Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? Relief may be closer than you think. The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible low-income households significantly reduce their electricity and natural gas expenses. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CARE program, ensuring you understand how to qualify and start saving.
What is the California CARE Program?
The California CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that provides substantial discounts on energy bills for qualifying customers. Specifically, if you are enrolled in CARE, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This can translate to significant savings each month, making your energy costs more manageable. The program is funded through a small surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring support for those who need it most.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. If your total household income falls at or below the established income limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines are as follows:
CARE Income Guidelines (Effective June 1, 2024 to 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 |
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This automatic enrollment pathway simplifies the application process for those already receiving aid. Qualifying public assistance 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
If you participate in any of these programs, you likely meet the eligibility requirements for CARE.
How to Apply for the California CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. They will provide you with the necessary application forms and guide you through the process. You can reach out to them via phone or visit their websites, which often have dedicated sections for CARE program information and online applications.
Here is a list of major utility companies in California and their contact information for energy assistance programs:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | PG&E CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | Edison CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | SDG&E CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | SoCalGas CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | Alpine Nat’l Gas PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | Bear Valley Elect CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | PacifiCorp Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | Liberty Utilities CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Southwest Gas Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | West Coast Gas CARE |
In addition to contacting your utility company directly, application forms are often available through various community agencies. These agencies can also provide assistance with the application process and answer any questions you may have.
What if You Don’t Qualify for CARE? Consider FERA.
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you may still be eligible for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers a smaller discount of 18% on your electricity bill. It is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, 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 you think you might qualify for FERA, contact your electric utility company to learn more and apply.
Start Saving Today with the California CARE Program
The California CARE program and FERA are valuable resources for low-to-moderate income families in California struggling with energy costs. Don’t let high bills strain your budget. Take the first step towards savings today by checking your eligibility and contacting your utility company to apply for the CARE program. Significant financial relief could be just an application away.
For further information about low-income energy assistance programs in California, you can also visit the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) website. The LIOB advises the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on these crucial programs.
