Are you a Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customer in California looking for ways to lower your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, often referred to as the PG&E CARE program, is a state-mandated initiative designed to help income-qualified households manage their energy costs. This program offers significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for those who need it most.
What is the CARE Program?
The CARE program is a public assistance program in California that provides eligible low-income customers with a discount on their monthly utility bills. Specifically for PG&E customers, enrollment in the CARE program translates to a 30-35% discount on your electric bill and a 20% discount on your natural gas bill. These substantial savings can make a real difference in household budgets, helping families afford essential energy services.
This program is not exclusive to PG&E; it’s available across California through various utility companies. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates these utilities, ensuring the CARE program is accessible to eligible customers throughout the state. The utilities offering CARE include:
- PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company)
- Edison (Southern California Edison)
- SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric)
- SoCalGas (Southern California Gas Company)
- Alpine Natural Gas
- Bear Valley Electric
- PacifiCorp
- Liberty Utilities
- Southwest Gas
- West Coast Gas
Each of these utilities has dedicated resources and websites to help customers apply for and understand their specific CARE program. For PG&E customers, the most direct route to information and application is through the PG&E CARE website.
Who is Eligible for the PG&E 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.
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 may also automatically qualify for CARE if you or someone in your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs demonstrate a qualifying level of need and 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 simplifies the CARE application process, as it provides pre-verification of your eligibility based on need.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is a straightforward process. The easiest way to apply is to visit the official PG&E CARE website. You can also request an application form by contacting PG&E directly.
PG&E Contact Information for CARE:
- Phone: 866-743-2273
- Website: PG&E CARE Program
The application will require you to provide information about your household size, income, and potentially documentation of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. PG&E provides clear instructions and support throughout the application process.
Understanding FERA: An Additional Assistance Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less substantial than the CARE discount, FERA can still provide valuable savings for eligible families.
FERA is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, designed to assist those in a slightly higher income bracket who still need help managing energy costs.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective through May 31, 2025):
| 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 |
If you believe your income may be slightly too high for CARE but you still struggle with energy bills, exploring the FERA program with PG&E is a worthwhile step.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Assistance
The PG&E CARE program and the FERA program are vital resources for California residents struggling to afford their energy bills. If you are a PG&E customer and believe you may be eligible for either of these programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to PG&E or visit their website today. These programs are funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring that assistance is available for those who qualify. Lower your energy bills and gain financial relief by exploring the PG&E CARE program and FERA program now.
