Are you struggling to afford your energy bills in California? You might be eligible for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs. This program offers significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas, making energy more affordable for those who qualify. Let’s explore who can benefit from this valuable assistance program.
Understanding the California CARE Program and Eligibility
The California CARE program is a state-initiated program that provides crucial financial relief to eligible households by offering 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. This substantial reduction can make a significant difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
But who exactly is eligible for this program? Eligibility is primarily based on two key factors: household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs.
Income Eligibility for the CARE Program
One of the primary pathways to qualify for the CARE program is through meeting specific income guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and ensure the program reaches those who need it most. As of the latest update, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, providing a clear window for eligibility based on current financial circumstances.
The income thresholds are determined by household size, meaning the number of people living in your home. Here’s a breakdown of the CARE Income Guidelines:
| 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 |
To determine if you qualify based on income, simply compare your total household income to the limit corresponding to your household size. If your income is at or below the listed limit, you are likely eligible for the CARE program based on income.
Automatic Enrollment Through Public Assistance Programs
Even if your income slightly exceeds the direct income limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. California recognizes that participation in these programs is a strong indicator of financial need, and therefore, automatically qualifies individuals for CARE.
The qualifying public assistance programs 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 (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- 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
If you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs, you are very likely eligible for the California CARE program. Enrollment in these programs simplifies the CARE application process, often requiring less documentation to prove eligibility.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program and Other Utilities
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program enrollment. You can request an application form and get detailed information specific to your provider through their websites or by phone.
Here are the contact details for major California utilities 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 |
In addition to contacting your utility directly, application forms are often available through numerous community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families. These agencies can provide guidance through the application process and help ensure you submit all necessary documentation.
What if You Don’t Qualify for CARE? Explore the FERA Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a smaller discount, an 18% discount on your electricity bill, but it is designed for families with slightly higher income levels than those who qualify for CARE.
FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company. Here are the income limits for the FERA program, 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 might qualify you for FERA, contact your electric utility to learn more and request an application.
Take the First Step Towards Energy Savings
The California PG&E CARE program and FERA program are valuable resources for eligible households seeking to reduce their energy expenses. If you believe you meet the income requirements or participate in a qualifying public assistance program, don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today. By taking advantage of these programs, you can make your energy bills more manageable and ensure access to reliable energy services for your home.
