The rising cost of living in California can make utility bills a significant burden, especially for low-income households. Fortunately, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program to help eligible customers reduce their energy expenses. A key factor in determining eligibility for this program is household income. This article explains the PG&E CARE program and clearly outlines the income limits you need to know to see if you qualify for these valuable energy bill savings.
What is the PG&E CARE Program?
The PG&E CARE program is a state-mandated initiative designed to provide financial assistance to low-income customers, making energy bills more affordable. Enrolling in CARE can significantly lower your monthly expenses by offering substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas. Specifically, CARE provides a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts can make a real difference in managing household budgets and ensuring access to essential energy services.
2024-2025 PG&E CARE Income Limits: Do You Qualify?
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on your household’s gross annual income and the number of people living in your home. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. For the period of June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, the income limits 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 |
To determine if you meet the PG&E CARE program income limit, calculate your household’s total gross annual income. If your income is at or below the limit corresponding to your household size, you may be eligible for CARE based on income.
Additional Ways to Qualify for PG&E CARE
Even if your income slightly exceeds the stated limits, you may still qualify for the PG&E CARE program if you or someone in your household is enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’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 automatically qualifies you for CARE, regardless of your gross annual income.
What About the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
For families whose income slightly surpasses the CARE guidelines, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. While FERA’s discount is less than CARE’s, it still provides valuable assistance to families working to manage their energy costs. Income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it an option for those who do not qualify for CARE due to income.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is straightforward. The quickest way to apply or to get more detailed information is to visit the PG&E website dedicated to the CARE program. You can also contact PG&E directly at 866-743-2273 for assistance with the application process or to request an application form.
Taking advantage of the PG&E CARE program can significantly reduce your energy bills and provide much-needed financial relief. Check the income limits and qualifying programs today to see if you are eligible and start saving on your energy costs.
