The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help low-income households manage their electricity and natural gas bills. If you are a customer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), understanding the CARE program can lead to significant savings on your utility expenses. This program offers substantial discounts, making energy more affordable for eligible residents in California.
What is the California CARE Program?
The CARE program provides a significant discount on your utility bills. Specifically, those enrolled in CARE receive a discount ranging from 30% to 35% on their electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills. This financial assistance is crucial for households struggling to keep up with the costs of essential utilities. The program is funded through a surcharge paid by other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and reach to those who need it most.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program with LADWP?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income falls at or below the specified income limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in inflation and the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income guidelines 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 |
Beyond income, you may also be eligible for CARE if you are currently enrolled in certain public assistance programs. These qualifying 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 CARE, simplifying the application process.
How to Apply for the LADWP CARE Program
To apply for the CARE program and start saving on your LADWP bills, the first step is to contact LADWP directly. You can request an application form and gather more detailed information specific to LADWP’s procedures. Here are the contact details for major utility providers in California, including a general contact for LADWP as it is not explicitly listed in the original table, but for LADWP customers, direct contact is essential:
| 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 |
| LADWP (General Inquiry) |
While LADWP isn’t specifically in the original list, contacting them directly is crucial for Los Angeles residents. You can visit the LADWP website or call their customer service line to inquire about the CARE program and the application process. Application forms are also often available through community agencies, offering another avenue to access the program.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another layer of support. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It’s available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. While LADWP’s participation in FERA should be confirmed directly with them, it’s worth understanding as a potential additional assistance program.
FERA Income Guidelines
The income limits for FERA are higher than those for CARE, designed to assist families who are just above the low-income threshold but still need help managing energy costs. The income limits 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 |
Contact LADWP for More Information
For LADWP customers interested in either the CARE or FERA programs, direct contact with LADWP is essential. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility, application processes, and the specific discounts offered to LADWP customers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to LADWP to explore how these programs can help you save on your energy bills.
