The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re wondering whether you qualify for this program and the discounts it offers on your electricity and natural gas bills, this guide will explain the income limits and other eligibility criteria for CARE in California.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program provides significant discounts to eligible customers, specifically a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This assistance is crucial for families and individuals struggling to afford essential utilities. The program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, including PG&E, Edison, SDG&E, and SoCalGas, among others.
To benefit from CARE, it’s important to know the income thresholds. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025.
Income Limits for CARE Program Eligibility
Your household income is a primary factor in determining your eligibility for the CARE program. Here are the income limits based on household size:
| 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 total gross annual household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely to qualify for the CARE program based on income.
Additional Qualification Pathways for CARE
Even if your income is slightly above the listed limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in any of the following programs automatically qualifies you for CARE:
- 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
Participation in these programs demonstrates a need for financial assistance, aligning with the goals of the CARE program.
What if You Exceed CARE Income Limits? Consider FERA
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers 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.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program:
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 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 income falls within these higher limits, explore the FERA program to see if you qualify for electricity bill discounts.
How to Apply for CARE and Get More Information
To apply for the CARE program or to get detailed information, the best step is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and ask any specific questions you have about eligibility or the application process. Here are the contact details and website links for major California utility providers:
| 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 reaching out to your utility provider, you can take the first step towards lowering your energy bills through the California CARE program and potentially the FERA program. These programs are vital resources for eligible California residents, ensuring access to affordable energy.
