Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is here to help. Designed to assist low-income households, CARE offers significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your utility expenses, understanding the CARE program is a crucial first step.
What is the CARE Energy Assistance Program?
The Care Energy Assistance Program is a state-run initiative dedicated to providing financial relief to eligible low-income customers in California. By enrolling in CARE, you can receive a discount of 30-35 percent on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This substantial reduction can make a real difference in your monthly budget, ensuring access to essential energy services without financial strain. The program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, demonstrating a community effort to support those in need.
To ensure the program reaches those who need it most, specific income guidelines and eligibility criteria are in place. These guidelines are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and ensure the program remains accessible to the intended recipients.
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 specified limits, you are likely to qualify. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, and 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 |
These income thresholds are designed to accommodate varying household sizes and ensure that families of all sizes can benefit from the CARE program.
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. 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 automatically qualifies you for the CARE program, simplifying the application process and ensuring that those already receiving assistance can access further support with their energy bills.
How to Apply for the CARE Energy Assistance Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program enrollment. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information by visiting their websites or calling their customer service lines.
Here is a table with contact information for major utility companies in California to help you get started:
| 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 |
Application forms are also often available through community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families. These agencies can provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
What about the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. 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 is slightly above the CARE guidelines but still within the FERA limits, you should definitely explore the FERA program to access valuable energy bill assistance. Contact your electric utility to determine if you qualify.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Energy Assistance
The California CARE Energy Assistance Program and the FERA program are vital resources for low- and moderate-income families in California. If you’re struggling to afford your energy bills, these programs can provide significant financial relief. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today to learn more and begin your application process. Lower energy bills and greater financial stability could be just an application away.
