Are you struggling to manage your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is here to help. Designed to assist low-income households, CARE offers significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable and accessible. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your utility expenses, understanding and applying for the CARE program could be a crucial step towards financial relief.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-initiated program in California that provides eligible, low-income customers with a discount on their energy bills. This vital program ensures that essential energy services remain within reach for those who need them most. By enrolling in CARE, you can receive a 30-35% discount on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill. These substantial savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
The program is funded through a small surcharge paid by other utility customers, demonstrating a community effort to support vulnerable households. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees the program, ensuring its integrity and effectiveness. For those seeking assistance, the CARE program represents a significant opportunity to alleviate energy cost burdens.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely eligible for CARE discounts. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring the program remains relevant and accessible.
Current CARE Income Guidelines (Effective through May 31, 2025):
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that individuals already receiving support through other channels can easily access energy bill assistance. Qualifying public assistance programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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 are automatically eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages CARE applications for its customers.
You can request an application form and further information by contacting your utility company via phone or by visiting their website. Many utility companies offer online applications, making the process even more convenient.
Contact Information for California Utility Companies (CARE Program):
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | Website for CARE Program |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | PG&E CARE Program Website |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | Edison CARE Program Website |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | SDG&E CARE Program Website |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | SoCalGas CARE Program Website |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | Alpine Nat’l Gas Programs Website |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | Bear Valley Elect CARE Program Website |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | PacifiCorp Financial Assistance Website |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | Liberty Utilities CARE Program Website |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Southwest Gas Special Programs Website |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | West Coast Gas CARE Program Website |
In addition to contacting your utility, application forms may also be available through various community agencies and organizations. These agencies often partner with utility companies to help spread awareness and facilitate enrollment in the CARE program.
What if I Don’t Qualify for CARE? Explore the FERA Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for energy bill assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides a 18% discount on your electricity bill for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
FERA has higher income limits than CARE, making it an excellent alternative for families who are just above the CARE income thresholds but still need help managing energy costs.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective through May 31, 2025):
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
To determine your eligibility for FERA and to apply, contact your electric utility company. They can provide detailed information and guide you through the application process.
Take Action and Start Saving Today
The California CARE program and the FERA program are valuable resources designed to make energy bills more manageable for eligible households. Don’t let high energy costs strain your budget. Take the first step towards savings by checking your eligibility and applying for the CARE program today. Contact your utility company or visit their website to access the application and begin your journey towards more affordable energy.
For further information about low-income energy assistance programs in California, you can also visit the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) website. LIOB plays an advisory role to the CPUC on these crucial programs, ensuring they effectively serve the needs of California residents.
