The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program stands as a crucial initiative designed to assist low-income households in managing their energy expenses. Recognized as a vital safety net, CARE provides significant discounts on monthly utility bills, making energy more affordable for eligible residents across California. For those wondering, What Is The Care Program Considered, it is essentially a lifeline that ensures access to essential energy services for vulnerable populations. Enrollees in the CARE program benefit from a substantial reduction of 30-35 percent on their electric bills and a 20 percent discount on natural gas bills, offering much-needed financial relief.
To determine if you qualify for this beneficial program and to begin the application process, it is recommended to directly contact your utility company. They can provide you with the necessary application forms and detailed information specific to your service area. Many utility companies also have dedicated sections on their websites outlining energy assistance programs, including CARE. Below is a helpful table listing utility companies regulated by the Commission, along with their contact information and website links for easy access to CARE program details:
| 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 household income. Customers whose total household income falls at or below the specified income limits are encouraged to apply. These income limits are updated annually to reflect changes in the cost of living and are currently effective through May 31, 2025. Refer to the table below for the current CARE income guidelines:
Beyond income, enrollment in certain public assistance programs can also automatically qualify you for CARE. These programs include Medicaid/Medi-Cal, the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC), Healthy Families A & B, the National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSL), Food Stamps/SNAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF. If you participate in any of these programs, you may already be eligible for CARE benefits.
It’s important to note that the discount percentage offered through the CARE program can vary slightly depending on the size of the utility company. As mandated by Public Utilities Code Section 739.1, larger electrical corporations with 100,000 or more customer accounts in California provide a 30% – 35% discount. Smaller electrical corporations, those with fewer than 100,000 customer accounts, offer a 20% discount.
Application forms for CARE are also conveniently available through various community agencies, further simplifying the enrollment process. The CARE program is funded through a rate surcharge applied to all other utility customers, ensuring its sustainability and continued support for low-income households. These income limits are subject to annual adjustments to keep pace with inflation, ensuring the program remains relevant and accessible to those who need it most.
California’s commitment to supporting low-income energy consumers is further demonstrated through the Low-Income Oversight Board (LIOB). Established by the Legislature, the LIOB acts as an advisory body to the PUC, providing guidance and oversight on the energy low-income assistance programs administered by utilities under the PUC’s jurisdiction. This ensures that programs like CARE are effectively managed and serve their intended purpose.
Exploring the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)
For families whose income slightly exceeds the CARE program limits, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers another avenue for energy bill relief. FERA provides an 18% discount specifically on electricity bills and is available to customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. If your household income is moderately higher than the CARE guidelines, it’s worthwhile to check if you qualify for FERA. The income limits for FERA, also effective through May 31, 2025, are detailed in the table below:
For comprehensive details regarding the CARE program, the FERA program, and other available assistance programs, reaching out to your utility company directly is the most effective step. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you access the energy bill assistance you may be eligible for.
