Are you a California resident struggling to keep up with energy costs? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to provide significant discounts on your electricity and natural gas bills, making energy more affordable for eligible households. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your monthly expenses, understanding the CARE program could be the first step towards substantial savings.
What is the CARE Program?
The CARE program is a state-run initiative in California that offers discounted rates on energy bills for low-income customers. Specifically, if you qualify and enroll in CARE, you can receive a 30-35 percent discount on your electric bill and a 20 percent discount on your natural gas bill. These discounts can make a real difference in your household budget, freeing up funds for other essential needs.
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 income limits, you are likely to qualify. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Current 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 |
Beyond income, you can also automatically 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 simplifies the CARE application process, making it easier for eligible families to receive assistance.
How to Apply for the CARE Program
Applying for the CARE program is straightforward. The first step is to contact your utility company directly. Each utility company in California manages its own CARE program enrollment. You can reach out to them via phone or visit their website for application forms and detailed information.
Contact Information for Major California Utilities CARE Programs:
| Utility | Emergency Payment Phone Number | CARE Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| PG&E | 866-743-2273 | CARE |
| Edison | 866-675-6623 | CARE |
| SDG&E | 800-411-7343 | CARE |
| SoCalGas | 800-427-2200 | CARE |
| Alpine Nat’l Gas | 209-772-3006 | PROGRAMS |
| Bear Valley Elect | 800-808-2837 | CARE |
| PacifiCorp | 888-221-7070 | Financial Assistance |
| Liberty Utilities | 800-782-2506 | CARE |
| Southwest Gas | 877-860-6020 | Special Programs |
| West Coast Gas | 916-364-4100 | CARE |
You can also find application forms and assistance through community agencies in your area. These agencies often partner with utility companies to help residents access programs like CARE.
What is the FERA Program?
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, there is another option: the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. It is available to customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company.
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 |
If your income is slightly above the CARE limits but within the FERA guidelines, be sure to inquire about the FERA program when you contact your utility company.
Take Action and Save on Energy Costs
The California CARE program and FERA program are valuable resources for income-qualified households in California. By taking advantage of these programs, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and improve your financial well-being. Don’t hesitate to contact your utility company today to learn more and apply for the program that best fits your needs. Start saving money on your energy costs now!
