Are you looking for ways to reduce your monthly expenses? If you’re a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California with a limited income, you might be eligible for significant savings on your energy bills through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. The good news is that applying for the PG&E CARE program is easier than ever, and you can complete your application online for the CARE program PG&E from the comfort of your home.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program Benefits
The PG&E CARE program is designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs. Participants in the CARE program receive a substantial discount on their monthly utility bills. Specifically, you can expect to see a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in your household budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
Who Qualifies for the PG&E CARE Program?
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on your household income. Here are the income limits currently in effect, valid until May 31, 2025:
| 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 qualify for CARE if you or someone in your household is 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you automatically meet the eligibility requirements for CARE, regardless of your specific income level.
Applying Online for the PG&E CARE Program: A Step-by-Step Guide
PG&E makes it convenient to apply for the CARE program online. Here’s how you can submit your :
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Visit the PG&E CARE Program Website: Go to the official PG&E website and navigate to their CARE program page. You can easily find it by searching for “PG&E CARE program” on any search engine, or by directly visiting the PG&E website and looking under the “Save Energy & Money” or “Help Paying Your Bill” sections. You can also use this link: PG&E CARE Program Application.
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Review Eligibility Requirements: Before starting your application, double-check the income guidelines and qualifying public assistance programs to ensure you are likely to be eligible. This will save you time and effort.
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Create an Online Account or Log In: PG&E may require you to have an online account to apply. If you don’t already have one, you can easily create one on their website. If you are an existing customer, simply log in to your account.
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Complete the Online Application Form: The online application form will ask for information about your household size, income, and participation in any qualifying public assistance programs. Be prepared to provide accurate information and have any necessary documents (like proof of income or program enrollment) readily available, although you may not need to upload them during the online application itself.
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Submit Your Application: Once you have filled out all the required fields, review your application for accuracy and submit it electronically through the PG&E website.
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Confirmation and Follow-up: After submitting your application, you should receive a confirmation message or email from PG&E. They may contact you if they need further information or documentation. Keep an eye on your email and PG&E account for updates on your application status.
Explore Other Assistance Programs: FERA
In addition to CARE, PG&E also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electric bill for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE guidelines. If you think your income might be too high for CARE, it’s still worth checking if you qualify for FERA.
| 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 |
For more details on FERA and other assistance programs offered by PG&E, visit their website or contact their customer service.
Start Saving on Your Energy Bills Today
Don’t let high energy costs strain your budget. If you believe you may be eligible for the PG&E CARE program, take advantage of the online application for the CARE program PG&E and start saving money on your monthly bills. Visit the PG&E website today to begin your application and explore other assistance options that can help you manage your energy expenses.
