Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their electricity and natural gas costs. This guide will explain how the CARE program works and how you can apply to start saving money on your utility bills.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is a state-sponsored initiative that offers significant discounts on energy bills for eligible low-income customers. If you qualify, you could receive a 30-35% discount on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in your monthly expenses, helping you manage your household budget more effectively.
The CARE program is available to customers of major utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). These companies include:
- PG&E
- Edison
- SDG&E
- SoCalGas
- Alpine Natural Gas
- Bear Valley Electric
- PacifiCorp
- Liberty Utilities
- Southwest Gas
- West Coast Gas
To find specific contact information and program details for your utility provider, refer to the table below:
| 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 |
Do You Qualify for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The income limits are updated annually and are effective through May 31, 2025. Here are the current income guidelines:
| 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.
Besides 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
Enrolling in any of these programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. Here are the steps you can take:
- Contact Your Utility Company: The most direct way to apply is to contact your utility provider. You can find their phone number and website in the table provided earlier.
- Visit the Utility Website: Most utility companies have dedicated sections on their websites explaining the CARE program and providing online application forms. Click on the “CARE” links in the table to access the relevant pages.
- Request an Application Form: You can request an application form online or by phone from your utility company.
- Complete and Submit the Application: Fill out the application form accurately and submit it to your utility company according to their instructions. You may need to provide documentation to verify your income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
Application forms are also often available at community agencies. The CARE program is funded by a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring support for low-income households.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill.
FERA is available to customers of:
- Southern California Edison
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household Size | 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 |
If you think you might qualify for FERA, contact your electric utility company to learn more and apply.
Take Control of Your Energy Bills Today
The California CARE program and FERA program are valuable resources for income-qualified households in California. By applying for these programs, you can significantly reduce your energy expenses and make your bills more manageable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today to learn more about How To Care Program and start saving!
For additional information and support, you can also contact the California Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) at http://www.liob.org/.
