The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to assist low-income households in California with their energy expenses. Administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and other utility providers across the state, CARE offers substantial discounts on monthly electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible residents. This program plays a critical role in ensuring that essential energy services remain accessible to vulnerable populations.
What is the PG&E CARE Program?
The PG&E CARE program provides a significant financial reprieve for qualifying customers. Participants benefit from a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. These discounts can substantially lower monthly expenses, freeing up household budgets for other necessities. The program is funded through a surcharge on the bills of non-CARE customers, reflecting a collective effort to support low-income communities.
Who is Eligible for the PG&E CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and ensure the program continues to serve those who need it most. As of June 1, 2024, 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 |
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)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 eligibility criteria ensures that CARE is accessible to a wide range of low-income individuals and families in California.
Understanding CARE Enrollment and Impact
While specific real-time data on the exact number of people registered in the PG&E CARE program is not always publicly available, the program’s significance is undeniable. CARE is one of the largest energy assistance programs in California, and PG&E, as a major utility provider, serves millions of customers. This suggests that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Californians benefit from CARE discounts, significantly easing their energy burden.
The program’s impact extends beyond individual households. By making energy more affordable, CARE contributes to broader societal benefits, such as:
- Reduced energy insecurity: Ensuring low-income households can reliably access essential energy services.
- Improved public health: Allowing families to maintain comfortable and safe home temperatures, crucial for health and well-being, especially for vulnerable populations like seniors and children.
- Economic stability: Freeing up household income for other essential needs like food, housing, and healthcare.
For those seeking precise enrollment figures, it is recommended to consult PG&E’s official reports or the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). These sources may provide aggregated data on CARE program participation across different utility providers and regions.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. Interested individuals can request an application and further information through the following channels:
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PG&E Website: Visit the official PG&E CARE program page for online applications and detailed program information.
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Phone: Contact PG&E directly at 866-743-2273 to request an application form by mail or to ask questions about the program.
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Community Agencies: Application forms are also often available through various community-based organizations and social service agencies throughout California.
When applying, be prepared to provide documentation verifying your household income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. PG&E representatives can guide you through the application process and answer any specific questions you may have.
Explore Other Assistance Programs: FERA
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. While less substantial than the CARE discount, FERA can still provide valuable savings for moderate-income households.
To determine if you qualify for FERA or to learn more about this and other assistance programs, it is best to contact your utility company directly. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances and energy needs.
Contact PG&E for CARE Program Information:
- Phone: 866-743-2273
- Website: https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/save-energy-money/help-paying-your-bill/longer-term-assistance/care/care.page
By taking advantage of programs like CARE and FERA, eligible Californians can access crucial financial assistance to manage their energy costs and maintain comfortable and healthy homes.
