Are you a California resident looking for ways to lower your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) utility assistance program is designed to provide significant discounts to eligible low-income households. As part of our commitment at cardiagnostictool.store to support our community, we’re shedding light on this valuable program that can ease your financial burden.
Understanding the CARE Utility Assistance Program
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers a substantial reduction on your monthly energy expenses. Qualifying customers receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. These savings can make a real difference in your household budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential needs.
Eligibility for the CARE utility assistance program is primarily based on your household income. However, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies you. Let’s delve into the specifics to see if you can benefit from this program.
Income Guidelines for the CARE Program
To qualify for the CARE program based on income, your total household income must be at or below the limits outlined in the table below. These guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring the program remains accessible to those who need it most.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Check the table above to see if your household income falls within the qualifying limits. It’s important to note that these income limits are effective until May 31, 2025, and may be subject to change thereafter.
Automatic Enrollment Through Public Assistance Programs
Beyond income eligibility, you are also automatically eligible for the CARE utility assistance program if you are currently 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you can access the CARE discounts, simplifying the application process.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another avenue for assistance: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s designed as a supplementary program to support households that are still income-constrained but don’t qualify for CARE.
FERA is available to customers of major California utility companies, including Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
| 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 |
Review the FERA income guidelines in the table above to determine if you might be eligible for this additional assistance.
How to Apply for CARE and Access Utility Assistance
Taking advantage of the CARE utility assistance program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and gather detailed information about the program. Many utility companies also provide online applications through their websites, making the process even more convenient.
Here is a list of major California utility providers with their contact information and direct links to their CARE program pages:
| 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 |
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider today to explore how the CARE program can help you save on your energy bills. By taking advantage of these resources, you can ensure your household has access to affordable and essential energy services.
