The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible households in California reduce their energy costs. If you’re a customer of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and concerned about your energy bills, understanding the CARE program and whether your household members are eligible is crucial. This program offers significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who qualify.
The PG&E CARE program provides a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for income-qualified households. This substantial reduction can make a real difference in managing household expenses. Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household’s size and total gross annual income.
Income Guidelines for PG&E CARE Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the PG&E CARE program, your household income must be at or below specific limits. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, as detailed below:
| 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 |
It’s important to note that these are gross annual income limits, meaning your income before taxes and deductions. If your household income falls at or below these thresholds, you are likely eligible for the PG&E CARE program based on income.
Automatic Enrollment through Public Assistance Programs
Beyond income eligibility, you can also qualify for the PG&E CARE program if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This provides an alternative pathway to accessing the energy bill discounts. 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 makes you eligible for the PG&E CARE discount, simplifying the application process. If you participate in one of these programs, you can provide proof of enrollment when applying for CARE.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is straightforward. You can request an application form and further information through several channels:
- PG&E Website: The most convenient way to access information and application forms is through the official PG&E website. Visit the CARE program section on the PG&E site for downloadable forms and online application options.
- Phone: Contact PG&E directly at 866-743-2273 to speak with a representative who can provide information and mail you an application form.
- Community Agencies: Numerous community-based organizations and agencies also distribute CARE application forms and can assist with the application process.
When applying, be prepared to provide documentation to verify your income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. PG&E may require proof of household size and income, or documentation confirming your participation in one of the listed public assistance programs.
Understanding the Discount Percentage and Program Funding
As mentioned earlier, the PG&E CARE program offers a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. It’s important to understand how this discount is structured and funded. The level of discount (30% or 35% for electricity) depends on the size of the electrical corporation serving your area, with larger corporations providing the higher discount as mandated by California Public Utilities Code Section 739.1. PG&E, being a large electrical corporation, offers the 30-35% discount.
The CARE program is funded through a rate surcharge paid by all other utility customers. This means that while CARE provides crucial assistance to eligible low-income households, it is supported by a small additional charge on the bills of non-CARE customers. This collective funding model ensures the sustainability and availability of the program for those who need it most.
What if Your Income Slightly Exceeds CARE Limits? Consider FERA
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program income limits, you may still be eligible for energy bill assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is designed for families with slightly higher incomes than those who qualify for CARE.
FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It 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, making it a valuable option for households that are just above the CARE income thresholds but still struggle with energy costs.
| Household Size | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 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 might qualify you for FERA, even if it’s slightly above CARE limits, it’s worth exploring this program as well. Contact PG&E to inquire about FERA eligibility and application process.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of PG&E CARE for Energy Savings
The PG&E CARE program is a vital resource for low-income households in California, offering substantial discounts on electricity and natural gas bills. Understanding the eligibility criteria, whether based on income or enrollment in public assistance programs, is the first step to accessing these savings. By reducing your energy costs, the CARE program can free up household budgets for other essential needs.
If you believe your household is eligible, don’t hesitate to apply. Visit the PG&E website or call their customer service line to get started. Take advantage of the support available to make your energy bills more manageable. For further information and to begin your application, please visit the PG&E CARE program website or contact PG&E directly.
