Are you a California resident struggling to keep up with your energy bills? You might be eligible for significant savings through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) electricity program. This initiative is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs by providing substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas. 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 California CARE Electricity Program?
The CARE program is a state-mandated initiative that offers a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill for eligible low-income customers. This program is funded by a surcharge paid by other utility customers and overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). It’s a vital resource for individuals and families across California to ensure access to essential energy services without facing undue financial hardship.
Alt text: A person reviewing their energy bill online, highlighting the concept of bill management and potential savings through assistance programs.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Electricity Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. As of [insert current date or timeframe if available from the original article, otherwise use “June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025”], the income limits 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 |
| *Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
These income guidelines are updated periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living and inflation, ensuring that the program continues to serve those who need it most.
Beyond income, you can also qualify for the CARE program if you or someone in your household is 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 makes you eligible for the CARE discount, simplifying the application process for many families already receiving assistance.
Alt text: A family sitting at a table reviewing household bills, illustrating the importance of managing expenses and seeking available support programs like CARE.
How to Apply for the CARE Electricity Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The primary method is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California that is regulated by the CPUC administers the CARE program. You can request an application form and get detailed information by visiting their websites or calling their dedicated phone lines.
Here’s a helpful table with contact information for major utility providers 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 |
In addition to contacting your utility directly, application forms may also be available through various community-based organizations and agencies. These agencies often partner with utility companies to help reach and assist eligible customers within their communities.
What if My Income is Slightly Too High? Consider FERA
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. It’s designed for households with slightly higher incomes than CARE allows but still need assistance managing energy costs. FERA 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 | 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 ranges, it’s worth contacting your electric utility to inquire about the FERA program.
Take Control of Your Energy Costs Today
The California Care Electricity Program and the FERA program are valuable resources for eligible residents looking to lower their energy bills. By taking advantage of these programs, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses and ensure your household has access to affordable energy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility provider or a local community agency to learn more and start your application process today. For further oversight and information on low-income energy assistance programs in California, you can also visit the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB) website.
Alt text: A hand pointing to the word “Approved” on a document, symbolizing successful application and approval for an assistance program, potentially the CARE electricity program.
