Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible low-income households save money on their electricity and natural gas expenses. By signing up for the CARE program, you can receive a significant discount, making your utility bills more affordable.
Understanding the California CARE Program and Its Benefits
The CARE program offers a substantial discount to help make energy services more affordable for households with limited incomes. If you qualify, you could receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These savings can make a real difference in your monthly budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs. This program is available to customers of utility companies regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission.
To see if you are eligible for these benefits and to start your Care Program Sign Up, it’s important to understand the income guidelines and other qualifying criteria.
Checking Your Eligibility for CARE Program Sign Up
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program uses income limits that 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, and are as follows:
| 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 qualify for CARE program sign up 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
If you meet either the income guidelines or are enrolled in one of these qualifying programs, you are likely eligible for CARE and should proceed with your care program sign up.
How to Complete Your CARE Program Sign Up
Signing up for the CARE program is a straightforward process. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company has a specific process for CARE program sign up, and they can provide you with the application form and any additional information you may need.
Here is a list of major utility companies in California, along with their contact information and website links where you can find more details about CARE program sign up:
| 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 either call the provided phone number or visit the website for your utility to initiate your care program sign up. Many utility websites allow you to download the application form directly or even apply online.
Application forms may also be available at various community agencies in your area. Contacting your utility company or checking their website is the most direct way to start your care program sign up and begin saving on your energy bills.
Explore Additional Assistance with the FERA Program
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option called the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on your electricity bill and is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. If your income is slightly above the CARE limits, it’s worth checking if you qualify for FERA to still receive some energy bill relief.
Start Your CARE Program Sign Up Today and Save
The CARE program is a valuable resource for low-income California residents looking to manage their energy costs. By taking the step to complete your care program sign up, you can access significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility provider today to learn more and begin the application process. Start saving money and making your energy bills more manageable with the California CARE program.
