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 The Discount For Care Program,” the answer is substantial: eligible customers receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This can make a real difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
Understanding the CARE Program Discounts and Eligibility
The CARE program is a California Public Utilities Commission initiative aimed at making energy more affordable for those who need it most. The discount is applied directly to your monthly energy bill, lowering your overall expenses. To qualify for these discounts, customers must meet specific income guidelines or participate in certain public assistance programs.
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A table displaying California utility companies, their emergency payment contact numbers, and website links to access energy assistance programs like CARE.
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are as follows:
CARE Income Guidelines
| 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
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Table outlining CARE program income guidelines and eligibility criteria based on household size in California.
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in qualifying public assistance programs. These include programs like:
- 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
How to Apply for the CARE Program and Access the Discount
To benefit from the “discount for care program,” you need to apply through your utility company. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program enrollment. You can request an application form and get more detailed information by contacting your utility provider directly or visiting their website.
The following table provides contact information and website links for major California utility companies:
| 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 Additional Assistance: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (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 your electricity bill. While less than the CARE discount, it still offers significant savings. FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Savings
Understanding “what is the discount for care program” is the first step to potentially lowering your energy bills. If you believe you may be eligible for the CARE program or the FERA program, reach out to your utility company today. These programs are designed to provide crucial financial relief and ensure that all Californians have access to affordable energy. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to reduce your energy expenses and improve your household financial stability.
