Are you struggling with your energy bills in California? The PG&E CARE program is here to help. Specifically designed for low-income households, the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers substantial discounts on your monthly utility expenses. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your financial burden, understanding and applying for the CARE program, especially through Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), could be a significant step forward.
The CARE program provides eligible customers with a 30-35 percent discount on electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills. These discounts are crucial for families and individuals striving to make ends meet in California’s high-cost environment.
To determine if you qualify and to begin your application, it’s best to reach out directly to your utility provider. For PG&E customers, you can find detailed information and application forms on their website. Many other utility companies across California also participate in the CARE program. Below is a helpful table listing various utilities along with their contact information and direct links to their CARE program pages.
| 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 |
Understanding PG&E CARE Program Eligibility
Eligibility for the PG&E CARE program is primarily based on household income. The program uses income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. These income limits are in effect through May 31, 2025.
| CARE Income Guidelines* |
|---|
| Household Size |
| 1-2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| Each Additional Person |
| * Effective June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 |
If your household income falls at or below the limits specified in the table above, you are likely eligible for the CARE program.
Beyond income, you can also qualify for CARE if you are 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 CARE, simplifying the application process significantly.
How to Apply for the PG&E CARE Program
Applying for the PG&E CARE program is straightforward. The easiest way to apply is through the PG&E website, where you can find the online application form. You can also request an application form by contacting PG&E directly by phone.
It’s important to have documentation ready to verify your income or enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program. PG&E’s website provides a detailed list of acceptable documents.
Understanding the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
| Household Size | 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (CARE/ESAP) | 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 you think you might be eligible for FERA, contact your electric utility company for detailed information and application assistance.
Take Action and Save on Your Energy Bills
The PG&E CARE program and FERA are valuable resources for California residents struggling with energy costs. Don’t let these benefits go unclaimed. Visit the PG&E website or call them today to explore your eligibility and start saving money on your utility bills. These programs are funded through a surcharge on other utility customers, ensuring that help is available for those who need it most.
