Are you finding it difficult to manage your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a state initiative designed to help eligible low-income households reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who qualify. Let’s delve into what the CARE program is and how it can benefit you.
What is the California CARE Program?
The California CARE program is a needs-based assistance program that provides substantial discounts on energy bills for income-qualified households. 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 can translate to significant savings each month, helping families manage their essential utility costs. The program is funded through a surcharge on all other utility customers’ bills, ensuring its sustainability and reach across California.
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. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are as follows:
| 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 may also automatically qualify for CARE if you are 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
Enrollment in any of these programs can streamline your CARE application process.
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 company in California manages its own CARE enrollment process. You can request an application form and get detailed information on how to apply through their customer service channels.
Many utility companies also provide online resources and application portals on their websites, making it even easier to apply. Here are the contact details and website links for major California utility providers offering the CARE program:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | PG&E CARE |
| Edison (Southern California Edison) | 866-675-6623 | Edison CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | SDG&E CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | SoCalGas CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | Alpine Nat’l Gas Programs |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | Bear Valley Electric CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | PacifiCorp Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | Liberty Utilities CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Southwest Gas Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | West Coast Gas CARE |
For Edison customers specifically, you can visit the Edison CARE website or call their dedicated line at 866-675-6623 to learn more and start your application. The process generally involves providing proof of income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program.
Understanding the Discount
The CARE program discount is significant and designed to make a real difference in your monthly expenses. For larger electrical corporations (those with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California), the discount is mandated at 30-35% on electric bills. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. All participating natural gas providers offer a 20% discount. The specific discount percentage for electricity may vary slightly depending on your utility provider, but you can expect savings within these ranges.
Beyond CARE: 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.
Income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it a valuable option for families who are just above the CARE income thresholds but still need help managing energy costs. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA eligibility if you believe your income may be too high for CARE but still need assistance.
Conclusion
The California CARE program is a vital resource for low-income households in California, providing much-needed financial relief on energy bills. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process, you can take advantage of these discounts and make your energy expenses more manageable. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today to learn more about the CARE program and start your application. Lower energy bills and greater financial stability could be within reach!
