The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. If you’re wondering, “What Is My Care Program?” and if you qualify for assistance, this guide will provide you with essential information about this vital California initiative.
The CARE program offers substantial savings to eligible customers, ensuring that access to essential energy services is more affordable. Enrollees in the CARE program benefit from a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. These discounts can make a significant difference in household budgets, freeing up funds for other necessities.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) initiative that mandates regulated utility companies to offer discounted rates to qualifying low-income customers. This program is funded through a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, ensuring its sustainability and reach. The primary goal of the CARE program is to assist households in maintaining essential energy services, thereby promoting economic stability and well-being within communities across California.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
The income guidelines for CARE eligibility are effective through May 31, 2025, as follows:
| 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 currently 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 application process, making it even easier to access the energy bill discounts you need.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company has dedicated resources and application forms available. You can reach out to them via phone or visit their website for online applications and detailed instructions.
Here are the contact details for major utility companies in California, along with links to their CARE program pages:
| 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 |
Application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families. These agencies can provide support throughout the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is an additional program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are as follows, 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 is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking if you qualify for the FERA program to further reduce your energy expenses.
Conclusion: Take Action and Lower Your Energy Bills
Understanding “what is my CARE program” and whether you qualify is the first step towards reducing your energy bills in California. Both the CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for eligible households, providing crucial financial relief. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company today to request an application, learn more about the specific requirements, and start saving on your energy costs. Energy assistance is available – take advantage of these programs to make your household budget more manageable.
