The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. If you’re a resident of California struggling to afford your electricity and natural gas bills, CARE could provide significant financial relief. This program offers substantial discounts, making energy more affordable for eligible customers.
Decoding the California CARE Program: A Helping Hand for Energy Bills
The CARE program is a state-mandated program that provides qualifying households with discounts on their monthly utility bills. Specifically, those enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can significantly reduce your monthly expenses, freeing up your budget for other essential needs.
This program is crucial in California, where the cost of living, including energy, can be high. CARE ensures that essential energy services remain accessible to vulnerable populations, promoting economic stability and well-being within communities.
Who Oversees and Funds CARE?
The CARE program is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). It is implemented and administered by various utility companies throughout California. Funding for CARE is sourced through a surcharge applied to the bills of other utility customers. This mechanism ensures the program’s sustainability and broad reach, making it a collective effort to support low-income residents.
Are You Eligible for the CARE Program? Key Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. There are specific income limits that households must meet to qualify. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Income-Based Eligibility: Current Guidelines
As of June 1, 2024, the income limits for CARE eligibility 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program based on income.
Program-Based Eligibility: Automatic Qualification
Even if your income slightly exceeds these limits, you may still qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in any of the following programs automatically makes you eligible for CARE:
- 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 these programs demonstrates financial need and streamlines the CARE application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program: Getting Started
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The primary step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California administers the CARE program for its service area.
Contact Your Utility Provider: Application and Information
To request an application form and get detailed information specific to your utility service, reach out to your energy provider. You can contact them by phone or visit their website. Most utility websites have dedicated sections explaining the CARE program and providing online application options or downloadable forms.
Here are contact details and website links for major California utility companies offering 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 |
Community Agencies: Additional Support for Application
Beyond utility companies, numerous community agencies across California also provide application assistance and information about the CARE program. These agencies can offer personalized support, help you understand the eligibility requirements, and guide you through the application process. Contacting local community centers or social service organizations can be a valuable resource.
Beyond CARE: Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another assistance program: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households.
FERA Eligibility: Income Guidelines
FERA is designed for households with slightly higher incomes than those qualifying for CARE. It’s available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. The income limits for FERA are as follows:
| Household | 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 your household income falls within these FERA guidelines, and you are slightly above the CARE income limits, explore the FERA program as another avenue for energy bill assistance.
Take Action: Secure Energy Bill Relief with CARE
The California CARE program is a significant resource for low-income households in California, offering substantial discounts on energy bills. If you believe you are eligible, taking the first step to apply can lead to considerable savings and greater financial stability. Contact your utility company today to learn more and begin your application. Don’t let energy costs be a burden – explore the CARE program and access the assistance you deserve.
