High energy bills can be a significant burden, especially for households with limited income. Fortunately, California offers a solution through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program. This initiative provides substantial discounts on electricity and natural gas bills for eligible low-income customers. Understanding the Care Program Guidelines is the first step to accessing these valuable benefits and easing your financial strain. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of the CARE program, helping you determine your eligibility and how to apply.
The California CARE program is designed to provide financial relief to low-income households by offering significant discounts on their energy bills. Specifically, eligible customers receive a 30-35% discount on electricity bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. These discounts can substantially reduce your monthly expenses, making energy more affordable.
Eligibility for the CARE Program: To qualify for CARE, your household income must be at or below certain income limits, which are updated annually.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Alternatively, you are automatically eligible if you are currently 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, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF.
How to Apply: Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company. You can request an application form directly from them or visit their website for more information and online application options.
| 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 |
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s specifically available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (Edison), and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E).
FERA Eligibility: FERA has higher income limits than CARE, designed for families who are still struggling with energy costs but don’t qualify for the deeper CARE discounts.
| 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 |
The California CARE and FERA programs are valuable resources designed to make energy more affordable for eligible households. By understanding the care program guidelines and exploring the FERA program if applicable, you can take steps to significantly reduce your energy expenses. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company today to learn more and begin the application process. Accessing these discounts can provide much-needed financial relief and ensure you have access to essential energy services.
