The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. If you’re a resident of California and struggling to afford your electricity and natural gas, understanding the Care Program Requirements could be the first step toward substantial savings. This program offers a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills for eligible customers.
To determine if you meet the care program requirements, it’s essential to review both the income guidelines and enrollment criteria. The CARE program ensures that financial assistance reaches those who need it most, making energy more affordable for vulnerable households.
Income Eligibility for CARE Program
One of the primary care program requirements is based on household income. The program sets upper limits on annual gross household income, which are updated regularly to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of the latest guidelines, effective through May 31, 2025, the income limits 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 size and annual gross income fall within or below these limits, you likely meet the income-based care program requirements. It’s important to note that these income limits are subject to annual adjustments, so it’s advisable to check the most current guidelines when applying.
Enrollment through Public Assistance Programs
Beyond income thresholds, there’s another pathway to meet care program requirements: enrollment in certain public assistance programs. California recognizes that participation in these programs often indicates financial need, automatically qualifying households for CARE. If you or a member of your household is enrolled in any of the following programs, you are deemed to have met the care program requirements:
- 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
Enrolling through one of these programs simplifies the application process, as proof of participation often serves as automatic qualification for CARE.
Understanding the Discount and Application Process
The CARE program provides a significant reduction in your energy bills. For larger electrical corporations (those with 100,000 or more customer accounts), the discount is between 30% and 35% on electricity. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. All CARE participants receive a 20% discount on their natural gas bills.
To apply and benefit from these discounts, you need to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company manages its CARE program applications and can provide specific guidance. You can reach out to them via phone or website. Here’s a list of major utility companies in California and their contact information for energy assistance programs:
| 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 |
By contacting your utility provider, you can request an application form and get detailed information on the specific documentation needed to demonstrate that you meet the care program requirements. Application forms are also often available through community agencies and on the utility companies’ websites.
FERA Program: An Additional Assistance Option
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 for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
| 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 you find that your income is slightly above the CARE threshold but within the FERA guidelines, it’s worth exploring this program. Contact your electric utility to inquire about FERA program requirements and application procedures.
Conclusion
Navigating energy costs can be challenging, especially for low-income households. The CARE program in California is a valuable resource designed to ease this burden. By understanding the care program requirements, including income limits and qualifying public assistance programs, you can determine your eligibility and take the necessary steps to apply. Significant discounts are available to help make your energy bills more manageable. Reach out to your utility company today to learn more and begin your application process.
