снизьте расходы на электроэнергию
Are you looking to reduce your energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers substantial discounts to eligible low-income households. This program can significantly lower your monthly expenses by providing a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. Understanding how to qualify for the CARE program is the first step towards accessing these valuable savings.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is designed to assist low-income customers in managing their energy costs. Funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, CARE ensures that essential energy services are more affordable for those who need them most. This initiative is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and advised by the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB).
The benefits are considerable. Enrolling in CARE means receiving a significant discount on your energy bills, helping you to free up your budget for other essential needs. These discounts are applied directly to your monthly statements, making energy expenses more manageable and predictable.
CARE Program Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
There are two primary ways to qualify for the CARE program: through income guidelines or enrollment in specific public assistance programs.
Income-Based Qualification
Your household income is a key factor in determining CARE eligibility. The program sets upper income limits based on household size, which are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, as detailed in the table below:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To qualify based on income, your total household income must be at or below the income limit corresponding to your household size. “Household income” generally includes the combined income of all residents in your home.
Qualification Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs are designed to support low-income individuals and families, and enrollment in them automatically makes you eligible for CARE. 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 participate in any of these programs, you automatically meet the eligibility requirements for CARE, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. The first step is to contact your utility company. Each utility company in California manages CARE applications for its service area. You can reach out to them directly via phone or through their website to request an application form and gather more detailed information.
Here are the contact details for major utility companies regulated by the Commission:
| 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 |
You can find application forms on the websites listed in the table above or request them directly from your utility provider. Additionally, numerous community agencies also distribute CARE application forms and can provide assistance with the application process.
What is the FERA Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
While FERA has slightly higher income limits than CARE, it offers valuable assistance to households that may not qualify for CARE but still struggle with energy costs. Here are the income limits for FERA, 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 your household income falls within these limits and you are a customer of one of the listed utilities, you should explore the FERA program. Contact your electric utility company to determine your eligibility and apply.
Take the First Step Towards Energy Savings
Navigating energy costs can be challenging, but programs like CARE and FERA are in place to provide crucial support. If you believe you may qualify for the CARE program, we encourage you to reach out to your utility company today. By contacting them, you can obtain the necessary application forms and detailed guidance to start saving on your energy bills and improve your household’s financial well-being.
