Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy expenses? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help eligible low-income households save money on their electricity and natural gas bills. If you’re a resident of California and meet the income requirements or participate in certain public assistance programs, the CARE program application could be your first step towards significant savings.
The CARE program offers substantial discounts to help make energy services more affordable. Enrollees benefit from a 30-35 percent discount on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on their natural gas bills. This can make a real difference in household budgets, allowing families to allocate funds to other essential needs.
To determine if you qualify and to begin your Cares Program Application, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria. The CARE program is available to customers whose total household income falls at or below specific income limits. These limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. For the period effective through May 31, 2025, the income guidelines are as follows:
Beyond income limits, 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
If you meet either the income guidelines or participate in one of these programs, you are encouraged to start your cares program application process.
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The primary step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program application process and can provide you with the necessary forms and detailed information. You can reach out to them via phone or through their websites, which often have dedicated sections for assistance programs.
Here is a helpful table listing utility companies, their emergency payment phone numbers, and website links where you can find more information and access the cares program application:
While the CARE program offers significant support, there is also an alternative for families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances. The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program provides an 18% discount on electricity bills for eligible customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. If your income is slightly higher than the CARE limits, it’s worth exploring the FERA program as another avenue for energy bill relief. The income limits for FERA 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 |
In conclusion, if you are a low-income California resident struggling with energy costs, the CARE program application is a valuable resource. By taking the simple step of contacting your utility company, you can determine your eligibility and begin the application process. Start saving on your energy bills today and take advantage of the financial assistance available through the California CARE program. For further details and to initiate your cares program application, reach out to your utility provider now.
