Are you a California resident struggling to keep up with your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is here to help. This state-sponsored initiative provides significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for low-income households. If you’re looking for ways to ease your financial burden and stay comfortable in your home, understanding the CARE program is your first step.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is designed to assist eligible low-income customers in California by offering a substantial discount on their monthly utility bills. Specifically, those enrolled in CARE receive a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts can make a significant difference in household budgets, allowing families to allocate funds to other essential needs.
This program is funded through a small surcharge on the bills of other utility customers, demonstrating a collective effort to support vulnerable communities. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees the program, ensuring its integrity and accessibility.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on household income. However, enrollment in certain public assistance programs also automatically qualifies you for CARE.
CARE Income Guidelines
Your household income must be at or below the following limits to qualify for CARE. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. The current income 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 |
Public Assistance Programs for Automatic Enrollment
Even if your income slightly exceeds the limits, you may still be eligible for CARE if you are enrolled in any of the following public assistance programs:
- 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 demonstrates financial need and automatically qualifies you for the CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE enrollment process. You can request an application form and receive detailed information specific to your provider.
Most utility companies also offer online applications through their websites, making the process even more convenient. Here are the contact details and website links for major utility providers in California to help you get started:
Utility Contact Information for CARE Enrollment
| 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 |
In addition to contacting your utility directly, application forms may also be available through various community agencies and organizations that assist low-income individuals and families.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible households served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
The income limits for FERA are higher than CARE, making it an option for those who don’t qualify for the CARE program but still need assistance with their energy costs. The income guidelines for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025, are as follows:
| 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 your income is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking if you qualify for the FERA program to still receive some energy bill relief. Contact your electric utility company for more details on FERA.
Take Action and Save on Your Energy Bills
The California CARE program and the FERA program are valuable resources for eligible households in California struggling with energy costs. By applying for these programs, you can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills and improve your financial stability. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your utility company today to learn more and start your application process. Affordable energy is within reach – take advantage of the support available to you through the California CARE program.
