Are you struggling to keep up with your electric bills in California? You might be wondering if there’s help available, especially if you’ve fallen behind and have past due bills. The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to assist low-income households with their energy costs, offering significant discounts that can make a real difference.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program provides a substantial discount on your energy bills. If you’re enrolled in CARE, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts are designed to make energy more affordable for eligible households throughout California.
This program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, including major providers like PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric.
| 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 |
Can CARE Help with Past Due Energy Bills?
While the CARE program is not specifically designed to erase past due bills, the ongoing discount can significantly alleviate the burden of energy costs, making it easier to manage and pay off existing debt over time. By reducing your current monthly bill, you can free up funds to address past due amounts and prevent further accumulation of debt.
Think of it this way: a lower monthly bill means more of your budget can be directed towards catching up on any outstanding balances. The CARE discount provides immediate and continuous relief, which is crucial when dealing with past due bills.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for CARE is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the limits outlined below, you are likely eligible. These income limits are updated annually and are effective through May 31, 2025.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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
- 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 CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for CARE is straightforward. The best way to start is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and get detailed information about the program specific to your provider.
Most utility companies also have dedicated CARE program pages on their websites, where you can often find online applications and further resources. The table above provides website links and phone numbers for major California utilities to help you quickly access the information you need.
In addition to contacting your utility, application forms are often available through community agencies in your area. These agencies can also provide assistance with the application process and answer any questions you may have.
What about the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill and is available to customers of 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) | 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 |
Take Action: Contact Your Utility Today
If you are struggling with past due electric bills or simply need help managing your energy costs, the CARE program can provide crucial assistance. Don’t wait to reach out to your utility company to learn more and apply. A lower energy bill can make a significant difference in your household budget and help you get back on track.
