Millions of Californians struggle to afford essential utility services, especially when it comes to keeping their homes powered and heated. Recognizing this challenge, California has established the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. But What Is The Care Program Considered and how can it help? This guide will break down everything you need to know about CARE, from eligibility to application, ensuring you understand how this vital program can make energy bills more manageable.
What is the California CARE Program?
The California CARE program is a state-mandated initiative designed to provide significant discounts on electricity and natural gas bills for eligible low-income households. Considered a crucial safety net, CARE offers qualifying customers a discount of 30-35 percent on their electric bills and 20 percent on their natural gas bills. This substantial reduction aims to ease the financial burden of energy costs, ensuring that essential utility services remain accessible to those who need them most.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program utilizes income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and 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 automatically qualify for CARE if you or someone in your household is currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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
Enrollment through these programs streamlines the application process, making it easier for eligible households to receive assistance.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is a straightforward process. The primary way to apply is by contacting your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program enrollment. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information by visiting your utility’s website or contacting their customer service department.
Below is a table providing contact information and website links for major California utility providers to help you access the CARE program:
| 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, application forms may also be available through various community agencies and organizations that assist low-income residents.
Understanding the Funding and Oversight
The CARE program is funded through a small surcharge on the bills of non-CARE utility customers. This mechanism ensures the program’s sustainability and broad accessibility. Oversight for low-income energy assistance programs, including CARE, is provided by the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB). The LIOB advises the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on these critical programs, advocating for the needs of low-income energy consumers.
Explore Further Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If your household income is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth exploring the FERA program to see if you qualify for additional energy bill relief.
Conclusion: Making Energy Affordable with CARE
The California CARE program is a vital resource for low-income households in California, significantly reducing the burden of energy expenses. By providing substantial discounts on electricity and gas bills, CARE ensures that vulnerable residents can access essential utility services. If you believe you may be eligible for CARE or FERA, reach out to your utility provider today to learn more and begin the application process. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your energy bills more affordable.
For more information on CARE and other assistance programs, please contact your utility company directly.
