Are you a California resident struggling with energy costs? Relief may be available through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) discount program. This initiative is designed to help low-income households manage their utility bills by providing significant discounts on both electricity and natural gas services. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your monthly expenses, understanding the CARE program could be the first step towards significant savings.
The Care Discount Program offers eligible customers a substantial reduction on their energy bills. Specifically, those enrolled in CARE receive 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 household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services remains affordable.
Who Qualifies for the CARE Discount Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. To qualify, your total household income must be at or below the income limits outlined below. These income thresholds are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living, ensuring the program continues to serve those who need it most.
The current income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and 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 |
Beyond income, you may also be automatically eligible for the CARE program 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)
- 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 can streamline your application process for the CARE discount program, making it easier to access the financial relief you need.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information about the program requirements and application process from them. Many utility companies also provide information and application forms on their websites, making it even more convenient to apply.
Below is a helpful table with contact information and website links for major utility providers in California, making it easy for you to reach out and begin your application:
| 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 |
This table provides direct links to the CARE program pages for each utility, simplifying your search for the right application and information. Take advantage of these resources to start your application process today.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there’s still an opportunity for savings through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers 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.
The income limits for FERA are slightly higher than those for CARE, making it accessible to a broader range of households. Here’s a comparison of the income guidelines for both CARE and FERA:
| 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 your household income falls within the FERA guidelines, contacting your electric utility is the best way to determine your eligibility and apply for this program.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Savings
The California CARE discount program and the FERA program are valuable resources for income-qualified households in California, providing crucial financial assistance with energy costs. By taking advantage of these programs, you can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills, making your household budget more manageable.
Don’t let these savings opportunities pass you by. Check your eligibility for the CARE discount program or the FERA program today and contact your utility company to begin the application process. Reducing your energy expenses and ensuring access to affordable energy is within reach.
