The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their energy expenses. If you’re finding it difficult to keep up with your electricity and natural gas bills, CARE could provide significant relief. This state-sponsored initiative offers substantial discounts to eligible customers, making energy more affordable.
The CARE program provides a discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills for qualifying customers. This can significantly lower your monthly expenses and help ensure consistent access to essential utilities.
To find out if you qualify for the CARE program and to apply, you should contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed information about the program. You can also visit their websites, which often have dedicated sections explaining the CARE program and application process. Here are the contact details for the major utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission, which administer the CARE program:
| 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 |
CARE Program Income Guidelines: Are You Eligible?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. The current income limits are effective through May 31, 2025.
| 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 CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These programs indicate that your household is likely to meet the low-income requirements of CARE. Qualifying public assistance 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
Enrolling through public assistance programs can streamline your CARE application process, as your eligibility is already verified through your participation in these programs.
Understanding CARE Discounts and Funding
The level of discount offered by the CARE program depends on the size of your utility company. Larger electrical corporations, those with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California, are required to provide a more significant discount of 30% – 35%. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. Regardless of the size, all CARE participants receive a 20% discount on their natural gas bills.
The CARE program is funded through a small surcharge on the bills of all other utility customers. This ensures the program is sustainably funded and can continue to support low-income households in California. The income limits for CARE are reviewed and may be adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation and the changing economic conditions, ensuring the program continues to serve those who need it most.
For further information and assistance with low-income energy programs in California, you can also reach out to the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB). This board was established to advise the California Public Utilities Commission on energy assistance programs for low-income residents.
Explore Additional Support: The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for energy bill assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible families. Currently, 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 | 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 believe your income may qualify you for FERA, contact your electric utility company to inquire about the program and application process. They can help you determine your eligibility and guide you through the steps to apply.
For any questions or to apply for either the CARE or FERA programs, please contact your utility company directly. They are your best resource for navigating these energy assistance options and can provide personalized support based on your specific circumstances.
