Are you a California resident struggling with high energy bills? You might be relieved to learn about the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative offers significant discounts to eligible low-income households, helping to ease the burden of utility costs. A key question for many is: How Much Is The Care Program Discount? Let’s break down the savings you can expect and how to determine if you qualify.
Decoding the CARE Program Discount
The CARE program is designed to make energy more affordable for those who need it most. If you’re enrolled in CARE, you can anticipate a substantial reduction in your monthly utility bills. Specifically, customers of major California electric utilities can receive a 30 to 35 percent discount on their electric bills. For natural gas bills, the discount is also significant, offering around a 20 percent reduction.
It’s worth noting that the discount percentage can vary slightly depending on the size of your utility provider. While larger electrical corporations provide the 30-35% electricity discount, smaller companies may offer a 20% discount on electricity. Regardless, the CARE program provides a meaningful financial benefit to help manage your energy expenses.
To illustrate the potential savings, imagine your average monthly electric bill is $200. With a 30% CARE discount, you could save $60 each month, bringing your bill down to $140. Over a year, this could add up to significant savings.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program Discount?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program utilizes income guidelines that are updated annually to reflect changes in 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 |
If your total household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program discount.
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for the CARE discount, regardless of your specific income level.
How to Apply and Start Saving with CARE
Taking advantage of the CARE program discount is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company to request an application form and gather more detailed information. You can reach out to them by phone or visit their websites, which often have dedicated sections explaining the CARE program and providing online application options.
Here is a helpful table with 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 |
In addition to contacting your utility directly, application forms are often available through various community agencies and organizations. These agencies can also provide assistance in completing the application process and answering any questions you may have.
Understanding the FERA Program: Additional Support
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers 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.
| Household | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) +1 | 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 |
If your household income falls within the FERA guidelines, contacting your electric utility is the best way to determine your eligibility and apply for this program.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Savings
The California CARE program provides a vital lifeline for low-income households, offering significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills. Understanding how much is the CARE program discount and the eligibility criteria is the first step towards accessing these valuable savings. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company or a local community agency to learn more and begin the application process. By taking action, you can reduce your energy costs and make your household budget more manageable.
