Are you a low-income resident in California struggling with high energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help alleviate this burden by providing significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas costs. If you’re wondering “How Much Is The Care Program Discount?”, you’re in the right place. This article will break down the CARE program, explain the discount amounts, eligibility criteria, and how you can apply to start saving on your energy expenses.
How Much is the CARE Program Discount?
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to eligible low-income households in California. Specifically, customers enrolled in CARE receive:
- 30-35% discount on their electric bill: This is a significant reduction aimed at making electricity more affordable.
- 20% discount on their natural gas bill: This discount helps to lower the costs associated with heating and cooking with natural gas.
These discounts are designed to make energy more affordable for those who qualify, ensuring access to essential utilities without causing financial strain.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely eligible. Here are the income guidelines currently in effect until 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 can 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
Enrolling through participation in these programs can simplify the application process, as it automatically verifies your low-income status.
How to Apply for the CARE Program?
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company. You can request an application form and get more detailed information directly from them. Many utility companies also provide online applications through their websites, making it even easier to apply.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major utility companies in California, where you can find CARE program applications and details:
| 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 |
Application forms are also often available through community agencies. These agencies can provide assistance with the application process and answer any questions you might have.
What is the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s designed as a safety net for households that are still income-constrained but don’t qualify for the deeper discounts offered by CARE.
FERA Eligibility and How it Differs from CARE
FERA has different income limits than CARE, set at a slightly higher threshold. Here’s a comparison of the income guidelines for both programs, 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 |
While FERA offers a slightly lower discount than CARE and applies only to electricity, it still provides valuable assistance to families who are just above the CARE income limits. If you are unsure which program you might qualify for, contacting your utility company is the best step to clarify your eligibility and understand the specific benefits available to you.
Conclusion
The CARE program is a vital resource for low-income households in California, offering significant discounts of 30-35% on electricity and 20% on natural gas bills. By understanding “how much is the care program discount” and the eligibility requirements, you can take the first step towards reducing your energy costs. If your income slightly exceeds CARE limits, explore the FERA program for additional savings. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider today to learn more and begin your application process.
