Are you struggling with high energy bills in California? The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is designed to help income-qualified households reduce their electricity and natural gas costs. This state-sponsored initiative offers significant discounts to make energy more affordable for those who need it most.
The CARE program provides a substantial discount of 30-35 percent on electric bills and 20 percent on natural gas bills for enrolled customers. This can lead to significant savings each month, easing the financial burden of essential utility expenses.
To find out if you qualify and to apply for the CARE program, you should contact your local utility company directly. They can provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed information about the program. Many utility companies also have dedicated CARE program pages on their websites, offering online application options and resources. Below is a helpful table listing contact information and website links for major California utility providers:
| 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 |
Eligibility for the CARE program is primarily based on your household income. The program uses income thresholds that are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. As of June 1, 2024, the income limits are in effect through May 31, 2025, as detailed in the table below:
| 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 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)
- CalFresh/SNAP (Food Stamps)
- 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
It’s important to note that the level of discount offered by the CARE program can vary slightly depending on the size of your utility provider. Larger electrical corporations are mandated to provide a slightly higher discount (30-35%) compared to smaller ones (20%). Regardless, the CARE program provides significant financial relief.
The CARE program is funded through a surcharge on the utility bills of non-CARE customers. This ensures the sustainability of the program and its ability to support low-income households. Income limits are reviewed and potentially adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation and economic changes.
For those whose income slightly exceeds the CARE limits, California offers the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. FERA provides an 18% discount on electricity bills. FERA has higher income thresholds than CARE, making it accessible to a slightly broader range of families. FERA is currently available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Contact your electric utility to determine if you qualify for FERA.
For detailed information about the CARE program, the FERA program, and other available assistance options, it is best to directly contact your utility company. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you access the energy assistance you need.
