Are you a California resident finding it hard to manage your energy bills? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to provide significant relief to low-income households, offering substantial discounts on both electricity and natural gas. If you’re eligible, you could receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the CARE program and how to access the care program application form to start saving.
Understanding the CARE Program and Its Benefits
The CARE program is a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) initiative that helps eligible low-income customers afford their energy bills. Funded through a rate surcharge paid by other utility customers, CARE ensures that financial constraints don’t prevent access to essential energy services. The program offers vital financial assistance, making energy more affordable for households that qualify.
To determine if you are eligible for these significant savings, it’s important to understand the income guidelines and other qualifying criteria.
Alt text: Contact information for California energy utility companies including PG&E, Edison, SDG&E, SoCalGas, Alpine Nat’l Gas, Bear Valley Elect, PacifiCorp, Liberty Utilities, Southwest Gas, and West Coast Gas, with phone numbers for emergency payment and website links for CARE program applications.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program has specific income limits which are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are effective through May 31, 2025, as detailed below:
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
Alt text: CARE program income eligibility guidelines for California residents, effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025, showing income limits based on household size from 1-2 persons to 8+ persons and additional person increments.
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 qualifies you for CARE, simplifying the application process and ensuring that those already receiving assistance can also benefit from reduced energy costs.
How to Access the CARE Program Application Form
To apply for the CARE program, the first step is to obtain an application form. The most direct way to do this is to contact your utility company. Each utility company in California that is regulated by the CPUC participates in the CARE program. You can request an application form and get more detailed information directly from them.
Here’s a list of major utility companies in California with their contact information and website links where you can typically find CARE program details and application forms:
| 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 |
You can visit the websites listed or call the provided phone numbers to inquire about the CARE program and request the Care Program High Usage Form or the standard application form. Many utility websites allow you to download the form directly or even apply online, making the process convenient and accessible.
In addition to contacting your utility directly, application forms may also be available through various community agencies and organizations in your area. These agencies often assist low-income residents with various support services, including help with utility assistance programs.
Understanding Discount Levels
The discount you receive through CARE can vary slightly depending on the size of your utility company. For larger electrical corporations with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California, the discount is mandated at 30% – 35% on electric bills. Smaller electrical corporations offer a 20% discount. For natural gas bills, the discount is generally 20% across all participating utilities.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
If your household income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, you might still be eligible for assistance through the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. FERA is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
Here are the income limits for FERA, effective through May 31, 2025:
| 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 to inquire about the program and how to apply.
Take the Next Step Towards Energy Savings
Navigating financial challenges can be overwhelming, but programs like CARE and FERA are there to provide crucial support. If you believe you are eligible for the CARE program, we encourage you to take the next step. Contact your utility company today to request a care program application form and begin the process of lowering your energy bills. By taking advantage of these resources, you can make your household budget more manageable and ensure access to essential energy services. For more information on these and other assistance programs, please contact your utility company directly.
