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 on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible low-income households. This guide will explain How To Apply For The Care Program and start saving money on your energy costs.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is designed to assist low-income customers in managing their energy expenses. If you qualify, you could receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These substantial savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget.
The program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. Participating utilities include major providers like PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SoCalGas, as well as smaller regional companies. Funding for CARE is sourced through a small surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, ensuring the program’s sustainability.
Understanding energy assistance programs is crucial for households seeking financial relief. This image represents resources like phone numbers and websites that provide information and support for accessing these programs.
Eligibility Requirements for CARE
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income eligibility upper limits are 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 automatically qualify 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you likely meet the eligibility criteria for CARE.
How to Apply for the CARE Program: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the application:
Step 1: Identify Your Utility Provider
Determine which utility company provides your electricity and/or natural gas service. This information is usually found on your energy bill. The major utility companies in California include:
- PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company)
- Southern California Edison (Edison)
- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
- SoCalGas (Southern California Gas Company)
- And several regional providers like Alpine Natural Gas, Bear Valley Electric, PacifiCorp, Liberty Utilities, Southwest Gas, and West Coast Gas.
Step 2: Visit Your Utility Company’s Website or Contact Them Directly
The easiest way to apply for CARE is through your utility provider’s website. Each company has a dedicated section for assistance programs, including CARE. You can also contact them directly by phone to request an application form or ask for more information.
Step 3: Locate the CARE Application Form
On the website, navigate to the CARE program page. Look for a link to the application form. The form may be available for online submission or as a downloadable PDF that you can print, fill out, and mail in. If contacting them by phone, ask them to mail you a CARE application form.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
Carefully fill out all sections of the application form. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially documentation to verify your eligibility, especially if applying based on income limits. If you are applying based on enrollment in a public assistance program, you may need to provide proof of enrollment.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Submit your completed application form according to the instructions provided by your utility company. This may involve online submission, mailing it in, or potentially submitting it in person at a customer service center.
The CARE program and FERA initiatives are vital resources for Californians needing help with utility bills, offering discounts to eligible households and ensuring access to essential energy services.
Utility Company Contact Information for CARE Applications
For your convenience, here is a table with contact information and website links for the major utility companies in California, specifically for their CARE programs:
| 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 |
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. FERA is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If you think you might qualify for FERA, contact your electric utility company to inquire about the program and application process.
Conclusion
The California CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households seeking to reduce their energy bills. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the simple application steps outlined in this guide, you can take advantage of these significant discounts and make your energy costs more manageable. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility provider today to learn more and begin your application for the CARE program.
