Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills in California? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, a state initiative designed to help low-income households afford their electricity and natural gas services. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more accessible for those who qualify. Understanding how to qualify for the CARE program can be the first step towards reducing your monthly expenses and ensuring consistent access to essential utilities.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The California CARE program is a needs-based assistance program that provides eligible households with a discount on their monthly energy bills. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This substantial reduction can make a significant difference in household budgets, allowing families to allocate funds to other essential needs. The program is funded through a surcharge on all other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and reach.
CARE Program Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on two main criteria: household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs. Let’s break down each of these to help you determine if you qualify.
Income-Based Eligibility
The most common way to qualify for CARE is through meeting specific household income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, the income eligibility upper limits are as follows:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To qualify through income, your total gross household income must be at or below the income limit corresponding to your household size. Gross income includes all income before taxes and deductions.
Program-Based Eligibility
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in one or more of the following public assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- 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 program, regardless of your specific income level (as long as you meet the income requirements for the qualifying program itself).
Benefits of the CARE Program
The CARE program offers substantial financial relief through discounts on your energy bills. As mentioned earlier, the program provides a 30-35% discount on electricity for customers of major electrical corporations and a 20% discount on natural gas. For smaller electrical corporations, a 20% discount on electricity is applied. These discounts are designed to ease the burden of energy costs, making it more manageable for low-income households to maintain essential utility services.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program specific to your service area.
Most utility companies also provide information and application forms on their websites. Here is a table with contact information 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 |
Application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families.
What is the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option: 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.
FERA Income Limits
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, designed for households with slightly higher incomes who still need assistance. The income limits effective through May 31, 2025 are:
| 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 you believe your income may be slightly too high for CARE but still need assistance, explore the FERA program to see if you qualify for these additional savings.
Take the Next Step Towards Energy Savings
Navigating energy costs can be challenging, but programs like CARE and FERA are in place to provide crucial support. If you think you might qualify for the CARE program, we encourage you to contact your utility company today. Visit their website or call the numbers provided to request an application and learn more about how these programs can help you manage your energy bills and achieve greater financial stability.
