Are you finding it difficult to manage your energy bills in California? You might be relieved to know about the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program assistance, a state initiative designed to help eligible low-income households reduce their monthly electricity and natural gas expenses. This program provides significant discounts, making energy more affordable for those who qualify.
What is the California CARE Program Assistance?
The CARE program is a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) initiative that offers substantial discounts on energy bills for income-qualified households. Specifically, customers enrolled in the CARE program receive a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bill and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bill. This financial assistance can make a significant difference in household budgets, ensuring access to essential energy services.
This program is funded through a surcharge on the utility bills of other customers, ensuring its sustainability and continued support for those in need. The CARE program is a critical part of California’s commitment to providing affordable energy to all its residents, particularly those with lower incomes.
Eligibility for CARE Program Assistance
Eligibility for Care Program Assistance is primarily based on household income. The program has specific income limits that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of [original article’s effective date], the income guidelines are effective through May 31, 2025, and are as follows:
Alt text: CARE Income Guidelines table for California, effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025. Household sizes from 1-2 to 8 and each additional person are listed with their corresponding Income Eligibility Upper Limit, ranging from $40,880 for 1-2 persons to $105,440 for 8 persons, with $10,760 for each additional person.
These income limits ensure that the program reaches households that genuinely need financial support with their energy expenses. It is important to note that these guidelines are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the latest information from your utility provider or the CPUC website.
Beyond income, you may also qualify for CARE program assistance if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. Enrollment in any of the following programs automatically qualifies you for CARE:
- 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
This broad range of qualifying programs ensures that individuals and families already receiving support through other avenues can easily access CARE program assistance, streamlining the process and maximizing benefits for those in need.
How to Apply for CARE Program Assistance
Applying for CARE program assistance is a straightforward process. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages CARE program applications and enrollment for its customers. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information by visiting their websites or contacting them via phone.
Here is a helpful table with contact information and website links for major utility companies regulated by the Commission in California:
Alt text: Table listing California Utilities and their contact information for energy assistance programs. Columns include Utility name, Emergency Payment phone number, and website link for CARE program information. Utilities listed are PG&E, Edison, SDG&E, SoCalGas, Alpine Nat’l Gas, Bear Valley Elect, PacifiCorp, Liberty Utilities, Southwest Gas, and West Coast Gas.
To apply, you will typically need to provide information about your household income and size, and potentially proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program if applicable. The application process is designed to be user-friendly, and utility companies are equipped to provide assistance and answer any questions you may have.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
In addition to CARE, California also offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA is designed for households whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits but still need help managing their electricity costs. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s important to note that FERA is specifically for electricity and is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, allowing a broader range of moderate-income families to receive assistance. Here’s a comparison of income guidelines to understand the difference between CARE and FERA eligibility:
Alt text: Comparison table for Household Income for CARE and FERA programs in California. Household sizes from 3 to 8 and each additional person are listed with two income columns: 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for CARE/ESAP and 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for FERA. Income limits for CARE range from $51,641 for 3 persons to $105,441 for 8 persons, and for FERA range from $64,550 for 3 persons to $131,800 for 8 persons, with additional person amounts of $10,760 and $13,450 respectively.
If your household income is slightly above the CARE limits, it is worth checking if you qualify for FERA. Contact your electric utility company to inquire about the FERA program and its application process.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Care Program Assistance
California’s CARE program assistance is a valuable resource for low-income households seeking to lower their energy bills. By providing substantial discounts on electricity and natural gas, CARE helps make energy more affordable and accessible. If you believe you may be eligible, we encourage you to reach out to your utility company today to learn more and apply. Don’t let high energy costs strain your budget when care program assistance is available to help. Take the first step towards energy bill relief and contact your utility provider now.
