Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy bills in California? If you’re a low-income customer, you might be eligible for significant savings through the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, especially with providers like SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric). This program offers substantial discounts on both your electric and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable. Let’s explore how the CARE program works and how you can benefit, particularly if you are an SDG&E customer.
Understanding the California CARE Program
The CARE program is designed to help eligible low-income households manage their energy costs. Enrolling in CARE can lead to a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts are crucial for families and individuals looking to make ends meet while maintaining essential services. The program is available across California through various utility companies, including SDG&E, PG&E, Edison, and SoCalGas, among others.
Who is Eligible for the CARE Program?
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. If your total household income is at or below the specified limits, you qualify for these significant energy bill discounts. The income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
CARE Income Guidelines (Effective Through May 31, 2025)
| Household Size | Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | $40,880 |
| 3 | $51,640 |
| 4 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $73,160 |
| 6 | $83,920 |
| 7 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $105,440 |
| Each Additional Person | $10,760 |
In addition to income-based eligibility, you can also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in certain public assistance programs. This ensures that those already receiving aid can further reduce their energy expenses. Qualifying public assistance 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
SDG&E CARE Program: Specifics for San Diego Customers
If you are an SDG&E customer, accessing the CARE program is straightforward. SDG&E provides the same significant discounts as mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission, ensuring that eligible customers in the San Diego area benefit from reduced energy costs.
To apply for the SDG&E CARE program or to get more detailed information, you can visit the SDG&E website directly. They have a dedicated section that explains the program, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
You can find more information and apply here: SDG&E CARE Program
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, California offers another assistance program called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill. While less than CARE, it still offers substantial relief for eligible families. FERA is available to customers of major California utilities like Southern California Edison, SDG&E, and PG&E.
FERA Income Guidelines (Effective Through May 31, 2025)
| Household Size | FERA Income Eligibility Upper Limit |
|---|---|
| 3 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $131,800 |
| Each Additional Person | $13,450 |
Contact Your Utility for More Information
To determine your eligibility and apply for either the CARE or FERA program, the best step is to contact your utility company directly. They can provide you with application forms, answer specific questions related to your situation, and guide you through the process. For SDG&E customers, using the provided link is the quickest way to access the CARE program information. For other utilities, refer to the table below for contact information and website links.
| 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 |
Lowering your energy bills through programs like CARE and FERA can significantly improve your household finances. If you believe you might be eligible for the SDG&E CARE program or any other California energy assistance program, take the first step today and contact your utility. Start saving money and ensuring your access to affordable energy.
