The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative designed to assist low-income households in managing their energy expenses. This state-run program offers significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible residents. Specifically, CARE provides a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills for enrolled customers. If you’re wondering which utility companies participate in this program and how you can benefit, this guide will provide you with the essential information.
The CARE program operates through a network of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. These utilities are the direct providers of the CARE discount to eligible customers. Below is a detailed list of the major utilities participating in the CARE program, along with direct links to their CARE program pages and contact information for further assistance:
| Utility Company | Emergency Payment Assistance Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) | 866-743-2273 | PG&E CARE |
| Southern California Edison (Edison) | 866-675-6623 | SCE CARE |
| San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) | 800-411-7343 | SDG&E CARE |
| Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) | 800-427-2200 | SoCalGas CARE |
| Alpine Natural Gas | 209-772-3006 | Alpine Natural Gas Programs |
| Bear Valley Electric | 800-808-2837 | Bear Valley Electric CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | PacifiCorp Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | Liberty Utilities CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Southwest Gas Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | West Coast Gas CARE |
Eligibility for the CARE Program
To qualify for the CARE program, customers must meet specific income guidelines or participate in certain public assistance programs. The income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and 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 |
Besides income limits, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in any of the following public assistance programs:
- 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
Understanding the Discount Structure
The discount provided by the CARE program varies slightly depending on the size of the utility company. For larger electrical corporations with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California, the discount is between 30% and 35% on electric bills. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. All participating utilities offer a 20% discount on natural gas bills. This funding for the CARE program is sourced from a rate surcharge paid by utility customers who are not enrolled in the program.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of low-to-moderate income families.
| Household Size | CARE/ESAP Income Limit (200% Federal Poverty) | FERA Income Limit (250% Federal Poverty) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Take Action and Apply
If you believe you may be eligible for the CARE program or the FERA program, the next step is to contact your utility company directly. You can use the contact information and website links provided in the table above to request an application form and gather more detailed information. Numerous community agencies also distribute CARE application forms, offering another accessible route to apply. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to reduce your energy bills and make your household budget more manageable – explore the CARE program today!
