Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is here to help. Specifically designed for low-income households, the Care Program offers significant discounts on your monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your utility costs, understanding and applying for the CARE program could be a crucial step towards financial relief. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CARE program and how it can make energy more affordable for eligible Californians.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-initiated program in California aimed at assisting low-income customers in managing their energy costs. By enrolling in CARE, you can receive a substantial discount on your utility bills. Participating customers benefit from 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.
This program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. It is funded through a small surcharge on the bills of other utility customers, ensuring that those who need assistance receive it.
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 to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Current CARE Income Guidelines (Effective until May 31, 2025)
| 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 |
It’s important to note that these income limits are effective from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. Be sure to check for updated guidelines after this date.
Besides 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)
- 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 CARE program, simplifying the application process.
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 has dedicated resources and application forms available for the CARE program. You can reach out to them via phone or through their website.
Here’s a table with contact information and website links for major utility companies in California:
| 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 |
Visit your utility company’s website or call the provided number to request an application form and get detailed instructions on how to apply. You can often download the application form directly from their website. Additionally, application assistance may be available through various community agencies.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s designed for families who are just above the CARE income threshold but still need help managing energy costs.
FERA is available to customers of:
- Southern California Edison
- San Diego Gas and Electric Company
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Current FERA Income Guidelines (Effective until May 31, 2025)
| Household | 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (FERA) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
If your income falls within these limits, contact your electric utility provider to inquire about the FERA program and how to apply.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of the CARE Program
The California CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income households in California, offering substantial discounts on energy bills. By reducing your electricity and natural gas expenses, CARE can help make your household budget more manageable. If you believe you are eligible, don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company and apply. Take advantage of this program to ensure access to affordable energy and improve your financial well-being. For further information and to start your application, contact your utility provider today and explore the resources available through their CARE program.
