The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to assist low-income households in managing their utility expenses. Many Californians wonder, when considering the name, “Does Gas Care Program Cover Just Energy?”. It’s a valid question, especially for families looking to reduce their monthly bills. The good news is that the CARE program in California is designed to provide broad relief on essential utility costs.
Understanding the Scope of CARE: Electricity and Natural Gas Discounts
The CARE program isn’t limited to just one type of energy. It’s intentionally structured to provide discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills for eligible customers. Specifically, those enrolled in CARE receive a significant discount, ranging from 30 to 35 percent on their electric bills. Furthermore, the program extends its assistance to natural gas, offering a substantial 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This dual benefit ensures that low-income households can experience considerable savings on their overall energy expenses, encompassing both electricity and gas services.
This comprehensive approach is crucial for California residents, as many households rely on both electricity for lighting, appliances, and cooling, and natural gas for heating and cooking. By offering discounts on both, the CARE program provides more holistic and impactful support to those who need it most.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program? Income and Eligibility
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program sets specific income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of the latest guidelines, effective through May 31, 2025, households must fall at or below the following income thresholds to qualify for CARE:
| 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 |
Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies a household for CARE. 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
This broad range of qualifying criteria ensures that the CARE program is accessible to a wide spectrum of low-income individuals and families in California, regardless of their specific circumstances.
Connecting with Your Utility Company: Applying for CARE
To benefit from the CARE program’s discounts on both gas and electricity, eligible customers need to apply through their utility company. The following table provides contact information and website links for major utility providers in California, making it easy to access application forms and further details:
| 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 |
By visiting the websites or contacting the phone numbers provided, residents can obtain application forms and receive detailed guidance on the application process. Community agencies also frequently offer application assistance, further simplifying access to the CARE program.
Exploring Additional Support: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another avenue for utility bill assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. While FERA specifically targets electricity bills, it provides an 18% discount to eligible households. FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
| Household Size | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 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 |
FERA acts as a supplementary program, ensuring that a broader range of families can receive help with their energy costs. For those who might not qualify for CARE due to slightly higher income, exploring FERA is a worthwhile step.
Conclusion: CARE Provides Comprehensive Energy Bill Relief
In summary, the California CARE program is a comprehensive assistance program that addresses both electricity and natural gas costs for eligible low-income households. It offers substantial discounts, simplifying energy affordability for those who qualify. If you believe you meet the income requirements or participate in a qualifying public assistance program, reaching out to your utility provider is the first step towards potentially lowering your monthly energy bills through the CARE program. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company today to learn more and begin the application process.
