Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? Relief is available through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative provides significant discounts to eligible low-income households, making energy more affordable. If you’re looking to ease your financial burden and ensure access to essential utilities, understanding and applying for the CARE program is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essentials of the CARE program and how The Care Program Application can be your first step towards energy bill savings.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is designed to assist low-income customers in California by offering substantial discounts on their electricity and natural gas bills. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, freeing up your budget for other necessities.
This program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC oversees major energy providers in the state, ensuring programs like CARE are accessible to those who need them most. Funding for the CARE program comes from a surcharge paid by other utility customers, demonstrating a collective effort to support vulnerable communities.
Are You Eligible for the CARE Program? Income Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. To qualify, your total household income must be at or below the income limits set for the program. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the current income guidelines:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you may also be automatically eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
Enrollment in any of these programs can streamline your care program application process, making it even easier to access energy bill relief.
How to Access the CARE Program Application and Apply
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The primary method is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company has dedicated resources and application forms available to assist you. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information through the following channels:
- Utility Company Websites: Most utility companies have comprehensive information about the CARE program on their websites, including downloadable application forms and online application options.
- Phone Contact: You can call your utility company’s customer service line to request an application form be mailed to you or to ask questions about the program.
- Community Agencies: Numerous community agencies throughout California also have CARE program applications and can provide assistance with the application process.
To make it easier for you to get started, here is a table with contact information and website links for major utility providers in California:
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| PG&E |
| Edison |
| SDG&E |
| SoCalGas |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas |
| Bear Valley Elect |
| PacifiCorp |
| Liberty Utilities |
| Southwest Gas |
| West Coast Gas |
Once you obtain the care program application, carefully fill it out, providing accurate information about your household income and any public assistance programs you participate in. Submit the completed application to your utility company through their preferred method, which may include online submission, mail, or in-person drop-off at designated locations.
Exploring Additional Support: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill savings. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | $51,641 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $62,401 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $73,161 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $83,921 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $94,681 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $105,441 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 | $13,450 |
If your household income falls within these FERA guidelines, contact your electric utility company to inquire about the FERA program and the care program application process, as it’s often managed alongside the CARE program.
Take Action Today and Apply for Energy Bill Relief
Navigating energy costs can be challenging, but programs like CARE and FERA are in place to provide crucial support. Don’t let high energy bills strain your budget. Take the first step towards financial relief by exploring your eligibility and submitting the care program application today. Contact your utility company or visit their website to access the application and learn more about how these valuable programs can help you save money and maintain essential energy services. Remember, help is available – take advantage of these resources and ease your energy bill burden.
