The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, especially the one offered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PGE), is a crucial resource for low-income households in California. It significantly eases the burden of energy costs by providing substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re struggling to manage your utility expenses, understanding the Pge Care Program Limits and eligibility criteria is the first step towards accessing much-needed financial relief.
What is the PGE CARE Program?
The CARE program is designed to help eligible customers afford their energy bills. For those enrolled, PGE CARE offers a discount ranging from 30 to 35 percent on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This discount can make a significant difference in household budgets, allowing families to allocate funds to other essential needs.
The program is funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, highlighting a collective effort to support vulnerable communities. The PGE CARE program and similar initiatives across California are overseen by the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB), ensuring these programs effectively serve those they are intended to help.
Navigating PGE CARE Program Limits: Income Guidelines
Eligibility for the PGE CARE program primarily hinges on household income. The program sets specific income limits based on household size to determine who qualifies for assistance. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and inflation.
Here are the current income guidelines for the CARE program, effective through 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 |
It’s crucial to note that these PGE CARE program limits are subject to change, typically updated around June 1st each year. Always verify the most current income thresholds on the official PGE website or by contacting PGE directly.
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the PGE CARE program.
Additional Pathways to PGE CARE Eligibility
Beyond income, there are alternative routes to qualify for the PGE CARE program. Enrollment in certain public assistance programs automatically makes you eligible, regardless of your exact income level (as long as it meets the requirements for those programs). These qualifying 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 or a member of your household participates in any of these programs, you can leverage this enrollment to qualify for PGE CARE, even if your income slightly exceeds the standard PGE CARE program limits.
What if You Exceed PGE CARE Program Limits? Consider FERA
For families whose income slightly surpasses the PGE CARE program limits, there’s another valuable option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. While FERA offers a smaller discount of 18% on electricity bills only, it serves as a crucial safety net for those who don’t quite meet the stricter CARE income requirements.
FERA is available to customers of PGE, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Here are the income limits for FERA, 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 income falls within the FERA guidelines, contacting PGE to inquire about enrollment is highly recommended.
Applying for PGE CARE: Steps to Take
Ready to apply for the PGE CARE program and potentially lower your energy bills? Here’s how to get started:
- Visit the PGE Website: The most direct route is to visit the official PGE website. Navigate to their “Save Energy & Money” or “Help Paying Your Bill” sections to find detailed information about the CARE program and online application forms.
- Contact PGE Directly: You can also request an application form and get personalized assistance by calling PGE’s dedicated CARE program line at 866-743-2273.
- Explore Community Agencies: Numerous community-based organizations and agencies also distribute CARE applications and can provide application support.
| 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 |
Don’t hesitate to reach out to PGE or explore community resources to navigate the application process and determine your eligibility based on the PGE CARE program limits.
Conclusion: Empowering Californians Through PGE CARE
The PGE CARE program is a vital lifeline for eligible low-income households in California, providing crucial discounts on energy bills. By understanding the PGE CARE program limits, income guidelines, and alternative eligibility pathways, you can take proactive steps to access this valuable assistance. If you believe you may qualify, investigate the program further and apply today to start saving on your energy expenses. Lowering your utility bills can free up your budget and provide greater financial stability for your household.
