Are you a low-income resident in California struggling with your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers substantial discounts to help eligible households manage their electricity and natural gas expenses. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to apply for the California Energy CARE program and potentially lower your utility costs.
The CARE program provides a significant reduction on your monthly energy bills, specifically a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. This financial assistance is designed to make energy services more affordable for those who qualify, ensuring access to essential utilities without causing undue financial strain. Funding for the CARE program comes from a surcharge paid by other utility customers, making it a community-supported initiative.
Understanding CARE Program Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
Eligibility for the California Energy CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Current CARE Income Guidelines (Effective until May 31, 2025):
| 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, you can also qualify for CARE if you or someone in your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a similar level of financial need and 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
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the California Energy CARE program is a straightforward process. The primary method is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program applications. Here’s how to get started:
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Identify Your Utility Provider: Determine which utility company provides your electricity and/or natural gas service. This information is usually found on your energy bill.
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Contact Your Utility Company: Reach out to your utility provider through their website or phone number. Most utility companies have dedicated sections on their websites for assistance programs like CARE. You can typically find application forms and detailed program information online. Alternatively, you can call their customer service line to request an application form and ask any questions you may have.
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Complete the Application: Carefully fill out the CARE program application form. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially documentation to verify your eligibility, such as proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
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Submit Your Application: Submit the completed application form to your utility company according to their instructions. This might involve mailing it in, submitting it online, or dropping it off at a designated location.
Utility Contact Information for CARE Applications:
| 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 may also be available through various community agencies and organizations in your area. These agencies often assist low-income individuals and families with various support services, including help with utility bill assistance programs.
Explore Additional Support: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA eligibility and application process if your income is slightly above the CARE guidelines.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective until May 31, 2025):
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
Take the First Step Towards Energy Savings
The California Energy CARE program and the FERA program are vital resources for low-income households in California seeking to reduce their energy expenses. By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the application steps outlined in this guide, you can take proactive steps towards making your energy bills more manageable. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company today to learn more and begin your application for the CARE program. Lower energy bills and greater financial stability could be within reach.
