Are you looking for ways to lower your energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state initiative designed to help income-qualified households reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. If you’re eligible, the CARE program can provide significant discounts, making your energy bills more manageable. Let’s explore what the CARE program is and how it can benefit you.
Understanding the CARE Program: A Discount for Eligible Households
The California CARE program offers a substantial discount on your 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 discount can make a real difference in your household budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
This program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. These include major providers such as PG&E, Southern California Edison, SDG&E, and SoCalGas, among others. The discounts are funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring support for those who need it most.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program? Income Guidelines and Public Assistance
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your 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 inflation and the cost of living.
Current CARE Income Guidelines (Effective through 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 are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Participation in programs like these automatically makes you eligible for CARE, simplifying the application process. Qualifying public assistance programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility has dedicated resources and application forms available to help you enroll. You can reach out to them via phone or visit their websites for more information and to download application forms.
Here are the contact details and website links for major California utility providers to inquire about the CARE program:
| Utility | Emergency Payment | Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
In addition to contacting your utility, application forms may also be available through various community agencies. These agencies often partner with utility companies to help spread awareness and facilitate enrollment in programs like CARE.
What About 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 and is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E.
Current FERA Income Guidelines (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 your income might qualify for FERA, contact your electric utility company to learn more and apply.
Take Action and Lower Your Energy Bills Today
The California CARE program and FERA program are valuable resources for eligible households looking to reduce their energy expenses. Don’t miss out on potential savings. Reach out to your utility company today to inquire about the CARE program, determine your eligibility, and start the application process. Lowering your energy bills can provide significant financial relief and help you manage your household budget more effectively.
