 18 or older with household income within program limits. You may qualify; CAPK makes the final decision.
How long does CAPK utility assistance take?
There's no posted turnaround. It depends on demand and whether your paperwork arrived complete. Ask when you apply, and if your power is about to be shut off, say that clearly. Then call 211 to check other funds in parallel.
Does the money come to me or to the utility?
The help goes toward the bill you owe, not into your pocket. Ask when you apply how and when the payment posts, especially if a shutoff date is close.
What does weatherization actually mean?
Home improvements that cut how much energy you use, so the next bill is smaller. It's longer-term relief alongside the one-time payment help. Ask to be considered for it when you apply.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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