Are you a California resident struggling with high energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is here to help. This state-initiated program offers significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible low-income households. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your utility expenses, understanding and applying for the CARE program could be a crucial step.
What is the CARE Energy Program?
The CARE program is designed to provide financial relief to eligible customers by offering a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. This substantial reduction can significantly ease the financial burden of energy costs, allowing families to allocate their resources 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 is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and are structured 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 |
If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Beyond income, you can also qualify 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 automatically qualifies you for the CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Energy Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program applications and provides specific information for their customers.
Here is a table with contact information and website links for major California utility providers to help you get started:
| 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 request an application form and further details by contacting your utility company via phone or by visiting their website. Many community agencies also provide application forms and assistance with the application process.
What is the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are as follows:
| 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 your income falls within the FERA guidelines, contact your electric utility company to inquire about enrollment.
Conclusion
The California CARE and FERA programs are vital resources for low-to-moderate income families in California, offering substantial discounts on energy bills. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process for the Care Energy Program, you can take a significant step towards managing your household expenses and ensuring access to affordable energy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider to learn more and apply today.
For more information on low-income energy assistance programs in California, you can visit the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) website.
