Are you struggling with high energy costs in California? The PG&E CARE program application could be your key to significant savings. The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, offered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their monthly electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re a homeowner or renter in California, understanding and applying for the PG&E CARE program can bring much-needed financial relief.
Understanding the PG&E CARE Program and its Benefits
The PG&E CARE program provides substantial discounts to eligible customers, making energy more affordable. 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 your monthly budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
Who is Eligible for the PG&E CARE Program?
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on your household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are as follows:
| 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 |
Alternative text: PG&E CARE Income Guidelines Table for 2024-2025, showing income limits based on household size from 1-2 persons to 8+ persons, relevant for PG&E CARE program application.
These income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and may be adjusted annually to reflect changes in inflation.
Beyond income, you may also qualify for the PG&E CARE program if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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 the PG&E CARE discount, simplifying the PG&E CARE program application process.
How to Complete Your PG&E CARE Program Application
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is straightforward. PG&E provides several convenient ways to apply:
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Online Application: The easiest way to apply is through the PG&E website. Visit the PG&E CARE program page and look for the “Apply Now” or “Enroll Now” button to start your online application. The online form will guide you through each step, requesting necessary information to determine your eligibility.
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Phone Application: You can also apply by phone. Contact PG&E at 866-743-2273 to request an application form or to complete the application process over the phone with a PG&E representative. They can answer your questions and guide you through the required information.
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Mail Application: If you prefer a paper application, you can download and print the form from the PG&E website or request one by phone. Once completed, mail the application to the address provided on the form.
Alternative text: PG&E CARE Program Enrollment Options on website, showing online, phone and mail application methods, important for PG&E CARE program application guidance.
Regardless of the application method you choose, be prepared to provide documentation to verify your income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. This may include:
- Proof of income (such as pay stubs, tax returns, or W-2 forms)
- Documentation of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program (like a benefit award letter or program ID card)
Having these documents ready will help expedite your PG&E CARE program application.
Explore Additional Assistance: The FERA Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for energy bill assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less than the CARE discount, FERA can still provide significant savings for families with slightly higher incomes.
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
Note: FERA program is available for customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
If you think you might qualify for FERA, it’s worth exploring this option as well. Contact PG&E to inquire about the FERA program and its application process.
Take Control of Your Energy Bills Today
High energy bills don’t have to be a constant burden. By exploring the PG&E CARE program application and potentially the FERA program, you can access valuable discounts that make your energy costs more manageable. Visit the PG&E website or call their customer service line today to start your application and take the first step towards saving money on your energy bills. Don’t wait, financial relief could be just an application away!
