Rising energy costs can significantly strain household budgets, especially for low-income families. Fortunately, California offers a solution to ease this burden through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative provides substantial discounts on your utility bills, specifically targeting your electric bill and natural gas expenses. If you’re looking for ways to lower your monthly expenses, understanding the CARE program and its benefits is a crucial first step.
Understanding the California CARE Program and Your Electric Bill
The CARE program is designed to assist eligible low-income households in California by reducing their energy costs. It’s a state-mandated program that ensures that essential energy services are more affordable for those who qualify. The core benefit of the CARE program is a significant discount applied directly to your monthly utility bill, making it easier to manage your household expenses.
Substantial Discounts on Your Electric Bill and Natural Gas Costs
Enrolling in the CARE program translates to real savings on your energy bills. Participants receive a discount ranging from 30 to 35 percent on their electric bill. In addition to electric savings, the program also offers a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts are designed to make a tangible difference in your monthly budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
CARE Program Eligibility: Are You Qualified for Electric Bill Assistance?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the income limits outlined below, you are likely eligible for the program. These income limits are updated to reflect current economic conditions, ensuring the program reaches those who need it most.
| 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 can also qualify for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These 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 makes you eligible for the CARE program, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the CARE Program and Start Saving on Your Electric Bill
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed information about the program. Many utility companies also offer online applications through their websites, making the process even more convenient.
You can find contact information and website links for major California utility providers below:
| 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 utility companies, application forms are often available through various community agencies. These agencies are familiar with the CARE program and can provide assistance with the application process.
Explore Further Assistance with the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount specifically on your electricity bill. It’s designed as a supplemental program to assist households who may not qualify for CARE but still need help managing energy costs.
Here are the income limits for the FERA program:
| 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 falls within the FERA guidelines, contact your electric utility company to inquire about eligibility and application procedures. FERA is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.
Take Action to Lower Your Electric Bill Today
The CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources for California residents struggling with rising energy costs. By taking the time to check your eligibility and apply, you can significantly reduce your electric bill and overall utility expenses. Contact your utility company today to learn more and begin the application process. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your energy bills more manageable through these helpful California programs.
