Are you looking for ways to lower your monthly energy expenses? If you’re a low-income resident in California, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program could significantly reduce your electricity and natural gas bills. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the CARE program, its benefits, and how to access the Care Program Application Form to start saving today.
Understanding the California CARE Program: Is it Right for You?
The CARE program is designed to assist eligible households with their energy costs by providing substantial discounts. Qualifying customers can receive a 30-35% discount on their electric bills and a 20% discount on their natural gas bills. This can make a significant difference in managing household budgets, especially during peak energy consumption seasons.
Who is Eligible for CARE?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on two key criteria: household income and enrollment in certain public assistance programs.
Income Limits:
Your household income must be at or below the following limits to qualify for CARE. These limits are updated annually, and the current guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Enrollment in Public Assistance Programs:
Even if your income slightly exceeds these limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in one of the following public assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy Families A & B
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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, regardless of your specific income level within the general guidelines of those programs.
How to Access the Care Program Application Form
Ready to apply and start saving? Obtaining a care program application form is straightforward. The primary method is to contact your utility company directly. They are the official distributors of the application and can provide specific guidance based on your location and energy provider.
Contact Your Utility Company
The most direct way to get your care program application form is through your energy utility provider. Here is a list of major California utility companies with contact information and direct links to their CARE program pages where you can often find applications or further instructions:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison (Southern California Edison) | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric) | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas (Southern California Gas Company) | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Natural Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Electric | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
You can visit the websites listed above to find the care program application form online, or call the provided phone numbers to request a form be mailed to you or to inquire about other ways to apply.
Community Agencies
In addition to utility companies, numerous community agencies throughout California also distribute care program application forms. These agencies are often familiar with local resources and can provide assistance in completing the application process. Contacting local community centers, non-profit organizations, or social services agencies in your area can be a valuable resource for obtaining a care program application form and getting help with your application.
Exploring Additional Assistance: The FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for savings. 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.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program, effective through May 31, 2025:
| Household Size | 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 household income falls within these ranges, contacting your electric utility is the best step to learn more about the FERA program and its application process.
Need Further Assistance?
Navigating assistance programs can sometimes be complex. For additional support and information about low-income energy assistance programs in California, you can also reach out to the California Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB). The LIOB advises the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on these programs and can be a valuable resource. You can visit their website at http://www.liob.org/ for more information.
Taking advantage of the CARE program and accessing the care program application form is a crucial step towards managing your energy costs and ensuring affordability. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company or a local community agency today to begin your application process and start saving.
