Are you a California resident struggling to keep up with energy costs? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is here to help. Specifically designed for low-income households, CARE offers significant discounts on your monthly electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable and accessible. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your utility expenses, understanding and applying for The Care Program could be a crucial step towards financial relief.
What is the CARE Program?
The CARE program provides a substantial discount to eligible customers, helping to ease the burden of energy expenses. Participants in the CARE program receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in household budgets, allowing families to allocate funds to other essential needs. The program is funded through a surcharge on other utility customers’ bills, ensuring its sustainability and reach within the community.
Who Qualifies for CARE?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. As of [Effective Date – Original article says “effective through May 31, 2025” and “Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025”, so using the later date as it’s the start of the current period] June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are as follows:
| 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 be automatically eligible for CARE if you are currently 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 can streamline your CARE application process, making it easier to access the energy bill discounts you deserve.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company manages its own CARE applications and can provide you with the necessary forms and information. You can reach out to them via phone or through their websites. Here’s a helpful table with contact information for major California utility providers:
| 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 |
You can typically find the CARE application form on your utility company’s website, often within the “Customer Service,” “Billing & Payment,” or “Assistance Programs” sections. Many utility companies also offer online application options for added convenience. If you prefer a paper application, you can request one by phone or download it from the website to print and mail.
In addition to utility companies, application forms are also available through various community agencies and organizations that assist low-income residents. These agencies can provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
Understanding the FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less substantial than the CARE discount, FERA can still provide significant savings for eligible households.
FERA is available to 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 moderate-income families. Here are the income guidelines for FERA, 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 household income might qualify for FERA, even if it’s slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking your eligibility and applying.
Take Action and Lower Your Energy Bills Today
The CARE and FERA programs represent valuable resources for California residents seeking to manage their energy costs. By taking advantage of these programs, eligible households can significantly reduce their monthly utility bills, contributing to greater financial stability.
For detailed information about the CARE program, FERA, and other assistance programs, and to begin your application process, we strongly encourage you to contact your utility company directly. Their websites and customer service representatives are equipped to provide you with the specific guidance and support you need. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to potentially lower your energy bills and improve your household’s financial well-being through the California CARE program.
