The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is a vital initiative in California, designed to assist low-income households with their energy expenses. If you’re struggling to manage your utility bills, understanding the California Care Program Income Guidelines could be your first step towards significant savings. This program offers substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible residents.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program provides a crucial financial safety net by offering a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. These discounts are designed to lessen the burden of energy costs for households that meet specific income criteria or participate in certain public assistance programs. This support ensures that essential energy services remain accessible to those who need them most.
Navigating the CARE Program Income Guidelines
Eligibility for the CARE program is largely determined by household income and size. The income guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and ensure the program continues to serve those it is intended for. Here are the current California CARE program income guidelines, effective through 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 |
| Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
To determine if you qualify, compare your total household income to these limits based on the number of people living in your home. “Household income” typically includes the combined income of all residents in your household.
Additional Pathways to CARE Program Eligibility
Even if your income slightly exceeds these guidelines, you may still be eligible for the CARE program if you or a member of your household is enrolled in one 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
Enrollment in any of these programs automatically qualifies you for the CARE program, regardless of your exact income level, simplifying the application process for many families.
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 provider in California manages CARE applications for their customers. You can reach out to them via phone or through their website to request an application form and get detailed instructions.
Here are the contact details and website links for major utility companies in California offering the CARE program:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
Visiting your utility provider’s website is often the quickest way to access the CARE application and find more information about the program and the specific California CARE program income guidelines.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills and is available to customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E.
Here’s a glimpse of the FERA program income guidelines, also effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household Size | 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 higher limits, especially if you just miss qualifying for CARE, investigate the FERA program as a valuable alternative for energy bill assistance.
Conclusion: Take Action on Energy Savings
Understanding the California CARE program income guidelines is the first step towards potentially lowering your energy bills. If you believe you meet the income requirements or participate in a qualifying public assistance program, don’t hesitate to contact your utility provider. Explore the CARE program and possibly the FERA program to access the financial assistance available to help make your energy costs more manageable. Take control of your energy expenses today and see if you qualify for these valuable California programs.
