The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy costs by providing significant discounts on their utility bills. Specifically for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers, understanding the income level requirements for the CARE program is crucial for those seeking financial assistance. This program offers a substantial 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills, making it a vital resource for eligible residents.
SDG&E, along with other California utility companies, participates in the CARE program to ensure that affordable energy is accessible to all residents, regardless of their financial situation. To determine if you qualify for the SDG&E CARE program, the primary factor is your household income. The income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are effective through May 31, 2025.
To easily access the CARE program application and get detailed information, SDG&E provides dedicated resources. You can contact SDG&E directly or visit their website, which is specifically designed to offer comprehensive details about the CARE program and other assistance options.
| Phone Numbers and Websites for Energy Assistance Programs |
|---|
| Utility |
| SDG&E |
2024-2025 Income Guidelines for SDG&E CARE Program Eligibility
The income guidelines for the CARE program are based on household size and are set to ensure that the program effectively supports those who need it most. Below are the specific income limits to determine eligibility for the SDG&E CARE program from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. If your household income falls at or below these limits, you are likely eligible to receive discounted energy rates through SDG&E CARE.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Additional Ways to Qualify for SDG&E CARE
Beyond income level, there are other avenues to qualify for the SDG&E CARE program. If your household participates in certain public assistance programs, you may automatically be eligible for CARE. These qualifying 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 SDG&E CARE program, providing another pathway to energy bill savings.
Understanding the Discount and Program Funding
The CARE program, including SDG&E CARE, is funded through a surcharge on the bills of non-CARE utility customers. This collective funding model ensures the sustainability of the program and its ability to continuously support low-income households. For larger electrical corporations like SDG&E, the discount is mandated to be between 30% and 35% as per Public Utilities Code Section 739.1.
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 level of support. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills and is available to SDG&E customers, along with those of Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025. If your household income falls within these ranges, contacting SDG&E about FERA could lead to further savings on your energy bills.
| 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 |
Take Action and Contact SDG&E
Navigating energy assistance programs can seem complex, but resources are readily available to help. If you believe you might qualify for the SDG&E CARE program or the FERA program, the next step is to contact SDG&E directly. Their customer service representatives can provide detailed guidance, application assistance, and answer any specific questions you have about income levels for the SDG&E CARE program and other related assistance programs. Visit the SDG&E website or call their assistance program phone number to take the first step towards managing your energy costs effectively.
