Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California struggling with your energy bills? You might be wondering, “How much do you save with the PG&E CARE program?” The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. This program offers significant discounts to make energy more affordable for those who need it most.
Understanding the Savings: PG&E CARE Discounts
The PG&E CARE program provides a substantial discount on your energy bills. Specifically, enrolled households receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These percentages can translate to significant savings throughout the year, helping to ease the financial burden of essential energy costs. The exact percentage within the 30-35% range for electricity discount may depend on the size of the utility company, with larger companies offering the higher end of the discount range.
To illustrate the potential savings, consider a household that typically spends $200 per month on electricity and $100 on natural gas. With a 30% CARE discount on electricity, they could save $60 on their electric bill. The 20% discount on natural gas would save them an additional $20. In total, this household could potentially save $80 per month by participating in the PG&E CARE program. These savings can be crucial for families on a tight budget, allowing them to allocate funds to other essential needs.
Who Qualifies for PG&E CARE? Income Guidelines and Eligibility
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program is intended for low-income customers, and specific income limits are set and updated annually. As of June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, the income guidelines are as follows:
| 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 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the PG&E CARE program. Beyond income, you may also qualify if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs include, but are not limited to:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / Food Stamps
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Enrollment in any of these programs can automatically qualify you for CARE, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. The easiest way to apply is to visit the PG&E website dedicated to the CARE program. You can find detailed information, application forms, and answers to frequently asked questions there. For direct access, you can visit the PG&E CARE program website.
If you prefer to apply by phone or need assistance with your application, you can contact PG&E directly at 866-743-2273. Customer service representatives can provide application forms, answer your questions, and guide you through the enrollment process.
Maximize Your Savings with PG&E CARE
The PG&E CARE program is a valuable resource for eligible California residents seeking to lower their energy bills. By providing discounts of 30-35% on electricity and 20% on natural gas, the program offers substantial savings that can make a real difference in household budgets. If you believe you meet the income requirements or participate in a qualifying public assistance program, exploring the PG&E CARE program is a worthwhile step towards managing your energy costs effectively. Don’t miss out on the potential savings – check your eligibility and apply today to start reducing your PG&E bills.
