The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state-initiated program designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. It provides significant discounts on monthly electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible residents throughout California. If you’re struggling to keep up with utility expenses, understanding CARE and its benefits can be a crucial step towards financial relief.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program offers a substantial discount to help make energy services more affordable for households with limited incomes. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. This reduction can significantly ease the financial burden of essential utilities for those who qualify.
To benefit from these savings, it’s essential to apply through your utility company. Each utility provider in California manages CARE applications and can provide detailed information about the program.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines 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 |
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This automatic enrollment pathway simplifies the application process for those already receiving aid. Qualifying 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
How to Apply for the CARE Program in California
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company. You can request an application form directly from them or visit their website to download forms and find more information. Many utility companies also offer online application options for added convenience.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major utility providers in California to help you get started:
| 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 in your area. These agencies often partner with utility companies to help reach eligible households and assist with the application process.
Understanding FERA: An Additional Support Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another helpful program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills specifically for customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego 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 |
This program acts as a safety net for those who might not qualify for CARE but still need assistance managing their energy expenses. If you believe your income might be slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking if you qualify for FERA. Contact your electric utility company for detailed information on FERA and to determine your eligibility.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of the CARE Program
The California CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households in California, offering significant discounts on energy bills. By understanding the eligibility requirements and application process, you can take advantage of this program to reduce your monthly expenses and make your energy bills more manageable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company or a local community agency to learn more and apply for the CARE program today. Lowering your energy costs can significantly improve your financial well-being and provide greater peace of mind.
